[Cynosure]

So.. for a few years I have been planning out an arm sleeve on my left arm.

I am going to be stopping a couple inches before the wrist (so that if I HAVE to cover it with a long-sleeve shirt, I can). I'm 18 now, and coming up on some nice cash. I plan to start the tattoo at the start of the summer.

Do you think this will effect my ability to get jobs in the Computer Science/modeling & simulation field? My mom has always said that getting this tattoo will hinder my ability to ever get a nice job. But I know quite a few people with large tattoos who are allowed to display them while working; they just aren't in the Computer Programming/Graphic Art fields.

[Artimage]

It depends on a few factors.
!) What the tattoo is. How "tasteful" it is. How easy it is to hide.
2) Employers attitude towards tattoos.
3) The biggest one, the company's views towards tattoos.
4) How easy it is to hide. Yes, I said it before, but it's a case of this one really comes into play. It's like, "If I can't see it, it's not there." Even if you show people after you get hired, as long as you aren't sitting on some sales floor with your arms bared, it shouldn't be an issue. And if they fire you upon discovering that you have a tattoo, that's discrimination and you can sue so that you'll never have to work again. I exaggerrate, but you get the point.

[Frankie V]

Maybe 20 or 30 years ago when your mom was young and foolish but this is the 21st Century baby.

I’ve seen guys come to work with Mohawks and a bone though their nose. (or is that the girls I always get them mixed up)

If it’s tasteful and you can cover up I don’t see a problem. Everything is a risk and the odds are just as equal of not getting a job because someone does not like the tie your wearing.

[Zak]

Most programming/graphics people I know work well away from the PR front-lines, so IN GENERAL, it doesn't matter so much. But it's all going to depend on PERSONAL preference. If your tats freak out the person interviewing you, then you might lose a little bit of your edge, especially if that person isn't so open-minded.

You know what I'd do? Think of some places you want to work, call their HR department and ask. If they laugh like it's a foolish question, then you have your answer. Don't be embarrassed. Explain to them that it was a genuine concern as you have a goal to work there and are considering getting some ink. You'll find that most people, even if they giggle a little bit, will appreciate your directness.

Zak

[Knotty boy]

I've worked in retail with dreadlocks, I'm not sure having a tattoo would be considered much different.

[madrich]

i have my right arm sleeved and work in a position that noone has them.i think its more how you come across,and of course that they are not offensive.i dont think that its right for a company to make that a reuirement before hiring,that you dont have any.but thats a diffrent topic.although i do stii sometimes whear a long sleeve shirt(even when its a hundred degrees out) like for a job interview for two reasons to make the other person comfortable and two to keep the attention on me and what im saying not my arm.

[NorseJeff]

Originally Posted by Artimage

And if they fire you upon discovering that you have a tattoo, that's discrimination and you can sue so that you'll never have to work again. I exaggerrate, but you get the point.

FALSE! Most states are called "at will" states and you can be fired with 0 reason. Obvious racism/sex discrimination is still not allowed, but you can get fired just for tattoos.

[Notsosuperhero]

Originally Posted by Knotty boy

I've worked in retail with dreadlocks, I'm not sure having a tattoo would be considered much different.

It is a lot different actually(to them anyway). Many people still see tattoos as only for misfits and criminals, I mean don't get me wrong it has gotten a lot better than before, but there are still those people out there. Having dreadlocks, they see that as something that can easily be changed(you know cut them off), but a tattoo is going to be there forever(unless you get it lasered off). As time goes on, more and more people are starting to realize that tattoos are no threat, since more and more people get them.

And you can try and sue them for firing you for having tattoos but you more than likely will not get far with that.

And I agree with Zak, just flat out ask them if having tattoos is allowed. If having tattoos prevents me from getting some job, then you know what? I don't want to work for that company, I thoroughly enjoy having my tattoos, I am proud of them, and to me its no different than getting plastic surgery or doing your hair a certain way. It makes you happy and that is the most important thing.

[framerman]

It's all in the perception of the person on the receiving end. Some won't give a rats ass. You want to be taken seriously? Maybe consider a temporary tatoo first and see the reaction you get. As a businessman, I base my opinion on first impressions. IF you have a tatoo, what is it first, then is it really bothersome to me or everyone else in the workplace. Will it reflect what you get paid? possibly.

If you are going to be a lawyer, then I'd advise against it. If you are going to be a basketball player, knock yourself out. I'd err on the safe side myself, but I'm an old prude.

[Talan]

I work in education and I have tattoos and no-one cares, but I live in Australia and we maybe a bit more civilised and progressive.