new thread
Hey everyone,
I work at a place (okay, okay.. McDonalds) where men's long hair is required to be shoved under a hat. I've been working for the company for a year total, and I know it's in the guidelines, but they never enforced it--I always just had a pony tail sticking out the back of my hat and no one cared. It's annoying enough to keep my hair under the hat, with it all in a pony tail in the back.
So now I'm at a different store, I've been there two weeks. And the store manager and district manager are telling me I need to put my hair under the hat. I asked if I could wear a hair net instead, and offered a few other suggestions, but they say it's not the "food safety" of it, but instead it's that "the men need to reflect McDonald's corporate image".
Yet the women are allowed to wear their hair in a pony tail, because that's okay of course.
Am I the only one who thinks this is BS? I didn't argue with them about it and simply said I'd try to fit all my hair under the hat, because I wasn't sure how to approach the situation. The point is, the hats are really small and there's no way my hair's gonna fit in it. And I simply don't want to hassle my hair under this hat with a velcro thing on the back every single day, because, well, I care about my hair.
So I'm not really sure what to do. I was thinking about simply refusing to comply with that guideline, but then my job is at stake, and it's extreeemely hard to get a job around here (college town).
More so, I was thinking about arguing with them saying "why is the men's policy different than the women's?" As that's a very important question... WHY is it different? I'm not sure how far that'd get me. Maybe I could write a letter to the company about it.
Believe or not, I'm even considering going as far to tell them that I think my hair is sacred (not sure if they'd believe me), or EVEN telling them that I'm homosexual (which I'm not though hehe) just to pretend that I'm really offended at being discriminated or something.
I dunno. Sorry about the long post... thanks for any advice though, I really appreciate it.
Hi Peg,
your best bet may be a three-pronged approach. I'd contact ACLU for advice, they have a history of helping men to defend against hair discrimination. I'd also start looking for a different job (what's your major, by the way? If it's science, and if you can program computers, check with some local software companies etc - or, check into substitute high school teaching, tutoring, etc - or do you speak a foreign language? - there should be other possibilities). In the mean time, you may indeed have to go through the extra trouble of hiding your hair from m..vultures, inc. - Don't allow them to make you feel bad about your hair (which looks absolutely great).
by the way, this kind of discrimination makes me dislike m..throwups and their food. I'd check whether gurgie..ing's policy and pay is different - however, these two "restaurants" often seem to be just a few feet apart.
Best wishes,
Hans-Uwe
Hey, thank you SO much for the advice!
I went ahead and posted this at a forum I frequent more... my gosh, the responses I get!
http://musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=454016
Anyway, what's ACLU? I've never heard of that. I'd try whatever it is if it doesn't involve me paying alot or going through a HUGE hassle.
I like the way you think. A 3-pronged approach. That's an EXCELLENT idea, my friend. =)
I guess I will start looking for a new job too, I might as well. I've seen a few longhairs working at a Meijer here (Meijer is sort of like a Walmart except with bigger grocery department).
Oh, and I don't have a major sadly. Actually I don't go to school here at all. =( I simply moved here because I got sick of driving so far to work everyday (I used to live in the middle of nowhere, literally) and because it wasn't exactly exciting living with the parents (I'm 20). I dunno, I just wanted a better, closer job. I got that for the most part anyway.
Hi Peg,
ACLU is American Civil Liberties Union (check www.aclu.org; they might have an e-mail address or phone number of a local chapter). I disagree with them on some issues, but in today's society we need "checks and balances", and ACLU is probably able to help. You can search their site entering "men" "long hair", sort by relevance, and you can modify your search by state.
One more thing: If you are not tied down by a job, you could go anywhere in the country. Or, to give you some more ideas: Once you have a two-year college degree and are willing to learn a foreign language, you could study in most any European country, where tuition usually is not more than a fee of 500.- Euros per semester (1 Euro ~ $ 1.20), and you could secure a work permit for the semester breaks - just a thought. (Being from Germany, I have spent a year in the US as an undergraduate exchange student, and spending time abroad is among the best things I've done in my life. Just start dreaming!)
By the way, I'm surprised how primitive some answers were on that other site where you posted.
Good luck, and I hope you find decent, inspiring, long-hair friendly jobs! (Libraries are among the places to check out for jobs, too)
Best wishes,
Hans-Uwe
I'll check out that website, and thanks so much for all the advice! =)
Hey Peg,
I understand what you are going through and it's so usual of all the corporate BS that goes on there and even in Macydy's. You got some great advice there from Hans-Uwe and I agree with him and the 3 pronged approach sounds great and I'm sure time to find another job. We don't suffer from it as much here in the UK or Europe
It's also good to have feedback from the musicians forum that's for sure. Just as an off topic point do you play in band or jusr enjoy music as part of life.
John.B
Yeah, I've noticed that long hair seems more common in the UK and Europe, as well as Australia. I wonder why it's not so common here in the US (I heard that 2% of adult males have long hair..?).
I used to be in a band for a year, mostly in '04, but now I'm just someone who likes to write music on my own and (attempt) to do all the instruments myself. I have to admit it has its up and downs. It sure is fun writing with a band, but the again, there are no arguments or band member problems. So yeah, it's alot of work, but I'll never give up. I have a few really really bad recordings, but before I try to record again I want to get some better recording equipment and learn more about it, as well as learn more music theory.
To argue with or even try to reason with a fool makes two fools.
Why not just try Wendys, Subway, Burgerville, 7 Eleven etc. until something works. Anything!
Just too much energy to waste writing letters, trying to convince, especially considering what they pay. They aren't worth the hassel.
Hi,
I'm in the same situation. I'm 21, attend Missouri State University and I have interviewed with Disney. Disney has strict guidelines for the "Disney Look" (cannot touch collar, nor cover the ears - much like a "little boy haircut"). This job is a great opportunity for my resume and career so it's either cut my hair and get the job, or not. I also occasionally model for local events and stylists love it when they see me because the majority of guys do not have longer hair. The possibilities are endless for runway hairstyles. I would also like to model a little more than just for fun, but in the midwest, it's much harder for those opportunities to arise. I have naturally curly hair and it's about chin length ~ kinda cut like a bobb. It's not super long, just a bit past "shaggy," with style. To give a mental picture - simular to Josh Groban. It's long enough to pull up into a high pony tail (which I never do). My ideal goal is to have it just long enough to pull into a low pony at the neck. I love my hair and it's my brand image for marketing myself. I feel very comfortable as to who I am and how I look, everyone gives compliments, and I feel that I look best with longer hair. But, I'm afraid that my image will be amended with this new job if hired to work for Disney.
A fight against Disney is a no-win situation, so hopefully I will be able to grow it back out at a later point in my life.
Hi Stick,
I have heard that, too, about Disney. If you'd work there just as a kind-of "entertaining clerk", then, to be honest, I'm not sure what good that would do to your resume. Or is that going to be your carreer?
If you have already started to market a particular image of yourself, and if that kind-of works, by all means stick to it! Doing some "short-haired Disneying" on the way is side-lining, and possibly a waste of time. There must be other opportunities - even in Missouri! (Or are you going to Florida or California?)
The main thing Disney employment would do is show other employers that you are willing to forego your own image and accept Disney grooming standards (I understand that a resume in the US does not include a photograph). Then you'd almost be stuck with all kind of short-hair employers.
Believe me, if you get used to "selling out" now, there will be plenty of other "unique job opportunities for which it is worth to get a haircut" as you go on, and then, you'd better bury your dream about having long(ish) hair.
In any case, is employment by Disney guaranteed if you play their game? Did they sign your contract already? Or would they just start to consider you? Then you might be stuck with short hair and no job in the end.
On the other hand, if you are good enough to land employment with Disney even before you got the required haircut (under the condition that you get it before you start the job), then you are good enough to get other, and probably even better "carreer opportunities" in any case. Self-confidence is the key.
Having said all that, of course, I can't tell you what to do. I've had some BS in the past, but I chose to ignore it, and now I have my resume (as an MD) - hair will be an issue never again.
Hope that helps.
I wish you peace, happiness, and fulfilling employment experiences in any case, no matter what you choose.
Hans-Uwe
Hi Peg,
Sorry to hear about this. You seem like such a nice guy and i would hate for you to be pressured about your hair from employees.
I used to work at Mcdonalds. If i was you i would consider getting another job because it is very low-end work and the pay is terrible. Go to college and study or something. You can do better than that in life.
You are trying to be reasonable with the boss and are willing to compromise in this matter yet they fail to agree.
"the men need to reflect McDonald's corporate image".
This is just a load of BS if you ask me. I wouldn't call flipping fat burgers a corporate job, not by a long shot.
Why don't you try tying a ponytail and hiding it inside your shirt. It might get sweaty and yucky but it's worth a try. It will keep the hair away and will conceal it to uphold the so-called "corporate image" of McDonalds.
I like the idea of telling them that you are 'gay' and that they are discriminating against you and you will take action against this.
The irony in all this is that when i used to work at McDonalds they used to always emphasise their so-called 'anti-discrimination policies' and boast themselves as an 'equal opportunity employer'. Yet they are complaining about the length of your hair when it is perfectly accepted for the female workers to have long hair. BS!
Good luck!
Yup, exactly! Equal opportunity... psh! That's totally what I was thinking.
I actually did ask already if I could put a pony tail kind of inside my shirt. They didn't like that idea either. I've even been putting two hair bands in my hair, one for the pony tail then another at the end so it's not flailing all over.
I'm thinkin I'll just show up to work with it under my hat.... and then hand then a nice letter explaining every detail of what I think about it, and how they're wrong.
Something different, why not tie your hair in a bun at the back of your head, right below the back of the hat, all out of the way? It is easier said than done sometimes to "just get another job." Good luck. And I bet though you are smart and potentially skilled enough to work lots of places that won't hassle you about hair.
Am I talking to myself or you? I need to take my own advice! My work in banking, well you may think bank people get paid well, well, you would be wrong, and they hassle me too about hair length.
My conversation with my HR lady, well, 'trust' is a big issue in banking of course, apparently, to her short hair = trust. What bull! I wanted to say that all the times I have been screwed over in any kind of business transaction, it has usually been by someone with short hair!
Hey bragi,
My apologies for not getting back to you! Thanks for the e-mail a few weeks ago... I've been "smitten" by the love-bug, and am in a new realtionship (so am ditzier than usual)!
Re. the poster's original question, I don't recommend he lie and say he's gay when he's not. Being gay myself, I speak from experience that just simple honesty is always the best policy...
BUT, I am at least greateful to hear that McDonalds doesn't discrimonate against men at least HAVING long hair, --- I remember the day when the only way to keep your hair long on a job was to wear a very convincing short-haired wig!!!
- Ken in San Francisco
A wig? Haha, I never heard of that!
Hello Everyone,
The principle behind the short-haired wig, is similar to hiding hair under a cap. I remember, in 1979, while in college, my biggest preocupation was not landing a job because of my hair. I have seen many long-haired friends cut off their hair for jobs, and I vowed never to do that.
I was so preoccupied, that I scanned newspaper microfilms from the New York times about long hair. One 1969 article had a title "If you can't wear it, hide it with a wig". So off the the wig shop I went with a copy of the article. The first one, wanted to charge me 400 dollars for a human hair wig, and the second wig shop charged me $150 for a synthetic hair wig. I opted for the cheaper solution and I hated the notion that someone had to sell his or her hair to make a wig.
I put on the wig and people were convinced that I got a haircut. People may not discriminate about wigs because the person may have a disfiguration, or cancer, and it is a touchy subject.
In 1981, short hair for jobs meant round the ears to mid-ears, but not necessarily tapered in the back. The tapered look was reserved more for police and armed forces, so the wig in the picture may seem "long" by some standards. One extra that came with the wig, was velcro "extentions" over the ears to give it a beatles cut look.
In the end, I did spend $150 for nothing because I landed a job anyways where my long hair was accepted.
At the wig shop, the lady that helped me mentioned that lots of long-haired men visited her for the same reason I did.
Have a nice day,
Georges in Montreal.
I suggested the bun thing too, but nope, they insist to shove it all under the hat. Craziness.
You're right it IS harder to find a new job, especially since all I've ever worked is fast food, and one grocery store (which didn't go very well). Meh, I guess I just never get much of a chance to do anything better.
I'd like to work at a bank though. It seems to pay well, at least around here, and compared to other jobs. Short hair = trust? Wow, I can't believe someone would stereotype a personality trait based on appearance. Ignorance!!
Peg, consider this- you tell the manager you are gay and he allows as he is too but he has to follow the dress code just like you will have to so go put your hair up in the hat. Same with sacred hair, a cut is not being asked for so you have a hard time proving how it is harmed by tucking it away. The bias of the rule is the problem so tell the manager that you are female and see what happens. :-P
Actually, find out specifically what the corporate rule is. Ponytails might not be out, it could just be the interpretation of that specific manager. Until then you do need to learn how to keep your hair up in that hat. Your ponytail will keep trying to slide out the back hole of the hat if your hair is folded over the top of your head. Try pulling your ponytail to the side instead, a little higher than your ear, before pulling the hat on from the back. You might need to tuck some strands back up in there after pulling the hat on but it should work pretty well. I don't know how long your hair is but you can pack a lot away in a hat.
Elizabeth
Hey thanks for the advice.
The store manager isn't gay, actually it's a she. The idea was that maybe it would stir things up and make it sound like it's really offending me, so that maybe I could get by with it.
The official rule (I read it myself) is something like "Men's hair is not allowed to be below the ear or the collar, and if it is it needs to be tucked under the hand, as it is representing McDonald's corporate image." It sounded really stupid too, I'm not exaggerating that.
try wearing the hair net anyway, but just fashion it so you can wear it under your hat without it being really evident. at least you're not being asked to cut it
i find this rule to be very stupid, myself. i work with MGR and though they allow male employees to wear hair long, their partner company doesn't allow it. male employees aren't allowed to let their hair grow below their collar. i don't care though hehe i've been with MGR (at Starbucks) longer and i'm still with them. i'm not cutting my hair until somebody says something about it to the 50 male employees with long dreadlocks and braids.
there's a restaurant i go to called Crescent Moon. one of the managers has long red hair all the way down his back so i wouldn't mind working there as long as i can keep my hair (although my hair is not even 4 inches yet :p)
