new thread
Replying to caledonian here, my earlier post about finding a new job is probably buried by now.
"Tell us your skills and interest and we wish you luck"
I have a customer service/inventory control background in offices, I like gardening and making computers, as well as photography. The bad news is I'm afraid that I won't be able to earn enough money to make a decent living off the gardening/computer thing, at least in the short term. I am in the middle of a bad debt situation due to a relationship gone a bit wrong which requires me to earn the same as or more than I am in my current customer service position to survive. So I'm thinking I'll have to continue working in a similar field, at least for the next year-18 months. Hopefully will find a long hair friendly workplace, buit I'm becoming doubtful. I don't know what it's like in other countries, but here in Australia these days it's almost impossible to find a position without going through a private employment agency. And the first chapter in all their books always starts with "appearance: men to be business like and have short hair". Of course, all they care about is placing people in positions so they can get their 10% margin. Sorry getting all bitter and twisted here!
I had an experience with this several years ago, I had slightly long hair, about collar length at the point. I had it slicked back and looking "professional". The initial agency interview was fine. They sent me to a potential employer. That went fine, so I thought. Later that day the agency rang me and said "everything went well, but now there is a comment they made, they said to get to the 2nd interview with the owner of the buisiness you will need to change something about your appearance, as he is a very conservative and traditional man" Law states that they cannot discriminate based on appaerance, sexual preference racial origin etc so the agent got me to start asking her things like "is it my shoes"?, agent: "no"
"is it my dress, tie, shirt?" agent: "no" "is it my hair" agent: "well you may want to consider it". I hung up. (very immature but was a bit younger at the time!)
Rent the movie "My Date With Drew". Great movie about taking risks to achieve your dream. I think you should start a business on your own if you can't find a long-hair friendly employer.
Banana
Hi Matt, I can imagine how hard it is for you and others facing that situation. For us older guys who are established in their fields or have their own business, it is a hell of a lot easier. All I can recommend is that you present the neatest appearance possible and show them that you skills are so good that they would be fools to let a little thing like hair get in the way.
Good Luck,
Bruce
Matt,
I do not know how Australian culture works. I know that in many ways you are more laid back than the US, but there are oppressive people in power everywhere, and they can find devious ways to put down persons who express individuality.
I agree with the suggestion that you start your own business. If you are doing gardening and landscaping, or computer consultation, that can be done outside traditional hours, as a second job, until you get started. Print on your own computer some simple business cards and pass them out.
Also, network. Tell every friend you have that you are looking for a better job, and when you see a long hair in the grocery or ironmonger, stop him and tell him you are being descriminated against, and would like any leads he can suggest.
Make sure you know your law. There must be an equivalent of the ACLU down under. Find out how to contact them. Do not expect they will take your case to court, for all Civil Liberties Unions are primarily staffed by volunteers, and here in the US the priority is 1. Educate, 2. legislate, and 3., last but not least, litigate. But litigation will occur only when there is liklihood of establishing a precedent.
Do your newspapers accept voluntary columns? If so write a simple column saying that you are a patriotic Australian, who loves his country, but also feels that it is part of your identity to allow your hair to grow long. Note that it is clean and neat, and you fail to understand why you are disciminated against in the employment market. State that you are a loyal and creative employer. If you can get such a column published, it will be like a free "seeking employment" ad.
And, in your local magazines which have a liberal outlook, like THE NATION in the US, put in an ad, "Top notch long haired computer consultant seeks work in an openminded environment."
Please, other Aussies, come to Matt's aide if you know better strategies, and blow me down if I am off target.
Cal