new thread
After many years of 'thinking' about a longer hair, I finally decided to give it a try. Although starting to thin, I have now reached the point where the back is 2-3" past the bottom of my dress shirt collar. I like where it has come, when not at work, but am concerned that concervative corporate work environment, managerial position, and mid 40's do not support the style. Considering more 'conservative' plan. Wish I had done it earlier before commitments and expectations mattered.
Hey George, the expectations at your "job" may not support longer hair but being in your "mid-forties" does! I am in my mid-sixties, in the third year of growing out my hair...and enjoying it. I have very few negative comments about the length of my hair. When I am in a rather "conservative" atmosphere...I just pull it into a ponytail and that is my compromise. Go for it!
George, I am also now in my 40s.....my own hair is worn tied up in a ponytail & both my ears are pierced.
I work as a freelance {not amazingly well qualified} in environmental science, and often have to deal with corporate people at senior level. So far I have raised no serious objection....other than a few laughs maybe at my expense.
From my experience, you can largely get away with looking somewhat unorthodox, so long as you don't look dirty or untidy in the process.
Based on what you say, no one at work seems to have a problem with the way you present yourself. I don't think you need to worry.
Well, in my humble opinion, you are in a position of strength - go for it.
Mid-40's means nothing, you are old enough to 'get away' with things that a younger person may not be able to. I'm 41, and only grew my hair out for the first time at 38. Last year I pierced both ears as well.
You are well established in your career and position (presumeably). Use it to your advantage! You're not a 'bottom feeder' anymore.
Go carefully, but go...
-Zorba
I have nearly the same response as boyd - except I have only been growing for 14 months and I am 54 (but that will change this weekend).
Advice: Keep your appearance clean and neat, act professional and you will do well.
Keep on growin'... And remember - If you are too busy to laugh, you are too busy. (off topic - but I like that saying)
--
Well, then, an early Happy 55th to you.
-J (26 years old)
I say "go for it!" I'm 51 and a middle school teacher in a rather conservative small town, and I've worn my hair in a ponytail for about four years. The kids love it and I've had no negative responses from parents. I've got a good reputation and I do a good job, and that's what's important. Likewise, if you're confident in your abilities on the job, that will be obvious to everyone. Enjoy the long hair; it's great!
My motto has always been "No Final Regrets" and now that my hair is mid-back and heading (I hope !)for my hips to stay there for ever, I can say hand on my hated ex-business heart that I've never been more deeply fulfilled and content in my life. I've also learnt a great deal since I joined this site recently all of which has simply re-affirmed and strengthened these feelings still more.
I left that same sad stifled artificial world because it was what *I* felt that mattered, not being forced daily to adopt cloned shallow 'responses', 'positions' and 'appearances' etc. that I certainly never felt and which I'd definitely always hated ! The bottom line is unless you at least give it a try (and stick with it !) you'll never know the relief and inner freedom long hair can bring and believe me it does....every day !! This is definitely no cheap Siren call either.
OK it's cliche time but you've only got the one life, and whilst this decision might go very hard in a lot of personal areas if you 'feel' you need/ want/ must grow it then I say unhesitatingly go for it too.
Enjoy ! :-)