new thread
Well, I am at that stage in life where I'm pretty much lost as to what to do regarding work. Just trying to find myself, really.
So I decided to get some inspiration from you guys. What kind of work do you do? I'd like to know since it will obviously (I think) be longhair friendly work, and that's something that is essential to me, since I am beggining to see myself as a longhair more and more and I'm in it for the long haul.
Of course, you can also just suggest something even if you don't actually do it! =)
Hi Bruno,
I'd also like to respond to your 10 month update post as well here, and just encourage you by saying I think you are off to a GREAT start, and that I think you have a terrific head of hair to work with!!!
As far as work goes, it also might help if I state my education: I have a high school degree; but only spent one year in college (too long of a story to go into all the details why I never finished getting my college degree). I'm a firm believer that if and whenever possible, a college education usually gives anybody (whether a longhair, or otherwise) much better job opportunities -- or, at least usually better PAYING job opportunities. I realize that this is not "always" the case; but I say it to encourage any of our younger readers, so that they do well in school and continue to focus on learning as much as they can while still in school.
OK, now onto answering your question...
I've worked in a lot of different types of jobs in my lifetime, including having made quite a number of "career" changes -- but most of my jobs have been blue-collar types. When I was a young adult, I worked a few years at a small private school in Illinois, with kids in grades 1st - 8th, as both a substitute dorm parent three evenings a week, and also as a teacher's aide during the day.
My next job was at a nursing home, helping to take care of the elderly and sick. It was actually a specific career change at the time, one that might sound a bit too odd for most people to wrap their minds around (including my own mind right now - LOL): I was a Christian Science Nurse (for a total of 7 years). My hair was shorter back then, though, although I did know of some longhaired nurse's aides (and certainly this is NOT uncommon in the medical hospitals).
My next career change was when I went to a local Cooking School, working in a variety of kitchens and restaurants both before cooking school, as well as after graduating. I did that for several years...
Then I had an opportunity to pursue a dream that I had always wanted to do: to work outdoors in the Gardening / Landscaping profession. I did that for several years... and in fact, still do it now, too (only to a much lesser degree now).
I changed careers BACK to the cooking world about 4 or so years ago, because I was starting to feel too old to work outdoors in the rain anymore (LOL); plus I was handed a cooking job more or less right into my lap that sounded too good to pass up! I also supervised that kitchen for 3 years.
ANYthing in the Arts, or even NEAR the Arts, is bound to be very supportive of longhair. Teachers in schools usually have no problem being allowed to have long hair (although this may depend upon what part of the world you live in). And, as I said before, blue-collar jobs are usually totally OK about long hair.
My one biggest suggestion, though is this: find something that you love to do in life, and/or something that you are VERY good at doing -- preferably BOTH!!! If you are passionate and excellent at whatever you do for a living, chances are you'll get paid well for it, and people will view the quality of your work, NOT your hair.
- Ken in San Francisco
I'm a retired Pipefitter. I've been retired 9 years now. I worked 20 some years in Southern California building gas stations and piping underground storage tanks. I did 3 years building offshore oil rigs and 2 years in the shipyard. My first 23 years were spent in pipe fabrication plant where fabricating pipe and fittings from 4 inch dianeter to 252 inch diameter. Tommie
I am a semi-retired consulting geologist.....and have a side business as a piano technician. Both fields tend to attract "eccentric" type folks...so longhair has never been a negative issue and actually makes a good first impression as someone who thinks "outside the box". (Being old, also fends off criticism..Ha!)
In choosing a career, follow your passions and interests....then your occupation will always be exciting and usually profitable.
Your hair is great now and will be incredible with more length.
Good Luck
WWT (Walter White Tail)
I feel a bit lost myself. I have a bachelor's degree in dramatic arts (minor in computer information systems), but I'm currently working for a plastics company as a machine operator (read: parts come out of machine, I trim them and put them in boxes.) It is long hair friendly, so long as you tie it back. However... I hate it. So I'm trying to find something new myself.
As a (very slow going) side job, I do digital boudoir photography at people's home's. Which grants me prestige as the official photographer of a local author, Mahogany Silverrain.
--D
<----works at petco lol. Likes animals so it suits me get be around em all day.
I'm a level 2 computer network repair technician. It's pretty long-hair friendly since we aren't customer-facing. All my work is done remotely.
I'm a registered nurse who works in clinical trials (research). I follow & collect data on subjects who volunteer for drug/vaccine studies. Medicine and academia or fairly open to diversity... thankfully being a gay male and hopefully one day a long hair!
Peace,
Kenny
I am a system engineer, maintaining about 100 UNIX and Linux systems. Years ago I was designing railroad traffic control and signaling systems.
--
A Linux Longhair
Hello BrunoG,
I work as a Biologist in a research laboratory. I've been working there for about 1 1/2 years now.
I started growing my hair out from a short haircut a little while after I started. I have never heard a word about my hair from any higher-ups even though I went into work without doing anything to my awkward-stage hair (Now I am about 2 months shy of a all-encompassing ponytail, though). I survived 3 waves of lay-offs last year, so it's good that I wasn't being judged by my hair even though it was "messy".
I work with a decent number of longhaired guys, a few in fairly lofty positions. In my experience, science-related fields are very longhair friendly. This is coming from someone living in a U.S. Midwest small town (known for traditional conservative views). We scientists tend to think outside the realm of normalcy, though (haha).
Take care, and good luck choosing a suitable career!
-Dan H.
Sixth-generation of a local family run lumber and building materials dealer. I'm currently a Manager in Training working at one of our nearby locations. Some of our customer base are longhairs, even the pro builders. There are also a couple working at our main location; one of whom happens to have been with us since the dawn of time, and is part Native.
Right now am an Assistant Manager for Kangaroo Markets convenience stores. Will be starting back to college in the summer term to finish my degree.
Excellent post Bruno! I been wondering what everybody else does too.
I'm a carpenter and had my own trim business going until the bottom fell out. I think construction was hit the hardest.
So since then I've been working by the hour doing maintenance on apartments. It's gravy, I keep up with my own hours and can decide what order I want to do the jobs. Also my boss is a woman who loves longhair. Lol.
Paul
Software and electronics engineering.
- Oren
...Prior to that, plastics injection molding, and also electronic assembly for Sony.
- Oren
Hi Bruno, I went through that stage for a number of years myself.
Regarding work, I'm a self employed Auto Mechanic/Detailer. I love what I do and love anything with an internal combustion engine and a frame. While self employment in my profession does have it days just like anything else. I wouldn't have it any other way! Self employment is no get rich program either, regardless your profession.
Back on topic, When it comes to jobs, you can try different things and see what you have a knack for and pay attention to how fast and how well you pick on it. Maybe go for some training and take classes in that of your interests. Check around your state's internet addy, working for the feds can be good pay & benefits. Sorry to be long winded, but I do hope this may give you a jump start at least. Good luck!
I'm an online comment moderator. I work at home, so I set the dress code. I also teach yoga, where the only dress code is 'bare feet required'.
HI Bruno,
great question for everyone to get to know eachother.
I am a production manager and designer for an Ad Agency in Bend, Oregon, where the National Beard Competition will be held on June 5th. (all longhairs welcome!!!)
I do technical stuff for the agency, and photoshop/layout stuff.
I don't much see the clients, but I was hired partly BECAUSE I had longhair like the creative director and it is a smaller, quirky agency, which is happy to have as much diversity as possible. The main thing is dependability, trustworthiness, and skills.
As other people have described themselves on the board here, most have all of those things in spades, so that is what it takes. The job market is intense these days, but having an excellent portfolio, work experience, and training got me the job.
I've been a production artist / designer for 30 years, and have a Graphic Design degree from San Jose State, which got me in the first few doors originally.
It is really fun to work at a place that encourages good work ethic, and embraces diversity as well. It has proven good for our bottom line, and it is nice to be appreciated for the hair. Some of us have had competitions to see who has the longest, etc.
Best of luck on your career explorations.
-Daniel
I work as over night manager in a large supermarket in suburban Milwaukee. The dress code calls for conservative hairstyles. Yet due to my years of experience and working late I'm exempt. They hired me with it and did ask if I would cut it to which I declined.
Kevin
I have a brother in Waukesha and some friends in Milwaukee. Maybe we could hit the zoo together or something, next time I'm down there with the family.
--Val
I live in Fond du lac. My favorite place to hang out is State Street in Madison.
Madison my favorite city.
Kevin
Cool. I'm a big fan of Madison myself. My wife lived there for about 5 years, and I had one of the wildest Halloween of my life on State Street about 15 years ago. Sounds like a meet-up might be in order one of these days!
--Val
West of Madison, WI (somewhere around an hour or so drive), I think the name of the town is Dodgeville (not too far from a State Park named "Mt. Horeb", I think?). I used to go folk dancing there when I was in my early 20s, -- before I moved out West to CA...
Just wondering if "Folklore Village" is still there. OMG, I loved that place!! It was located in the middle of the prairie (basically felt like "the middle of nowhere"). The owner converted an old one-room school house into an amazing dance hall with live music, fantastic home-cooked farm-fresh & potluck dinners, and various-themed folk festival weekends (mostly European), including dance workshops, arts & crafts stuff, etc. during the daytime, and then dancing in a canlelit wooden-floor room until your feet dropped off at 3AM....
Sounds strange, but I guess I'm getting a bit homesick for the Midwest (one of your winter snow storms I'm sure will cure me, though - LOL)....
- Ken
Mt Horeb is a town and in fact it calls itself the troll capitol of the world. If you walk up and down Main Street most businesses have a statue of a troll in front. Ray and I walked around there one day and I took pics of the trolls for use in special posts.
And no I didn't ask their permission. LOL
Here's one of my favorites
Nope, I've never been to Dodgeville. Sounds like a cool community, though.
Here's a troll up in Bayfield, WI, that our kids get their picture taken with each year.
For the last two years, I have been working at game testing up in Redmond, but, believe me, it is not as fun as you may think it is. It is a lot of bus riding to get there. Not only that, there is almost no work during the winter, and since it is a temporary job, I am on call, and let's say I am in the shower or at the movie theater, or I left the phone in the other room, when the job recruiter calls me on the phone for available openings. That's how I miss phone calls and open shifts. Lastly, I have signed an agreement that I do not talk about my work. A lot of people ask what I do at work, which are questions I am not allowed to answer. It was a fun job for a while, but I am over it now.
I am looking for a more consistent job with a set schedule. I am interested in graphic design, game design, general programming, and related IT jobs.
For work, it is the best to gel down your hair and put it up in a ponytail or bun when you go in for an interview. Don't listen to any haircut commands.
Matthew
I co-own a written and printed communication company, concentrating more on the administrative side of the business.
I started out as an engineer and have worked my way gradually to becoming a patent agent. As an engineer, no-one was surprised by long hair. In law firms there are very few longhairs, but it doesn't seem to be an issue.
I suspect there may have been firms that wouldn't hire me, but they would never say why (what, you expect lawyers to put anything on record that could be used against them? - then you don't know lawyers, LOL!).
Of course, it helps that the DC Human Rights Act includes 'hair style' as a protected class. Come to Washington DC, where hair discrimination is illegal!
I'm a former "Obesity Prevention Grant Coordinator," with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion & Wellness. That position was grant-funded, so when the grant went away, so did the job. I've since gone back to school to become a Registered Nurse (only one semester to go!), and from there I plan to become a licensed nurse-midwife. I also do personal training and occassionally teach Qigong and martial arts.
--Val
I am a graphics and web designer for a large company. I do website design and applications as well as project management. I also have my own graphic design business, and also have another business for Marketing and Advertizing. My business partner for marketing and advertizing is also a longhair. I am a member of several local bords including being elected to 7 years on my local city council. I have also been invited to and spoken at two National Conferences for Intranet web development. Longhair hasn't stopped me yet!
I wish you the best and Good luck!
I work 1 renaissance festival a year (in AZ), this year I'm working in a chocolate shop making chocolate and fudge. . .usually I'm teaching people how to contact juggle.
In the Spring-Fall I work in Oregon doing organic gardening with legal medical cannabis.
For New Years' I operate a fireworks stand in Houston.
...long hair.....chocolate....weed....and fireworks !!
What a Life !!!
Always great to hear from you !!
Keep Well my friend
Walter
Good to be back and see some old familiar faces.
hehe, yeah. . .the best part is I'm not committing any crimes *go Oregon!* Last year and a half was rough (crazy stuff with an ex-wife and such) but since this last spring it's been starting to get a dynamic equilibrium, for which I am most grateful!
You as well, friend
Spent 20 short-haired years in the US Navy doing avionics maintenance and calibration. Since then I've worked as a Logistics Analyst/Engineer for a defense contractor. I started growing my hair out after I got my first post-Navy job (working in a government office, but employed by the same company). It wasn't a big deal at first, but it started to cause some problems with one of the bosses after a few years. Fortunately, an off-base position opened up in the company about that same time. I had my hair in a tail when I interviewed for the position, they never said anything about it, and it hasn't been a problem since.
Hi Bruno,
Although I am happily retired now, I did work as an analytical chemist, testing for unwanted chemicals in foods, to protect the Cdn food supply. It was intesting work, I got to use a lot of expensive, high tech equipment, and I had no problems with my long hair, apart from teasing once in a while.
David
I'm a lead planner for the Corps of Engineers in Phoenix. I manage feasibility studies for civil works projects, environmental impact assessment, and provide National Environmental Policy Act support for FEMA emergency operations missions. I don't have any problems with my mane because it's obvious that I'm too far gone to ever change!
Currently I work as a Master Control Engineer for the CBS affiliate in Milwaukee WI. before that the Mytv, formerly UPN and WB. and before that a christian TV network. also back in the day I worked at Target and McDonalds.
try to find something you enjoy and are good at. I kind of fell into TV (I picked it up very fast) I went to school for Radio and sound design but there are not any jobs in radio anymore.
Mike
I am an engineer, working for a mining firm - it's fairly business-feel oriented, although not quite suit and tie territory, and I have never had any negative comments.
We may be less common on the mainstream business scene, but don't think its not possible :)
I've been a convenience store clerk for close to four years now, ever since I started "working" at the age of 20. It's not hard work, but it can be stressful. It involves being in the face of the public, meeting their demands, keeping things in working order, paperwork, stocking, making coffee, cleaning, and things like that. I've made friends with a lot of my regular customers, and back in May of 2009 when I got my 2+ feet of hair cut off, it was a mixed bag between people who thought it looked better and people who miss my long hair.
Here's the good part. Now that it is apparent to most people that I am re-growing my hair, I get very little flak about it. I've been told that I have a very nice head of hair at any length, and part of the fun of growing it back is experimenting with styles until I can tie it up.
But the main thing is, my manager told me herself that a person's heart was more important than their hairdo. Makes me proud to work under her. She had no problem with my hair when she hired me, and she has no problem with me growing it back - as long as it is neat (to some degree, my hair IS awful wavy).
Good luck, my man.
Well ive been a real estate photographer for about 4 years now, I have to admit I love it. I havent posted on this board for the longest time now lol just wanted to reply to this message :)