new thread
First, I need to say that I am thrilled to find this blog and board. I knew that being a longhair put me in the minority, though I didn't realize we were 2%'ers, so I never even searched for such a resource.
Now for my story. It started with a battle between me and my ex-military, and most likely homophobic, father who refused to understand that straight guys could have long hair and that having a crew cut in L.A. during the sixties was simply unnacceptable. While he was wrong about my sexual orientation, he was right about my association with 'hippie radical types'.
Having won the battle at age 13 I maintained my 'freak flag' until graduating college with a degree in computer information systems at the age of 28 (another story) and entering the business world. During the next twenty years I struggled with maintaining the 'appropriate' hair length, although I have to admit that I did enjoy the tactile experience of haircuts and, especially, shampooing. However, the repressive feeling that I was simply 'passing' in a world that could not accept me as I truly am eventually became overwhelming and I submitted to my last hair butchering in 1998.
I made the decision then that if a company would not hire me because of my hair, which is simply an expression of my identity, then it was not a place in which I wanted to spend a significant portion of my life. That decision came with an initial financial sacrifice as I transitioned from sales to tech work at a nonprofit. Ironically, after six months I was actually making more money than I did as a shorthair.
Now, at the ripe old age of 55, I am making another transition toward my true identity, having recently received my Master of Social Work degree. While longhaired social workers are more common than longhaired computer salesmen, I still struggle a bit with the 'image' thing. However, cutting my hair is not an option.
I look forward to reading about the experiences of other kindred spirits and contributing whatever bits of wisdom I have gathered over the past half-decade.
Hello, Dave, and welcome to mlhh! This board has helped me a great deal in forging the confidence to grow my own hair long.
It's great to hear another success story like yours. Many longhairs have had similar stories to yours and, like you, have found that the workplace that accepts them for who they are is much more suitable for them.
Unfortunately, many have given in to a strict employer and found that they hated the job almost immediately, and were soon without both their hair AND their job! Luckily, my employer has never given me trouble about my hair, even when wearing it loose and wild during the awkward stage! One of the benefits of being a scientist I suppose, haha.
Stand strong with the desires of your identity and you will be happiest in the end.
-Dan H.
A big hearty welcome Dave!
Thanks for sharing your story.
I simply decided one day to pull all of the stops, and discover what I really look like - the real me.
I have not looked back since.
Again welcome, and happy fur-menting!
- Oren
A great story - good to hear that you are happy in your work and able to be yourself.
And 55 is a very good age to be.
Welcome to the board, Dave.
Frodo
Great introduction Dave. Welcome!
Bruce
Welcome aboard. And congratulations on getting your Masters. I start back the 23rd to complete my BA in Communications.
Charlie
Welcome Dave;
I think you will find that there are more guys in our age bracket who are now sporting long hair and being perfectly well accepted with it. I live in the "casual" southwest US and see geezers in their 50's.60's and 70's looking great with long locks.
Looking forward to following your progress.
WWT (Walter White Tail) 60+
Took me a while to get back here... been studying for my licensing exam. Thanks to each of your welcoming and supportive replies! Not surprised to see that this an exceptionally intelligent group!
Looking forward to spending more time here.