new thread
I've always had long hair, and I hope I always will. I may only be 17, but my first childhood pictures show long hair. It's just a part of who I am. I mean, yea, I've had short hair 2 or 3 times during my childhood, but I was never happy with the short hair. So, to get to my question. I plan on going to college to become a music teacher. My biggest worry is that my hair might hurt my chances of getting a job after graduating. I know it is discrimination if they reject me, but let's be honest...who is really going to stop them? I will attach a picture so you guys can see how long it is.
What is are your guys' opinions/advice?
Hi Brent,
First of all you hair looks fantastic as you wear longhair very well my friend:) Secondly welcome to the mlhh and hope you enjoy your visits here.To answer your question I can't imagine going to college to become a music teacher would put your long mane at risk.I wouldn't even give it a second thought as when you eventually graduate just go into interviews with your hair tied back and don't even make it an issue.
I recently was forced into a job change after working for the same company for close to 20 years and I just wore my hair up in hair sticks during the interviews and nothing was ever said.I didn't care and acted as nothing was out of the ordinary.At my age I'm so set in my ways I would have bristled if it was even mentioned as a problem.So relax and enjoy your hair:) Cheers
Mârk
I wish you well at collage, actually, I think longhair will be a plus for you.... LOTS of great musicians have worn it... from Classical on up... Your hair looks great, I am glad you were allowed to have it growing up and not forced to go the barber...
Thanks for posting!
The Spaf Man
Be who you are and let the chips fall where they may. Try and not let society determine what you look like, what you, believe, how you act, or represent yourself. Easier said than done I understand, in my opinion keep yourself whole in exactly who you are don't sell a piece of the complete you and then find a place for YOU and not the representation of you. -On a positive I agree with previous post, music is art, you will likely be accepted easily for your long hair.
-Take care,
Seminole
Brent;
First; Your hair looks fantastic !!
Second; It will likely not be an issue (other than envy) in college.
....but most importantly, some fields actually welcome longhair.....and the music field is one of them.
Good Luck and I hope you check in here with updates periodically.
WWT (Walter White Tail)
"...but most importantly, some fields actually welcome longhair..."
***************************
I have a part time job as a Ranger in the Park Service....one of my duties is to perform an hour long "Living History" show in an historic home (...just TOO much FUN !!)...I wear a period costume and my long hair is an asset.
(...and when I am in uniform, there has never been a negative comment from supervisors or guests...)
I do believe that an old member, Yoshiki, who hasn't posted in a while was a teacher with long hair. If you work at it, you should be able to get a job in any field regardless of your hair length. Teaching also tends to be on the more liberal side as far as things like that are concerned. For example, one of my high school English teachers had full sleeves and knuckle tattoos (granted, his knuckles did read "book worm" which I have to admit it's my favorite set of knuckles ever).
I am a dentist and have longer hair than yours. I have known MANY teachers and professors who have long and even super long hair. They tend to just ponytail it or braid it for work. As a general trend, teacher types seem to be rather accepting of diversity, after all they teach it. I say just make it look neat and especially as a music teacher, it won't make much difference. Oh, and Your hair is really great looking!
I'd guess that unless you are in a very conservative area, having long hair as a music teacher would be neutral if not a positive!
If my children had a short-haired music teacher I would feel very disappointed.
As long as you keep it "neat" looking, I think you'll be okay.
Lol. If they discriminated against every music teacher with long hair, there'd be no music teachers. I really don't think you'll run into any problems on this one.
Yes long hair is also a part of who I am. It's one of my trademarks, has been for 49 years now.
I wouldn't worry about it. When I was in college in the 80s my hair was knee length and the college had a lot of professors/teaching assistants/grad students/undergrad students with long hair. Also in college I worked in a number of different departments over the years, none of them complained about me or the others with long hair.
Now this was at the college level. YMMV.
I am a teacher and have my hair a little above my waist. I didn't grow it until I was established in the profession and developed a reputation. Nobody ever said anything during the time I was growing it.
I dress nicely everyday (tie, etc.) and always wear it tied back to work. The district has since hired other males with long hair.
Will you not be hired by some districts due to your hair? Absolutely. Will you be able to find a job teaching music with your long hair? Most definitely (especially if you are willing to relocate).
Taught in a public school system in a conservative district for my whole career. I had long hair for the duration and had a happy, successful experience. Maybe changed some attitudes along the way as a bonus. One tip, pretty much always wore it in a tail at school, and always had a neat, trimmed undercut, as I never taught, not a single day, without a nice shirt and tie on....that made the difference, I believe.
I'll chime in here that I don't think it will be a problem for you. Certainly you have years to go before you'll even be interviewing for a position.
I know a guy in my city who has shoulder-length hair and he is not only a teacher, but also became the assistant principal of a Catholic high school.
Chris
First of all, GREAT photo!!!!
Secondly, by all means keep you hair long -- you not only look terrific with it; but, as you say, it's who you are.
WELCOME to MLHH!!!
- Ken in San Francisco