new thread
Hello everyone,
I'm new to this site and I must say I thought I was the only guy on this planet with concerns about long hair and careers. Just to tell you alittle about myself, I'm a junior at college majoring in computer science and as time is winding down until I graduate, I don't know what to do with my hair for fear of not getting a good job. My hair is currently at the chin level and I always have kept it nice and neat. I would usually slick my hair back when I go to wedding, party, etc. My problem is that the computer science industry is so lopsided that I don't know if I should cut my hair based on where I would wanna work. For instance, I knew that IBM is known to be very conservative and if I got an interview with them I would get denied based on my looks. Other smaller companies as so I've heard are more laid back and don't care as to one's appearence. If anyone is a programmer, computer scientist or works in the computer industry please let me know what kind of experiences you've had with your job and long hair. Thank you for your time.
Johnny B
my best advice to you is to test the market with your hair. it would be a shame to have to cut it for work... you may have to decide how badly you want the hair; on the other hand you may also be pleasantly surprised by some peoples' tolerance toward appearance. keeping it neat & slicked back may help. if given the chance to work AND be yourself, take the opportunity to prove that you are the best in your field. use positive means to change peoples' misconceptions. good luck.
I haven't experienced any problems with my chin-ish length hair in my programming job. When I was hired I had short hair (I've been growing it since), but looking back, if I had long hair at my interview I don't think it would have made a difference in their decision to hire me. The atmosphere at my job is relaxed, as are the dress standards, and the people are mostly focused on getting work done. No superior has ever said anything negative about my hair, or has asked me to cut it.
Fortunately, the Information Technology industry is not so wedded to traditional hair length on men than say, the banking industry. I think that as long as you keep it neat, even tied back for interviews, it should not be a big deal to any company, except the more conservative ones.
jaime
Don't do anything that you don't want to do. It should not be
hard to find a job in the computer industry that does not require
short hair.
I am a computer scientist, and most people that I know are
computer scientists as well. Long hair on men or women is
no problem at all. A lot of men in the company where I work
have long hair, a lot of men that I know who are studying
CS and working in the field have long hair. I have never
heard of any of them having any sort of problem with that.
Not even the guys who are working in a company that is very
anal about clothes.
I am in Finland, where both the attitude towards men with long
hair and the attitude towards casual clothing at work are much
more relaxed than in the USA, but my parents, who are both
engineers and living in Boston, say that none of the companies
that they have worked for had any dress code against men with long
hair, and that there actually were men with long hair working
in all of them.
Good luck with job hunting, and don't cut your hair unless
you want to.
Honestly, if you know what you are doing, you won't have a problem. A few REALLY conservative companies might hold you to a hair length code, but that would be exceedingly rare. It's pretty much expected that your programmers and IT types are sorta weird and different. We're like wizards to the business people. They need our magic ways and try to appease us as best they can. Of course, some companies, (Computer Associates by way of example) are run by such total conservative fascists that they would hold you to a tight hair code, but you probably wouldn't want to work for someone like that anyway.
Take what I said with a grain of salt. I'm about in the same position you are, and I have heard advice like this from almost everyone I've talked to about this.
I have been in the computer industry for a few years and I work for an extremely conservative firm. I have found that the market will usually dictate what a company will and won't allow. For example, right now, there is a huge shortage of computing people in most parts of the US (and the world, I imagine). As a result, they will permit a lot of things that in other times might not be acceptable. I have hair that is mid-back and no one says "boo" to me about it. If I worked in Accounting, where we are overstaffed, that might be a different matter. Additionally, if you're any good at what you do, no one will care and if they do you probably don't want to work for them (trust me it isn't worth the money to work for people like that).
--Christopher
I say it's time to grow up. Cut your hair and look like an ADULT, and you'll be treated like one -- not like some weird eccentric or overage rock star.
Think about it: do you want people saying "Yeah, but what about his HAIR?!?!" behind your back?
That's what happens in my company.
I guess it's true that We're Known By The COMPANY We Keep.
I cannot imagine anything so shallow as to judge a man by the length of his hair. I'm assuming that the "Yeah, But. . ." is in response to something positive. Why denegrate yourself by taking such a low road? Either the guy has value to the employer, or he doesn't. The length of his hair has nothing to do with it. Free your mind, Cody. Just be glad you live in a country that can afford its citizens such freedoms.
You're living in a dream world, my friend.
People ARE judged by the length of their hair, and the way they dress, and the way they speak and act.
That's a hard, cold FACT.
If you think otherwise, you simply don't understand human nature, and you don't know very much about people.
Sorry, Cody. Gotta go with Alternity on this one.
If you have a guy in your office with long hair, then the presumption is that the company permits it. Think what you want, but you run the risk of becoming an Archie Bunker who rails and rants about how the world he always knew is changing around him.
As an insurance investigator, I am a judge of human nature FOR A LIVING, and I am telling you that your criteria for judging people is from another century. If Frank has hair down to his shoulder blades, but consistently saves/makes pots of money for his employer, then to judge him solely by his appearance is in the least disingenuous.
Further, I fail to see how a person's hair length has anything to do with the way he speaks or acts. I conference on a daily basis with attorneys, on their level, and my ponytail has never once gotten in the way of the dialogue.
In any event, the business world has changed. In the office building where I work one of the larger tenants is the corporate headquartes of a well-known cell phone company. The guys who get off the elevator on their floor have a variety of hair lengths and styles of dress, and some even sport body piercings. One of their managers is a black guy with dreadlocks down to his elbows. Guess what? They're a Fortune 500 company.
Just because someone doesn't conform to your personal preferences, or does things differently than you do, is hardly a reason to talk about him behind his back. There are those who would conclude that this says more about you than the target of your failed ridicule.
I'd have to agree. The business world has changed a lot. I'm a fourth year engineering student, doing my internship at one of the country's larger hospitals. And, far from being the only longhair around, I am one of quite a few, including several male nurses, a couple flight paramedics, and several doctors. One doc in particular has a ponytail past his waist. And one of the black docs has shoulder-length dreds. Long hair is not the norm, nor do I expect it to be in the foreseeable future. But it is widely accepted now... and much more accepted than maligning coworkers behind their backs on company time.
Better to live in a Dream World than in a World Long Passed.
To expand a bit on what Pony Guy said, if your employer's policy permits long hair on men, then it could very well be your attitude that doesn't mesh with company policy. In a world where intentional infliction of emotional distress in the workplace is hashed out in front of juries on a daily basis, you had best choose wisely when deciding on which side of company policy you're going to stand.
To expand on what M.L. King once said, let's judge people by the content of their character. Remember, as ye judge so shall ye be judged. Wouldn't it be a hoot to stand before the Throne of God and find out he has long hair?
The vast majority think long hair on men is feminine, and unattractive.
That's just the way it is.
Get a haircut.
Hmmmm.... you must be interacting with a different majority than some of us. I know many women that adore long hair on men, one of whom is my girlfriend. And as for the men... well, their opinion on the attractiveness of my hairstyle is not of interest to me.
Only if you value conformity over your identity. Some of us don't.
---------------
Yeah, right.
Does it occur to you that having long hair is just conforming to a different standard?
And what, pray tell, is that standard? Last I checked, I didn't look particularly like any of the other longhairs I've seen. As a matter of fact, I wear the much maligned 'mullet' hairstyle- long in back, short on the top and sides. So I doubt most of the posters on this board would even consider me a true longhair.
When it comes to hair, there ARE no unique styles. It's ALL been done before.
You wear a mullet. God how embarassing. Do you also wear bell bottoms and have long sideburns? Do you often say "Groovy, man!" ?
Get a haircut.
You bet. That being the case, I choose to go with the one that looks best on me.
Nope. Actually, I am very conservative looking. I am clean-shaven, fastidiousy clean, and very well-groomed. I'm most comfortable in every day activities in jeans and a Polo shirt, and I wear normal business clothing to work. And I don't use many colloquialisms at all- none of them from the 60s or 70s.
Nah, I'll pass. Tried it already, didn't like it. But you can keep yours as short as you want, and I won't be offended by it.
And as fun as this has been, I'm afraid I must be going. Too much to do, too little time. Goodbye, all, and have a nice day.
--
Congratulations. Now get a haircut to match.
Sorry, dude. You're gonna have to come up with Chapter and Verse for this one.
What are you doing on this board, anyway? If you were a vegetarian, would you post on a barbecuing/grilling forum to attack meat eaters?
Maybe you should find a nice 'Intollerance Forum' and post there.
(Now, now... let's not stoop to his level of intolerance!)
--
Or YOUR level of smug self-righteousness.
Hmmmm.... and trying to foist off onto everyone else your ideas of what is and isn't 'adult' and acceptable doesn't count as 'smug self-righteousness'? Interesting.
I'm not trying to "foist" anything on anyone. I'm simply stating my opinion, just like you. And I didn't start all this name calling. You did that.
Actually, I have yet to call anyone anything. Although I do think that 'weird eccentric' and 'overage rock star' definitely count as name calling on your part. And, no, you aren't simply stating your opinion, you're attributing your opinion to a 'vast majority.' Maybe I just live in an enlightened area (not! I live in Alabama half the year and Louisiana the other half), but I have yet to encounter this vast majority of yours. The 'vast majority' of people in general that I have met have been more concerned with achievement and merit than the length of my hair, and the 'vast majority' of women I have met either are rather fond of long hair on men, or don't seem to mind one way or the other. So long as I act like a professional, I'm treated like a professional, and my hairstyle hasn't been an issue.
So you live in an UNenlightened area?
You should get out more.
Actually yes, I do. You would fit right in. Crewcuts as far as the eye can see. Although, on the other hand, none of them give me any grief, so maybe you wouldn't.
I get out plenty. And I interact with students, professors, doctors, engineers, accountants, nurses, and rank and file health care workers all the time. None of them give me any problems. Nor do any of the 'ordinary folks' that I come in contact with. So, tell me. Where is your vast majority? Sounds like it might just be you, and a few other
obsessive individuals.
There's a big difference between disliking someone's hairstyle and "giving them problems."
It's quite obvious that most of the world thinks men should have short hair.
Arguing that point just reveals your blindness on the subject.
Yes, there is. And frankly, I don't particularly care if someone likes or dislikes my hairstyle. IMO, that is my business, and mine alone. However, I would say that the behind-the-back maligning that you mentioned in your first post definitely constitutes 'giving someone problems', especially if they are not violating any part of company policy and do good work. Under those circumstances, the longhair is behaving professionally, whereas the others are behaving in a very childish and unprofessional manner.
Well, it's quite obvious that most men choose to have short hair for themselves. It's a stretch to go from that to 'most of the world thinks men should have short hair.' Just because someone chooses something for themselves does not necessarily imply that they think everyone else should be the same. I eat meat, but I think vegetarianism in its various forms is perfectly fine for anyone that chooses to adopt that habit. I don't expect everyone else to conform to my opinions on music, politics, clothing, food, or anything else. The world would be pretty boring if everyone looked and acted the same.
In that case, it must be the blind arguing with the blind. You're the one who seems to believe that your narrow worldview is the only way for right-thinking people to believe, not me. I'm quite happy letting everyone make their own choices, and I don't malign them behind their backs about them.
I find it absolutely hysterical that you can come up with so many different rationalizations to support something that is patently obvious to anyone with eyesight: MOST MEN HAVE SHORT HAIR.
It's laughable the way you try to explain away this obvious fact.
If you want to have long hair, fine. But don't deny for a minute that most men have short hair. If you do, you're blind.
You hypocrite. Just do us all a favor and commit suicide.
-----
Now THAT'S constructive.
What do you want me to do, site statistics? Just look around! Sports stars, celebrities, professionals -- 95% of ALL men HAVE short hair?
Among kids today, crewcuts are the norm by far. Again, look around. Use you eyes. What do you see?
MEN HAVE SHORT HAIR!
Why do you suppose that is? Because they secretly hate it and love torturing themselves?
To even argue this point is ridiculous.
(And why do my comments upset you? Is this board is just for mindless drones to endlessly repeat the "party line"?)
So what you're saying is that just because a guy has short hair he holds the opinion that all guys have to be just like him? I don't think so. I have had too many experiences to the contrary to give any consideration to such an argument.
With respect to your stated percentage, please remember that there was once a time when 95% of all people thought the world was flat. More recently, and in this very country no less, the majority of people actually believed that owning slaves was their birthright. Being in the majority does not in and of itself impart moral or ethical superiority over someone who's in the minority.
I'm not attempting to impose long hair on you (although I do think it would help you mellow out a little), so why are you imposing your personal choices on others by telling them to cut their hair? Please recognize your opinion for what it is -- your OPINION. No matter how many others may share that opinion with you, it is nevertheless your OPINION.
-----
BECAUSE HE ASKED FOR OPINIONS, GENIUS!
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the original poster was not asking for the type of diatribe you unleashed upon him. If you were a vegetarian, and someone on a cooking forum asked for suggestions on how to barbecue a brisket, would you have said to him, "STOP KILLING ANIMALS!!! MEAT IS MURDER!!!"? Would this constitute responding to his inquiry in good faith? I don't think so. In view of the nature of this forum, you really shouldn't feel so put-upon by the reaction to your posts.
You like short hair? Fine. Wear it short. I'm not going to try to tell you otherwise. All I ask in return is the same courtesy with respect to the choice I have made for myself. In other words, You Fish On Your Side of the Lake, I'll Fish On My Side of the Lake. If we end up meeting somewhere in the middle of the lake, I'll flip ya for the last beer.
Dear non-rocket scientist,
The original poster stated, and I quote, "If anyone is a programmer, computer scientist or works in the computer industry please let me know what kind of experiences you've had with your job and long hair."
I work in the computer industry, so I gave him my opinion. You say he didn't want "the type of diatribe I unleashed"? Wrong. My "diatribe," as you so open-mindedly put it, was EXACTLY what he asked for.
You don't agree? Too bad! It wasn't meant for you anyway, it was meant for him. HE ASKED.
As for the "courtesy" of respecting your right to wear you hair as you wish -- don't flatter yourself. I could care less how you wear your hair. But if you ask my opinion of your long hair, I'll give you an honest answer.
But then again, you don't want honesty at all. All you really want is an echo chamber for your own views. And I can understand why, since hearing any views contrary to your own upsets you so.
Don't you flatter YOURself. You lack the standing to "upset" me.
Actually, I kind of like the way MJ has addressed your comments, so I'm going to let him take it from here.
Enjoy your side of the lake, my friend.
Sorry, you'll have to do better than that. It's a big jump to go from '95% of all men have short hair' to 'the vast majority think long hair on men is feminine and unattractive.' Most of my male friends have short hair (including a former roomie with a crewcut), and that said nothing at all about their opinions on long hair. Most of them have short hair for their own reasons- because they like it, because it's easy to maintain, because their parents prefer it that way, whatever. That's fine with me, personally... they have their reasons for having short hair, I have my reasons for having long hair, and everyone's happy. And as for 'kids today'.... piercings and tattoos are also rapidly becoming the norm. Shall we all emulate that as well, so we can fit in with the 'norm'?
Actually, this needs a really big qualifier. The majority of men in this particular period of time have short hair. Historically long hair is the norm, from the ancient Sumerians until the 1600s. And even after the 1600s, until the early 1800s, men wore wigs of long hair, which suggests it wasn't thought of negatively. And even today long hair is, if not the norm, at least a substantial minority among certain groups- most notably in computer-related fields.
Nope. Again, they have their own reasons. It's an individual choice. And personally, I don't care what an individual's choice is, so long as they respect my right to make my own decision on the matter. If you don't want long hair, fine. Don't grow it. That's your business.
Yeah, you're right. Your posts have been pretty ridiculous.
No mindless drone on this end of the monitor. And last time I checked, there wasn't a 'long hair party', and I doubt I would join even if there was- I hate single issue parties. Longhairs are no more a cohesive group than shorthairs. Personally, I have more in common with, say, a short-haired engineering or administrative type than with a long-haired biker or musician. Long hair is part of my identity, but it isn't the whole thing.
You're right.
I guess most men actually DO have long hair, and always have.
Now if someone would only tell THEM that!
Thank you.
That isn't what I said. I said that *historically* long hair is the norm. That is not the same as saying that it is the norm NOW. Which is a moot point anyway, since some of us do not particularly want to be in the norm.
Aren't you the one that was complaining about people that can't win arguments on merit? Last I heard, sarcasm, especially lousy sarcasm, didn't qualify as 'merit.'
FACT: Most men have short hair. Forget history, I'm talking about here and now.
FACT: Most men try to achieve the best possible appearance.
CONCLUSION: Most men think short hair makes the best possible appearance.
OK, now you can try to explain why men really think long hair is great. Go ahead, try! It ought to be funny.
Why should I forget history? You certainly wouldn't want to forget history if it supported your point. But it doesn't.
And best possible appearance is a subjective measurement- meaning, it varies by individual, and also by what the individual does. The best possible appearance for a banker is going to be different than the best possible appearance for an information tech guy or an advertising person, and so on.
Not necessarily. Like I said, different people have different reasons. You could say with equal validity: 'FACT: Most men don't want to spend much time on their appearance. CONCLUSION: Most men think short hair takes less time to groom.' Oh, and by the way... why should I care what most men think? They are welcome to their opinion, but I hardly see why I should structure my life to fit their mores.
Sorry to disappoint you, but I doubt I'll provide much humor. I have been on both sides of the fence. I have had short hair, I have had medium length hair, and I have had long hair. Long hair provides the best appearance for me. Therefore, I wear my hair long. And you know what? It doesn't seem to have hurt me at all. I graduated at 15 from high school, beat the average Harvard SAT by a good 40 points, and have gotten several scholarships. I just got back from accepting an engineering award, I have a good job with a company I like, and after another couple of semesters I'm going to graduate with honors with a nice, high-paying corporate job waiting for me when I get out. And, in the meantime, most of my normal, short-haired high school colleagues are working at fast-food places. I guess sometimes it just doesn't pay to be normal, eh? Or who knows... maybe their hair wasn't short enough.
I knew your rationalizations would be funny.
Then I am happy to have provided you with humor. You are lucky to be so easily amused.
----
I suppose so.
you are absolutely correct... people DO judge you by how you look and act. the belief that these prejudices are wrong doesn't change the fact that people judge. being outraged about it accomplishes nothing. quietly going about your own business with dignity in spite of what people think is the best course. if someone is open-minded enough to re-think their bias against longhairs (or WHOEVER) on the basis of observing your conduct will do far more than just being pissed that people think this way. think about it... do you really believe telling someone how wrong he/she is will make them more receptive to what you have to say? why do you think so many people don't go to church?
I'm not outraged.
I think that all right-thinking people in this country are sick
and tired of being told that ordinary, decent people are fed up in
this country with being sick and tired. I'm certainly not! But I AM
sick and tired of being told that I am!
Cute, but isn't this an old Monty Python schtick?
You make perfect sense.
Actually, it made no sense whatsoever. But hey, it's a free country.
Who cares what other people think. The most effective employee is one who feels good about his ability and himself overall. One's "professional" conduct is much more important than one's appearance.
We all have our pet peeves. I hate it when someone cuts me off on the expressway. But you just have to live with it.
Geez... some people are still living under Hitler's ideals. Scary.
Who cares what other people think. The most effective employee is one who feels good about his ability and himself overall. One's "professional" conduct is much more important than one's appearance.
We all have our pet peeves. I hate it when someone cuts me off on the expressway. But you just have to live with it.
Geez... some people are still living under Hitler's ideals. Scary.
Who cares what other people think. The most effective employee is one who feels good about his ability and himself overall. One's "professional" conduct is much more important than one's appearance.
We all have our pet peeves. I hate it when someone cuts me off on the expressway. But you just have to live with it.
Geez... some people are still living under Hitler's ideals. Scary.
Hitler's ideals?
OK ... I get it. Anyone that disagrees with you is a Nazi.
You must be a Democrat.
This just exemplifies how you like to make generalizations. "Men with long hair are childish..., I'm must be a democrat... "
Stereotypes, stereotypes...
FYI- I'm fiscally conservative and socially liberal
I'm a capitalist economically and a humanitarian personally
In politics, therefore, since my tax dollars are at stake, I
usually vote Republican!
But, I treat PEOPLE with the dignity and respect they deserve!
-------
Do you often edit and MAKE UP quotes and attribute them to people to bolster your arguments?
My ACTUAL quote was: "Anyone that disagrees with you is a Nazi. You must be a Democrat."
But maybe making up quotes is more fun. Let's try it with YOU: You "said":
"Since my tax dollars are at stake, I treat PEOPLE like they deserve!"
Here's a generalization!
People with closed minds are just not worth dealing with!
Here's another!
People who can't win an argument on the merits will resort to name calling.
< We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights: that among these are Life, Liberty and the
Pursuit of Happiness.
--Thomas Jefferson
Declaration of Independence
--------------------
That quote refers to the fact that all people should be treated equally under the LAW. It shouldn't be taken literally.
If it was, it would mean only MEN are equal, and that healthy, good looking people were somehow created "equal" to sick, ugly people. Obviously this isn't the case.
Longhaired men surely are equal under the law. But they aren't looked at in the same way as short haired men in the eyes of society. They're considered "different." This is a primary motivation for them HAVING long hair; so they can be "different."
The fact is obvious: most men like short hair! It's ridiculous to argue otherwise when the proof is so totally evident.
Okay, I've read the responses. Yes, Cody, there are a vast majority of shee-oops!-people out there who judge you by your dress and talk behind your back - which I personally think is pure cowardice. You got something to say then why not say it to my face. Here's a woman talking here. I personally don't care for short hair on men. I like unusual and unique men with long hair and they like me. My mate is perhaps to you "an overage rock star" but to me he's "king of the world" and he gets plenty laid because of it. Sorry, don't mean to be explicit just stating facts. I admit that I am also not the norm and have been talked about and laughed at by short-haired preps and other social-conformity types. However, the one thing that stands out in my life is that I love it, I enjoy other people and their differences, I am creative, have a great job, make damn good money, have a beautiful daughter, live in a wonderful environment and am well-liked by my friends and family.
So I think I can speak for many long-haireds on this board when I say that based on the above facts when you sum it all up it is a far contrast to what some person's negative comments when if they felt half as good as I did would have no need to say such and wouldn't bother making making such comments. And that, my friend, is the true reality and not the illusion you are speaking of. If more people would concentrate on their own lives, they wouldn't have time to talk about other people.
It has been a pleasure, the weird but probably not-so-weird eccentric,
Chaeya
By the way, Cody, what do you think about "mullets?"
Chaeya
I bet Cody wears a mullet.
Either that or he likes to wear his hair in pretty ribbons and his
bosses wont let him even though he had waist-length hair since he
was three and then someone chopped it off in the subway so his bosses
threatened to fire him if he didn't keep it short.
Happy Scrappy
Well your company must suck. If people are going to judge you by your hair they are not worth it. That is like judging by skin color, age, sexual preference, etc... My boyfriend is 29 and is an engineer and his hair is to his waist--It is soooooo sex!!!!! I am a 28 year old female and I dress all in black and wear some funky things to work. It is time we opened up people's minds--it is almost 2000-people have to get with the times. It is not 1940 anymore!!!!! I am a musician and I am going to live my life like I want-not what others want me to do. See, I don't care if I am I am talked about (good or bad)--either way I am the topic of conversation and I have made enough of an impact to be in people's minds--I like that!!! Keep your hair-I bet you look awesome. Peace!!!
DON'T CUT YOUR HAIR!!!!!!!
Maybe Cody will be good enough to tell us the name of his employer SO WE CAN BOYCOTT THEM!!
this is your opinion. your honesty is a credit to you- but i disagree... of course my opinion is biased; i wear my hair quite long. i believe that i look like an adult- perhaps a bit like an overage rocker- but so what? i have grown up, i hold down 2 jobs, pay my bills on time, try to treat those around me with respect; in short, i manage my life.
this says more about their lack of character. if someone is willing to talk about others behind their back then that someone has issues to deal with. his (or her) opinion has no value to me. IMHO, talking about someone's appearance behind his/her back is FAR more immature than wearing long hair.
my condolences. i used to work for a company where such back-stabbing took place. there was very little 'teamwork' there. it didn't matter what you looked like, you'd be the subject of gossip anyway. i developed a strong dislike for most of my co-workers; their opinions of my appearance meant absolutely nothing to me.
If there's any industry where guys can 1. have long hair and 2.
still make lots of money, it's the computer industry (except for
the rock star industry, of course!). It's an (unfortunately) rare field of work where we're usually judged more by what we can do than
by what we look like.
My experience in the SF Bay Area is that technical computer people
are in such demand that an employer who tries to impose finance-industry appearance standards on us probably doesn't know
what they're doing- computer-, management- or company-wise. And a crackdown on IT hair is seldom going to come by itself, but be a
package of measures designed at making employees into cubicle
drones, which means you don't want to work for them anyway.
A perfect case in point is my mother's employer, a _very_ large and
staid insurance company, tried to force its computer people into
line- no staying late in the office, no long hair, etc. They were forced go back on themselves because they could no longer hire or retain any computer people.
Can't we all just get along. Look, this is my agenda. I look better with longer hair. I don't look like a rockstar, I can probably model if I wanted to, but computers are my life. I just wanted to know how the industry reacts to this kinda thing. I wasn't looking for personal preferences. Geesh, my uncle doesn't stand the way I look, but he's not gonna support me when I work. And my 2 cents in this chaos, some guys have the face for the long hair to enhance their look. I honestly look like a dork with short hair and it doesn't fit my personality. I'm a very unique individual and that doesn't mean crazy. I'm not gonna write a whole novel on this topic. To the guys that gave their experiences in the INDUSTRY, I thank you for sharing it with me.
What you refer to as "chaos" is merely a difference of opinion. Don't get all excited.