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I just had my own experience a few weeks ago. I'm a woman and I've been in a corporate environment for a long, long time and have earned my right to have people leave me alone and let me work. And in the law firms where I work they all did when they saw I wouldn't change, but my expertise won out because not many can do what I do. Well, that's what I thought. Being that I made this transition into real estate, I started out with a big corporate firm here in Orange County, California. I have long, big hair and I keep it neat, its just big. Well, my manager at the real estate firm started hassling me about my hair telling me to pull it back saying that people will take me more serious. At first I started to buy into it feeling very awkward anyway because its a new field for me, but I began to feel miserable feeling that if I have to sell my appearance rather than my expertise then I don't need to be there. Of course, I didn't listen to her and none of my clients ever mentioned my hair, nor treated me funny, they want to buy houses, not me. In fact, I get lots of compliments about my hair. Slowly this corporate firm was taking my energy away with how to dress, what to say all the while saying you were an independent contractor but part of a team. I decided I didn't want to play this game so I went in and I quit. I'm now with a very nice man who let me hang my license with him and work at my own pace, my own hours and how I want, plus I get a higher commission split. Now, I'm happier and I have my confidence back.
I just want to tell all the long hairs in this position that discrimination isn't just limited to men. Also, that you have a choice and that no one has the right to decide or dictate what is good for you, but yourself. Be yourself and others will respect you, not if you tie your hair back or cut it to please something or someone else.
Keep the faith and do it,
Chaeya
Chaeya,
I don't know about everyone else, but I really appreciate you posting that message. However unfortunate the circumstances, it's nice to know that we're all human beings in the same boat.
Also, thanks for the compliments! :-)
-Adam