Anonymous wrote:Probably ten years ago it was, but these days most everyone I see has some form of tattoo.

Even professionals that I would assume be not allowed to have them.

Guess the tide has changed.

(I hate inked skin, however it seems like I am in the minority here!)

What people seem to be missing is, even though you "hate inked skin," does it follow that you should "hate" the people with inked skin? Some folks' comments here reflect that attitude.

For PPs who think that those with certain tattoo designs and placement are conformers or followers or "sheeple" -- do you feel so strongly when people wear jewelry or clothing or hairstyles that are the trends of that season or decade?

OP, I think with regard to your visible tattoos at work, it depends on 1. The office policy on visible tattoos and piercings (ask someone), and 2. Your own comfort with showing your tattoo/s. Even if they are allowed by policy, you have come here with the question in the first place which suggests you may not be comfortable with how some people may judge you (as evidenced by this thread, plenty will).

Don't forget the band-aid as an option as well, OP

Anonymous wrote:Probably ten years ago it was, but these days most everyone I see has some form of tattoo.

Even professionals that I would assume be not allowed to have them.

Guess the tide has changed.

(I hate inked skin, however it seems like I am in the minority here!)

Not in DC.
Went to other portions of Virginia this past week and was amazed at how many people had visible tattoos.

I'm not a fan either, although I can see why people might want to have them. But, I do cringe when I see people with tattoos with trendy imagery or in trendy locations. Like some other PPs I assume they are sheeple.

Probably ten years ago it was, but these days most everyone I see has some form of tattoo.

Even professionals that I would assume be not allowed to have them.

Guess the tide has changed.

(I hate inked skin, however it seems like I am in the minority here!)

People are much more conservative in DC than in many other areas of the country. About dress and hair color and colorful clothing and tattoos.

I wish they would loosen up, because most of the country thinks DC is a joke, but if you live here you also need to deal with the conservative nature of the place. I would wait on the wrist tattoo or just get it somewhere else that is easier to hide.

Anonymous wrote:I can understand that it's not that uncommon to have some prejudice against people you don't know who have tattoos, but the statement "no matter how long I've known you, the second I see a tattoo on you, my opinion of you goes down" is bizarre to me verging on d-baggery.

VERGING?

Its blatant pride in being prejudicial and judgmental, which I can't understand. What a miserable way to live.

That has nothing to do with tattoos, you could substitute anything for tattoos here- if you care for someone and then think less of them because they have a different value decision regarding something that is, at the end of the day, cosmetic and meaningless, I think you need to re-examine your heart.

If you want to cover up the tattoo, this makeup is amazing.
http://www.dermablend.com
YouTube video of an extreme example:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9mIBKifOOQQ

My boss (mid-30s GS-15 lawyer) just got one. It raised some eyebrows but I don't think it will hurt her professionally; she has a good reputation plus it matches her overall style so it looks intentional, not like a regrettable impulse. However, it's low enough that it cannot be covered by a sleeve so keep that in mind when planning yours.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in a senior position and no matter how long I've known you, the second I see a tattoo on you, my opinion of you goes down.

I don't care if I'm right or wrong, my only point in posting this is you'd never guess that about me if you know me - so my advice would be to hide it always because you never know by whom you're being judged.

+1

To me it says, "poor judgment, not a planner."

+2
To me it says "follows trends like a sheep, and is a poor planner with no future vision"

I find it absurd when people talk about expressing themselves and commemorating life events. REally, the only thing you came up with is permanently marking yourself?

My husband has a tattoo he sorely regrets, even though it's technically tasteful--and in a spot you'll only see if he takes his shirt off. Good thing, since he's an executive at the company that probably produced the software you're using now.

I prefer to cover my tattoos in the workplace, even if I've seen other people showing their tattoos in those same workplaces. Whether it's right or wrong, people do still carry preconceived notions about people with tattoos (who themselves are often extremely open about other's choices, so I've found), and as far as flashing tattoos -- even small or tasteful -- I don't think society is quite "there" yet as a whole.

That said, mine are coverable by a short sleeved tee/top, so if I had a wrist tattoo Im not sure if I would work that hard to cover it.

Anonymous wrote:I can understand that it's not that uncommon to have some prejudice against people you don't know who have tattoos, but the statement "no matter how long I've known you, the second I see a tattoo on you, my opinion of you goes down" is bizarre to me verging on d-baggery.

Agree with that statement and find it amusing the poster claims no one would ever guess that. I'm sure the attitude shines through in more ways than they realize.

It sounds painful.

I can understand that it's not that uncommon to have some prejudice against people you don't know who have tattoos, but the statement "no matter how long I've known you, the second I see a tattoo on you, my opinion of you goes down" is bizarre to me verging on d-baggery.

It's not that a tattoo is unprofessional, per se -- it is that people who have tattoos are often thought of as impulsive, spur-of-the-moment types who buck authority. I still think of tattoos as emblematic of a live-fast-die-young lifestyle, though I know that they are much more diversely enjoyed these days. So, if you want someone at work to maybe think of you in that light, cool. If not, or if you're not sure, cover it up.

I will say that if I knew an employee was highly skilled and I had respect for them, the tattoo wouldn't change that. But for someone I am just meeting, I am going to assume they have a somewhat rebellious/impulsive side.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in a senior position and no matter how long I've known you, the second I see a tattoo on you, my opinion of you goes down.

I don't care if I'm right or wrong, my only point in posting this is you'd never guess that about me if you know me - so my advice would be to hide it always because you never know by whom you're being judged.

+1

To me it says, "poor judgment, not a planner."

+2
To me it says "follows trends like a sheep, and is a poor planner with no future vision"

I find it absurd when people talk about expressing themselves and commemorating life events. REally, the only thing you came up with is permanently marking yourself?

My husband has a tattoo he sorely regrets, even though it's technically tasteful--and in a spot you'll only see if he takes his shirt off. Good thing, since he's an executive at the company that probably produced the software you're using now.