My ears are gauged to 5/8″, I have a little clear rhinestone gem Marylin piercing, and these regularly visible tattoos on my inner wrists.

It’s all quite subtle really. But, I worry people will judge even the slightest, so every time I interview somewhere (Since I left Urban Outfitters) I remove my Marylin piercing, I put in my Cubic Zirconia plugs because I think they look a little less like plugs than my tunnels, and I always wear long sleeves to cover my tattoos. Deceiving? Yes.

At my last job, after I was offered the job I noticed another coworker had large gauged ears, and a stretch nose piercing. It was reassuring and easy for me to feel more comfortable wearing short sleeves and exposing those wrist tattoos, and putting my Marylin piercing back in. My boss noticed it about a month later, and commented that I didn’t have the piercing originally. I told here I took it out for the interview and she laughed and called me sneaky. I always had a really great relationship with her regardless. Turns out she was pretty hip, and had a few tattoos hiding underneath her clothes… As my time went on with the company, I realized more employees had piercings, and more employees with visible piercings and tattoos were hired. I was comfortable with them showing because I no longer worried about being judged or presenting an unprofessional image. I have always been tasteful and appropriate in my work wardrobe. Even if some days, I was more comfortable than others. Our dress code was very relaxed there. I wore jeans everyday. If I did get dressed up (because sometimes it just feels good to) I would get accused of having an interview elsewhere… yeah, that happened. It’s not bad. It was followed by a compliment. But, it did make me uncomfortable with getting too dressed up for work. So, I kept with my casual apparel, and I did love it. It was so easy.

I am on day 4 on my new position. I wore a short sleeved top on day 2, but I still have not put my piercing back in. And I miss it. I have stepped up my daily wardrobe in the past 4 days. I feel much more grown up, as I am dressing the part. I haven’t worn jeans to work, I put on nice shoes, not just flats, nice pants, and make sure my nails are done.

The atmosphere here is different than at my last job’s office. It is still laid back and relaxed mostly. But, people carry themselves a little different. People are a bit more professional in their appearances.  And, I happen to love that. It’s inspiring, and fun! Fun, because I get to get ready in the morning, and feel good about how I look. But, I am worried about putting my piercing back in, and what people will think of my silly little visible tattoos.

I’m sure I’m mostly over thinking it all because, one thing about my Marylin piercing, is that it is just as visible without it in, as it is in.  And I personally thinks a gaping hole looks much worse thane a gem:

Gem (with piercing in)

Gaping hole (without and jewelry)

I’d like to get some feedback, if anyone happens to come across this post. What is the dress code like where you work? Do you have visible tattoos and piercings that you hide, or let show at work? What are your feelings on tattoos or piercings showing in an somewhat professional office environment?

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