Thanks a lot you guys! Taking the plunge wouldn't have been nearly as easy without your encouragement. Meant to get to you all sooner but I was on vacation right after I posted. You guys are awesome. I was already a pretty confident guy before I went sly but I feel so confident now it's almost overwhelming! So, thank you all!
@ Streo- if you haven't already, just do it man! Your fears are unfounded. They're all in your head (no pun intended). Watch the video about being scared to shave your head, it will help.
@ DaveM61- I live in Jinjeop, close to Uijeongbu. Been there a few times for dinner. Just out of curiosity, what was your opinion of Korea?
One more time, thank you all. Never had so much support from so many people I didn't know personally. I hope to return the favor to all my sly brothers one day.
< hand raised > "A follow-up question from the audience..."
Tuna, I recall that initially your students and some others weren't, ah, delighted with the change. And I know you were strong enough not to let that sway your determination.
Now that it's been a few weeks, have their opinions changed? And, assuming their opinions have changed would you attribute that to your own confidence? In a subtle way I believe your students have learned something important (about self) beyond their English studies.
FrontierGuy- yes, some of my students like the look now, surprisingly and I think you're right about the confidence thing and their observations. I think they can pick up on the fact that I like the way I look and I feel good about it. They tease me and I just tease myself right along with them with a smile on my face. We all get a good laugh.
My boss on the other hand still hates it. He asked me to wear a hat the other day when we took some pictures for a special event at my school because he said I "look scary". However, I learned something about him the other day that helps explain his hostility towards my look....he wears a wig!!! Ahahaha! I noticed it the other day and asked a co-worker about it and yep, it's true. He's a grown man wearing a wig. Ridiculous. Poor guy. I bet he wishes he had the confidence to go sly.
...he wears a wig!!! Ahahaha! I noticed it the other day and asked a co-worker about it and yep, it's true. He's a grown man wearing a wig. Ridiculous. Poor guy. I bet he wishes he had the confidence to go sly.
(Laughing hard). Agreed, poor guy. I enjoy the confidence of a bald head.
I've seen a number of guys wearing wigs and it just turns on my confidence even more. And here I am. I don't NEED a wig (BBC) yet I shave my head bald! There.
...he wears a wig!!! Ahahaha! I noticed it the other day and asked a co-worker about it and yep, it's true. He's a grown man wearing a wig. Ridiculous. Poor guy. I bet he wishes he had the confidence to go sly.
(Laughing hard). Agreed, poor guy.
That truly is a shame. Jealousy and shame make for an ugly beast...
Glad to hear it's working out for you otherwise, Tuna!
You look great. Stay with it.
They tease me and I just tease myself right along with them with a smile on my face. We all get a good laugh.
I think this is fundamental - having a sense of humor and taking it all in stride. You've experienced a lot of personal growth these last few weeks. You should be incredibly proud of yourself.
You look very natural. I've had bosses, friends and my dear, sainted mother tell me they hate my head but many, many others love it. The bottom line; it only matters what you think about it. If you're confident and composed they won't even think about it and one day they'll be surprised when they see you in a picture with hair. And believe me, they will point it out!
Not sure about Korea and bosses. I know they put a lot more stock in perception and social idioms than we do in the US but I'm sure if you're a stand-up guy and put out for your employer, as everyone should, then they should have no problem and will adjust fine.
(and yes, said sainted mother likes it now and the GF LOVES it. Now to work on grandma)
@Tuna ... ah ... I enjoyed the experience of Korea, but I'm more Euro-centric compared to the Far East, so in comparison, I like Europe better. I'm not a huge fan of the Korean cuisine, and that probably contributed to my overall experience.