Work appearance

[bella]

So as I've mentioned I'm fortunate to be self-employed so I don't have to worry about reactions from bosses or coworkers (particularly as a slyette).

However as much as I'd love to do all my work in my fortress of solitude, I do have client meetings every once in a while and some of them, I suspect, are going to freak at the new look.

A friend suggested I grow it out at least a bit so I can get away with girl-with-short-hair but honestly, I don't think that's gonna happen    I'm enjoying it smooth way too much and if I do the 30 day thing it's a lost cause I suspect. 

I might invest in a wig?  Am I overreacting?  Should I just say "screw it" to the clients that can't handle it (which might hurt the bottom line, perhaps quite a bit).  The one client I did meet with this week thought it was awesome but they're probably my least conservative client by far.

This is probably a bigger issue for me as a female but I've read some guys' stories about getting flack at work as well. 

Thoughts and experiences welcome!

[Crusher0209]

Well what do you do as self employed? That is probably will be what decides it but I say if you like then they will just have to accept it. It  is your choose in the end and if you like the look then keep it

[bella]

I'm a marketing consultant, more or less, though I'm more focused on intra-organizational work than actual ad campaigns (BLA BLA BLA)...

So in short I work in a very liberal, but VERY image-conscious field.  The clients I'm worried about are basically transplants out of Mad Men, they didn't get the memo that it's not 1960.

I've always had the attitude that my work speaks for itself (I've only ever owned one business outfit, my uniform is jeans) but since putting out my own shingle I've had to sacrifice some of that cavalier attitude because I have to make the sale in addition to producing the work. 

I'm leaning towards a wig cos it might be a fun thing to have in general and I just looked online and the ones I'd be going for are pretty affordable. 

[Crusher0209]

Well I don't work but I say do what makes you happy. You are the one that has to make the decision ultimately. So hopefully a slyette will know how to deal with this I think gutsygirl might know she has been sly for awhile now

[Bilko1]

First of all, you rock the shaved head, sis, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
Secondly, carry on your work (whatever you do) with the same positive & confident attitude as you already do. I think you will find that folks will respond to your positiveness & confidence more than they do to your sly look which ultimately help your "bottom-line",as you put it.Thirdly, I wouldn't go to the expense of buying a wig, just be your own confidently sly self & be happy.

When I first had my head shaved smooth I did get some reactions from colleagues & managers (mostly positive) but people got used to seeing me as a bald guy by choice & began to admire the fact that I had the courage to have my head shaved.

I would also suggest that if it is in your mind to do the 30-day-rule, that you do it. That way you will definitely get used to seeing yourself as being bald by choice and staying bald, secondly you will get a tremendous confidence boost & thirdly folks that know you will have the opportunity to get used to the new bald you.

By the way, welcome to the site & hope you stay around & post & comment on the boards.

[slyjoe]

Bilko i couldn't agree more. Don't buy a wig. Be proud of your slyness. Don't let anyone tell you anything else.

[Lynchy]

Bella,

I think you could totally rock the bald look in the workplace if you wanted to.

Also though I think that having a bunch of wigs with different styles and colors would be cool too. I think wigs are very acceptable in the female world.

But in the end it's up to you and what you want!

[Crusher0209]

Bella,

I think you could totally rock the bald look in the workplace if you wanted to.

Also though I think that having a bunch of wigs with different styles and colors would be cool too. I think wigs are very acceptable in the female world.

But in the end it's up to you and what you want!

Very good statement Lynchy

[Sir Harry]

Well, Bella, I think this goes for you...and for anyone else....As long as you present your product in a professional manner, a good customer should be concerned with the product and not the person....If a customer rejects you because of your hairstyle, they probably wasn't a good customer for you to begin with....As an aside, a pair of conservative stud or hoop earrings would enhance your look IMO

[bella]

SirHarry, for some reason your reply inspired me to throw on an outfit I'd wear to a client meeting and get a read from y'all with the bald head.  Sorry for the terrible quality/mirror pic/crap in front of the mirror, I live in Manhattan and well let's just say my dish cabinet is also known as my oven.  Extra space I have not.

So, would you trust this person with your business?

[Crusher0209]

Well I certainly would you look good and professional to me 

[bella]

Keep in mind I would usually wear some kind of makeup too.  Very impromptu photoshoot 

[Crusher0209]

Well then it may even look better

[bella]

I actually ended up shooting my fave pic of myself bald so far purely by chance.  Updated the avatar -- it's grainy, poorly lit, and I've not got a stitch of makeup on, but it captures my essence much better than the duck lip pouts do 

[Crusher0209]

I can see why and I definitely think people should be able to trust you and you certainly do look professional