Wanting a mohawk... but also a job...

[Bald Hobbit]

I want to get a mohawk, but I also need a job. I'm looking at trying to get the latter first, so I don't get screwed over in any job interviews. But I'm getting impatient, and wondering what any of you would do here. What kind of jobs would you say would allow this?

I need a job more than a 'hawk, since I need a mac and some expensive software for film classes.

[Cave Dweller]

What kind of job are you seeking?

[Bald Hobbit]

Anything, really. Well, I'm tired of outdoor work, so not that. Just a part time job like cashier, something like that. I'm a college student still living with my parents, so there's not too much else I can do.

I let my hair grow back over the summer. Once I get the 'hawk my parents will freak. But they'll get over it.

[Blitzed]

There are hawks and then there are Hawks. I'm assuming you're not going after something six inches tall, died various colours and starched. Something cut in the proper shape and carefully groomed, not more than half an inch high probably won't raise too many eyebrows. You seem to indicate that you're in the arts which opens lots of doors through which a hawk of any sort wouldn't be worthy of comment. As to your parents....I shaved my head when I was in my late fifties and my mother took to her bed in shock. Parents are like that. Of course, the first time she saw it was when I was doing the news on television and hadn't mentioned this alteration in advance.

Then there are faux hawks which, to me, aren't hawk-is at all. You know, the sort where the hair is gathered into a ridge line and gelled to stay that way. Frankly, I'd like a hawk myself but I'm not sure I have the hair in front to do it. I should know but since that fateful day 15 years ago, I've never had any hair on my head.

Go for it. Also, if a job won't accept what really isn't very much, I'd seek employment elsewhere. Sure you need to be thoughtful about this but....you're young, the young do this sort of thing and, in the end, no one is much damaged.

[Bald Hobbit]

Thanks, Blitzed. Sadly, there isn't anything in my field right now which could pay at all, just opportunities to expand my resume. I mean, I would like trying that out anyway, but I wouldn't be able to handle the schedule right now.

My hair is at about 1.5 in. right now, and I would allow it to grow out even longer, maybe even up to 7 in. I wouldn't stand it up with gel, even if that were my style, my hair is way too curly for that to work. I would just let it hang loose.

I suppose it's rude to say, but I despise fouxhawks. I want to slap people on the back of the head when they call it a mohawk. It's like saying "I want to be edgy, but not too edgy." Really? If you're going to go for a hawk, at least have the guts to shave the sides. Even buzzed sides annoy me.

My little tangent here.

I'm thinking about just doing it already, job or not.

[g_bald]

You know, it's sad when you have to feel people won't hire/accept you based on a haircut for crying out loud!

Don't get me wrong, I know what you're going through. I could understand if it was some bigwig group you might be frowned upon, but really any job should accept you on the merits of your work (ethic and otherwise) and the ability to work well with others. Your haircut should be a null point. I have wondered myself if anyone would hire me now that I am sly. I'm not too worried at this point, but I think about it. I guess I could always audition for 'Blue Man Group'... 

Seriously, I love hawks too. I once did a faux one just to take a photo of it before buzzing the rest off. I can't do it now, there's too much hair AWOL but if you can do it, you want to do it, then go right ahead. However, you know what they say... 'pictures or it didn't happen' LOL

Your parents will adapt, they have to. It's not like you can sprinkle "hair tonic" on it and it will grow inches overnight.

[slybeard]

Your hairstyle shouldn't matter.  However, since you said you are looking for something like a part time cashier, there may be some establishments that have a strict dress code for employees that interact with the public.  You may want to check out what the policies are before you apply.

There is always a risk the the person doing the hiring may have personal opinions that are not part of the written company policy.  This should not be the case, but in the real world, it still is.  So there may be some risk, but if you are OK with the risk, go for it.

That being said, I see people working in cashier jobs with just about every hairstyle imaginable.

[isleepinthebuff]

At the end of day the role is front of house. people do make first impression judgements and if you want a job like that you will have to consider what employers will think. Get the job and then change your look, it's going to be a slow progression to get your hair into the style you want it so you will have plenty of time to get a job and get your feet under the table with them. They'll then judge you on your performance and not your look

[Laser Man]

At the end of day the role is front of house. people do make first impression judgements and if you want a job like that you will have to consider what employers will think. Get the job and then change your look, it's going to be a slow progression to get your hair into the style you want it so you will have plenty of time to get a job and get your feet under the table with them. They'll then judge you on your performance and not your look

Good advice - get the job, show you're a good performer, then decide what to do.   Depending on where you are, things may be more relaxed so that sporting a mohawk will be okay with your employer.