Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: Timbo1941 on July 29, 2010, 07:00:18 PM
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I will be bald starting a week from Friday. I have decided to go for it. Comments from newyawka and Rob were especially helpful and all you guys have been a great help.
So I'm saying goodbye to the 'corporate' haircut in my photo when I say goodbye to my corporate job next week. I'll start my new blue collar job as a bald man.
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Congrats on the new job and your new start on life. You're in the right position now, especially to shave it smooth. Think of it as a whole new beginning. I can really relate to you Tim because I went through the same type of thing as you're going through, three years ago just this past month. A total life change.
I can only encourage you to go with it, remember you're making a fresh path in your life, practically starting over. What better way to do it than go out there and try something you know you want to do?
I think you're going to be fine. Hang in there and face it proudly, feel the confidence that will come over you when you do the things you want to do. Put it out there.
........Good luck! O0
So, I've decided to go through with it. I have an appointment with the clippers next Friday after my last day at my current job. O0
I told my barber I would rather start with a buzz and he said "Forget it. Just get it all shaved off at once. If you're going to do it, then do it right! "
For twelve years this man has been cutting my hair and asking me if he 'took too much off'. Now he is looking forward to shaving it all off! My hair is very thick on top and in the back but he said it would only take a few minutes and I'm done.
He said he would leave a great shine on my scalp. 8) That will be a new one for me.
The barber is going to take before-and-after photos. We talked about my new blue collar life that I'll be starting - as you say, a whole new start in most ways.
It will be more than a head shave - it will be part of a transformation that I hope will be a good transition into something new. The old image has to go - all of it.
So I'm going to bring my coveralls and work boots with me to change into before the head shave so I can 'shed' (good word O0) and be free of the useless, expensive, fancy symbols that I have used to create the executive persona that used to mean so much to me : the Armani pinstriped suit, the necktie, the starched shirt, the Italian captoe shoes, the black Brooks Brothers socks, the cufflinks and the briefcase along with my corporate haircut that goes with them. It's all part of the same fake package. For some it is exactly right. But it no longer fits me. O0
I guess I will really look like a new man when I leave the shop. But WHAT I will look like - well, I will soon know!
How will people respond differently? I don't know. I wil have to see. They are used to one "Timothy". Now there will be a new one.
I will be shorn of my image along with my hair. I have shown that to the world for years. I don't know what the new image will be. But that's for the future. O0
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Personally, I'd leave the old job with something that they could remember me for! ;)
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Agree with Sarge -- show up for work on your last day in your overalls and shaved head. What a GREAT way to transform.
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Agree with Sarge -- show up for work on your last day in your overalls and shaved head. What a GREAT way to transform.
Personally, I'd leave the old job with something that they could remember me for! ;)
That would be an abrupt transformation for my office: Armani pinstripes, necktie, expensive dress shoes and a full head of hair on Thursday afternoon and then coveralls with a name tag, work boots, with my head shaved completely bald on Friday morning - in a stuffy and proper upper crust investment bank.....????
Well, we'll see about that one. I can imagine my boss's face....It would be something no one would forget. :o
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Well, I'd do the head shave for sure! ;D
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Well, I'd do the head shave for sure! ;D
I agree with Sarge on this one......... Good Luck Tim!
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would love to be a fly on the wall to witness THAT entrance! :*))
Agree with Sarge -- show up for work on your last day in your overalls and shaved head. What a GREAT way to transform.
Personally, I'd leave the old job with something that they could remember me for! ;)
That would be an abrupt transformation for my office: Armani pinstripes, necktie, expensive dress shoes and a full head of hair on Thursday afternoon and then coveralls with a name tag, work boots, with my head shaved completely bald on Friday morning - in a stuffy and proper upper crust investment bank.....????
Well, we'll see about that one. I can imagine my boss's face....It would be something no one would forget. :o
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That sure would be a case of "burning my boats". If I ever wanted to return to my old life it would be very, very hard to get a reference. My last day on the job will be the first thing they remember in the future.....
Going back to "Timothy the Investment Banker" woud be a lot harder after an entrance (and an exit) in coveralls with all of my hair shaved off. 8)
would love to be a fly on the wall to witness THAT entrance! :*))
Agree with Sarge -- show up for work on your last day in your overalls and shaved head. What a GREAT way to transform.
Personally, I'd leave the old job with something that they could remember me for! ;)
That would be an abrupt transformation for my office: Armani pinstripes, necktie, expensive dress shoes and a full head of hair on Thursday afternoon and then coveralls with a name tag, work boots, with my head shaved completely bald on Friday morning - in a stuffy and proper upper crust investment bank.....????
Well, we'll see about that one. I can imagine my boss's face....It would be something no one would forget. :o
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Good luck with whatever you do but I would at least shave my head.
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Start with the headshave Tim, just take care of that. I wouldn't do any of the other stuff though.
Leave with a good attitude and your head held high, and start your new life. O0
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Just checked back to this thread and it looks like it is unanimous advice: I should show up for my last day at the bank with a bald head! 8)
Just curious: Why do you suggest it? As a statement? I'm new to this whole Sly thing... O0
Good luck with whatever you do but I would at least shave my head.
Well, I'd do the head shave for sure! ;D
I agree with Sarge on this one......... Good Luck Tim!
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Start with the headshave Tim, just take care of that. I wouldn't do any of the other stuff though.
Leave with a good attitude and your head held high, and start your new life. O0
Head held high...yes... O0
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I think going to work shaved for your last day will show others that you are committed to making an important life change. Could be a subtle way of sticking it to "the man" too? ;D
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I think going to work shaved for your last day will show others that you are committed to making an important life change. Could be a subtle way of sticking it to "the man" too? ;D
Classic answer. Thanks
I had never even thought of "sticking it to the man" before because until now I was the man! I hadn't thought of that before. ???
This will be a major change in status and perspective. 8)
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I would recommend a new pair of shades too.
Probably a pair that gives you that edgy look you always wanted.
Some radical Oakley's or some wicked War Farer's.
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I think going to work shaved for your last day will show others that you are committed to making an important life change. Could be a subtle way of sticking it to "the man" too? ;D
Talking about "sticking it to the man" is all fine and good, but remember before ever burning bridges and relationships, business--you may need a loan to start your own business-- or personal, that friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate.
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I once talked to an older gentleman who told the story of a woman, who on her last day of work was planning to tell everyone in her office just what she thought about them. Everyone was going to get an ear-full! My friend suggested that she should re-think that.
He advised that for 5 minutes of gratification, she could never undo what she said. His advise was to thank the boss for 20 years of paychecks and wish everyone a fond farewell and keep to herself how glad she was that all the coworkers were now out of her life.
I don't know on what terms you are with your soon to be ex-coworkers, but be careful. Your hair may grow back if you choose so, but you can't un-ring a bell. If you want to make a statement, a shaved head will do that!
Have fun and enjoy the beginning of your new life!!!
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I think going to work shaved for your last day will show others that you are committed to making an important life change. Could be a subtle way of sticking it to "the man" too? ;D
Talking about "sticking it to the man" is all fine and good, but remember before ever burning bridges and relationships, business--you may need a loan to start your own business-- or personal, that friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate.
I'm just having some fun with this, Saint. This really is a major trasformation across the board and I am a little tense about it - but I know it's the right thing.
The "burning bridges" reference was to wearing coveralls and work boots instead of my business suit and wingtips on my last day at work. I don't really see myself doing that. If I show up bald they will be shocked - no doubt about it - and react very differently from someone who came in to the job without hair. I'm not sure what to do about that last day - but I won't deliberately offend anyone. This is a friendly leaving on my part and I have no enemies (that I know of...!) at the bank.
On the other hand the ones that I know where I will be working do think I'm making a big mistake - and they know nothing about the head shave. I will definitely be losing most of my business friends, although we can still do business at some point. But they do think I'm a little crazy to do this....So I can't please everyone... O0
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I once talked to an older gentleman who told the story of a woman, who on her last day of work was planning to tell everyone in her office just what she thought about them. Everyone was going to get an ear-full! My friend suggested that she should re-think that.
He advised that for 5 minutes of gratification, she could never undo what she said. His advise was to thank the boss for 20 years of paychecks and wish everyone a fond farewell and keep to herself how glad she was that all the coworkers were now out of her life.
I don't know on what terms you are with your soon to be ex-coworkers, but be careful. Your hair may grow back if you choose so, but you can't un-ring a bell. If you want to make a statement, a shaved head will do that!
Have fun and enjoy the beginning of your new life!!!
I'm not sure where this is coming from...
I think if you read my posts here that I am not thinking of giving anyone an earfull or telling anyone off. That's not my way of doing things. This is my decision - not theirs - and I have no plans to insult anyone.
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Timbo,
You're right, I should have read all your posts.
Hope you have fun the last week at the office, and enjoy the new life, free of hair.
Take care, and keep us posted...
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I think going to work shaved for your last day will show others that you are committed to making an important life change. Could be a subtle way of sticking it to "the man" too? ;D
Talking about "sticking it to the man" is all fine and good, but remember before ever burning bridges and relationships, business--you may need a loan to start your own business-- or personal, that friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate.
Great advice for sure Saintc, namely the unwise practice of burning bridges. I was more referring to how his shaved head may possibly shock and disconcert his co-workers, and maybe make them step back and evaluate their own lives and choices. I guess "sticking it to the man" wasn't the best choice of words. ::)
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I'll say this again - I am not planning on burning bridges.
I am not a fool.
Some of the suggestions would mean burning bridges, and I am not planning on doing that. I was describing what that would mean.
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IMO a last day extravaganza wouldn't make any sense.
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Sounds like some of us assumed you were laid-off or fired, which isn't the case.
In any case, good luck with the new look and job.
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That sure would be a case of "burning my boats". If I ever wanted to return to my old life it would be very, very hard to get a reference.
Why? Shaving your head would invalidate all the good work you've done and cause your former employers to refuse you a reference?
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No - not just cutting off my hair. My point is that the total transformation on the last day of my old job would not leave a good impression. If I just walked in bald there would be plenty of surprised looks, but probably not much else.
But as I said, the corporate haircutis just part of an entire image that I am giving up and throwing away.
I am taking off my old self and putting on a new one. In my transition, I am taking off all the fancy clothes and uneccsary stuff, as I said, that are part of my current job and replacing it with the clothes I really need for my new job: my Armani suit, cufflinks, white shirt and silk tie and putting on mechanic's coveralls with a a name tag, a new identity, and I am taking off my Italian shoes and even my black dress socks and replacing them with work boots and sweat socks. One belongs to the bank and one belongs to the new job as a mechanic.
In the same way I am taking off my hair and putting on a bald head.
That will be my new image. If I show up on my last day at the bank dressed like a mechanic with a bald head they will wonder why I was doing it - and that would be a fair question.
It would not nullify everything of course, but yes, it would burn some bridges by doing it. The bald head would only be a part of the big change. But I would leave them with a negative view of me that would last a while.
That sure would be a case of "burning my boats". If I ever wanted to return to my old life it would be very, very hard to get a reference.
Why? Shaving your head would invalidate all the good work you've done and cause your former employers to refuse you a reference?
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Whichever route you take, good luck, friend!! I have a feeling after you go SLY, you will think it is a great, great thing and see that is was really NO big deal after all!
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Thanks reb. It is good to have the decision made.
Whichever route you take, good luck, friend!! I have a feeling after you go SLY, you will think it is a great, great thing and see that is was really NO big deal after all!
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I'm glad you're going for the shave and you've set a date. It must be a great feeling to be totally 're-inventing' yourself. It's something I do from time to time, but never on the scale you are planning! be sure and post pics when the deed happens.
I'm glad my advice helped you decide. I agree in one way that the SLY look with a suit on the last day would look cool, but you gotta do what you feel is best.
I'm sort of the opposite: I like the suit and shaved head look, but I also like the jeans and Tshirt SLY look too!
It's great that you are taking control and giving yourself a new image, especially after all this time of being 'the suit guy'. 8) O0
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There have been several threads over the past months about going sly in a "professional" environment, and at this point in time, Sly has become mainstream enough that it is accepted in most places. Sly in an Armani suit can be a very distinguished look.
Chicago seems to be an area where sly is widely accepted. When I went sly, nobody said anything, but I went sly gradually over the course of many months (about 1/8 in at a time). I'd say get it done after you finish your last day.
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Thanks again for the encouaragement. Yes, it is great to take control and create a new image and I am learning as I go. You're exactly right: I have been "the suit guy" since I left college, and nothing else. That is a persona that I am used to. The response is predictable.
But I won't be 'the suit guy' anymore when I am doing oil changes and learning the ropes at the garage! I know it will be a very different way of life. I have always worked on cars since I was a boy. But doing it every day is very different, I know. Even if it doesn't work out, at least it will be a change and can lead to other things, and maybe it will be a great choice and I iwll like it from the beginning. The training is going well.
I'm glad you're going for the shave and you've set a date. It must be a great feeling to be totally 're-inventing' yourself. It's something I do from time to time, but never on the scale you are planning! be sure and post pics when the deed happens.
I'm glad my advice helped you decide. I agree in one way that the SLY look with a suit on the last day would look cool, but you gotta do what you feel is best.
I'm sort of the opposite: I like the suit and shaved head look, but I also like the jeans and Tshirt SLY look too!
It's great that you are taking control and giving yourself a new image, especially after all this time of being 'the suit guy'. 8) O0
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That's what I'm planning. And really it is for my self: I want to get rid of the corporate hair as well as my pinstriped suit, tie, briefcase and even my shoes all at once, instead of in stages. I like the idea of the complete change. I will bring the coveralls to the barber shop, enter as an executive with a full head of hair and leave as a bald blue collar man. I can have some time on my own to get used to how it feels and see what kind of response I get in a casual way. I feel more control that way.
There have been several threads over the past months about going sly in a "professional" environment, and at this point in time, Sly has become mainstream enough that it is accepted in most places. Sly in an Armani suit can be a very distinguished look.
Chicago seems to be an area where sly is widely accepted. When I went sly, nobody said anything, but I went sly gradually over the course of many months (about 1/8 in at a time). I'd say get it done after you finish your last day.
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Timbo,
You're right, I should have read all your posts.
Hope you have fun the last week at the office, and enjoy the new life, free of hair.
Take care, and keep us posted...
No problem. O0
I am happy to leave my current job with good memories. I am very dissatisfied and eager to leave because of changes in myself - not because of them. :)
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You mean as a recruiter? In that case I had better bring some spare coveralls and boots and my barber's address in case they want to join me. O:O
This made me LAUGH... :*))
Ony because you would have to know our VP of finance in the next office. Very formal and by-the-book and hard-charging. He makes me look relaxed. ;D
I can see him take one look at my bald head and hear about my plans to go blue collar (which he doesn't know about) and before I finish my sentence he quits his job; his wife and our boss are both in shock; the next second his Italian shoes are off his feet, his tie is in the trash and he is swapping his Brioni suit for coveralls to join me, with a brief stop to shave off his full head of hair (of which he is very proud). 8)
Well - I suppose it could happen. Something like that is happening to me..... 8)
(And please know that I am joking.......no bridge burning - but an interesting picture) ;)
................I was more referring to how his shaved head may possibly shock and disconcert his co-workers, and maybe make them step back and evaluate their own lives and choices. . ::)
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You know, you made me think about the "blue collar' v "corporate executive" comparison... some of the most dynamic executive types with great presence are sly!
I was only half kidding about your last day... like you, just imagining. You walk in with your head shaved, full of confidence and pride and when you finish your last day everyone says... "who was that and why did we ever let him leave?" O0
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That's true Sarge - Mark Mobius is one example.
If I were staying in finance I don't know if I would even be thinking of shaving my head. The head shave is part of the whole transformation = job, clothes, whole identity - and now I decided I will be trading in my car (Lexus) for a truck.
But you may right about the last day. I'm leaning on just waiting - really so I can do the whole change at once. But it's possible. This forum makes me consider ideas I would not have thought of. 8)
You know, you made me think about the "blue collar' v "corporate executive" comparison... some of the most dynamic executive types with great presence are sly!
I was only half kidding about your last day... like you, just imagining. You walk in with your head shaved, full of confidence and pride and when you finish your last day everyone says... "who was that and why did we ever let him leave?" O0
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That's true Sarge - Mark Mobius is one example.
If I were staying in finance I don't know if I would even be thinking of shaving my head. The head shave is part of the whole transformation = job, clothes, whole identity - and now I decided I will be trading in my car (Lexus) for a truck.
But you may right about the last day. I'm leaning on just waiting - really so I can do the whole change at once. But it's possible. This forum makes me consider ideas I would not have thought of. 8)
You know, you made me think about the "blue collar' v "corporate executive" comparison... some of the most dynamic executive types with great presence are sly!
I was only half kidding about your last day... like you, just imagining. You walk in with your head shaved, full of confidence and pride and when you finish your last day everyone says... "who was that and why did we ever let him leave?" O0
There's an old saying, "be true to yourself". You have to be you, if that's driving a truck then you'll be happy but if driving a Lexus is what makes you happy, then drive that. You know what I'm saying? I could pull off the suit and tie deal and articulate my vocabulary to impress people and even make them believe I am more than I actually am. On the flip side, you can dress down and dump the high step verbiage but its all an act. I know it's silly sounding but my signature says "I am what I am, it's all what I am" Popeye had it right!
Be yourself bro. Shaving your head is the first step to liberating yourself from "what other people think". You can't please everyone so you have to please yourself!
Dress how you like. You might like the tie but just need a bolder color! ;)
I look at myself and know without a doubt that I look better with hair. But I like shaving my head and it is for me freedom from the bondage of people pleasing, so sly it is!
I also like blue jeans and t-shirts but on occasion I like to dress up and go to an expensive restaurant or even wear Dockers and a Polo shirt to go to Mc Donald's. The bottom line is I do it to please myself and nobody else. That's freedom bro! O0
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Absolutely Sarge. You're right. O0
I don't feel comfortable with the way I look and dress anymore and how I spend my day - and it's gotten much stronger in recent months. I feel constrained. It feels false to me - like I'm putting on a show for other people. So I am gettng rid of it completely and starting something that feels right. It's hard to explain. It sounded crazy but when I started the mechanic training I thought: I LIKE this. It will take plenty of work but I believe I can do it.
I am entering a whole new life and it will take time to become part of it, I know. I won't fit in at first. But I will work at it. And if it doesn't work I will try something else.
But wearing a business suit to work is not what I want now - that I do know. Even small things like keeping my shoes polished and tying a tie every work day are part of a life I don't want anymore.
I think the truck is much more practical now - and not just a part of the new image. I plan to travel around into parts of the country I haven't seen - mountains and deserts - where I have friends, and a truck is much better for that. I don't want to have to worry as much about how things look and seem.
It's an 'itch' like the desire to shave off my hair and go bald. It's like there is a different man inside slowly trying to get out and now really pushing hard to be heard. O0
That's true Sarge - Mark Mobius is one example.
If I were staying in finance I don't know if I would even be thinking of shaving my head. The head shave is part of the whole transformation = job, clothes, whole identity - and now I decided I will be trading in my car (Lexus) for a truck.
But you may right about the last day. I'm leaning on just waiting - really so I can do the whole change at once. But it's possible. This forum makes me consider ideas I would not have thought of. 8)
You know, you made me think about the "blue collar' v "corporate executive" comparison... some of the most dynamic executive types with great presence are sly!
I was only half kidding about your last day... like you, just imagining. You walk in with your head shaved, full of confidence and pride and when you finish your last day everyone says... "who was that and why did we ever let him leave?" O0
There's an old saying, "be true to yourself". You have to be you, if that's driving a truck then you'll be happy but if driving a Lexus is what makes you happy, then drive that. You know what I'm saying? I could pull off the suit and tie deal and articulate my vocabulary to impress people and even make them believe I am more than I actually am. On the flip side, you can dress down and dump the high step verbiage but its all an act. I know it's silly sounding but my signature says "I am what I am, it's all what I am" Popeye had it right!
Be yourself bro. Shaving your head is the first step to liberating yourself from "what other people think". You can't please everyone so you have to please yourself!
Dress how you like. You might like the tie but just need a bolder color! ;)
I look at myself and know without a doubt that I look better with hair. But I like shaving my head and it is for me freedom from the bondage of people pleasing, so sly it is!
I also like blue jeans and t-shirts but on occasion I like to dress up and go to an expensive restaurant or even wear Dockers and a Polo shirt to go to Mc Donald's. The bottom line is I do it to please myself and nobody else. That's freedom bro! O0
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Right on bro... then we've got your back! O0
Might I suggest what I drive: (https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi26.tinypic.com%2F2reiiif.jpg&hash=c91813f056319e70500ff6f304430f386c80f997) O:O
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Great idea O0 8)
Right on bro... then we've got your back! O0
Might I suggest what I drive: (https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi26.tinypic.com%2F2reiiif.jpg&hash=c91813f056319e70500ff6f304430f386c80f997) O:O
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Nothing quite like a good truck. I drive a 1993 bright red Toyota that I bought new 17 years ago. It has 160K on it and runs great, hope to drive it for another 20 years.
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It looks like the right choice for now for me. I haven't taken time for travel and when the first vacation time comes I'm planning on seeing some of the states I haven't seen.
Nothing quite like a good truck. I drive a 1993 bright red Toyota that I bought new 17 years ago. It has 160K on it and runs great, hope to drive it for another 20 years.
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I agree with BillonBass....... Get your head shaved on the Thursday after work & then go into the office on your last day as a new, proud & happy bald guy & "stick it to the man", so to speak.
God bless you in your decision. :)
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One thing about it, they can't fire you since you are on your last day. But seriously, do what you feel most comfortable with.
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Toyotas are amazing. My dad recently retired his 1986 Toyota pickup. It has about 560k miles on it, original engine.
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Well, that's two more votes for Bald at the Bank on the last day! ;D
There doesn't seem to be much support for the overalls-and-boots suggestion from pdxtodd - who now has a viking helmet in his photo.
However there was a seond vote in favor from my ex-brother-in-law (good guy who has remained a friend) who told me I was crazy to leave my career and crazy to shave my head, but if I'm going to do it anyway I might as well go to the bank bald dressed as a mechanic and have some fun with it. (No - I don't think he was serious and I'm not doing it....) He also asked if he would get a price break at the garage where I will work and could he have some of my suits. ;)
So there have been plenty of opinions but I will likely just wait and do everything on Friday after work.
Great reading these opinions, though...!
One thing about it, they can't fire you since you are on your last day. But seriously, do what you feel most comfortable with.
....... Get your head shaved on the Thursday after work & then go into the office on your last day as a new, proud & happy bald guy & "stick it to the man", so to speak.
...
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I'm looking at a toyota and a dodge - have heard good things about both.
Toyotas are amazing. My dad recently retired his 1986 Toyota pickup. It has about 560k miles on it, original engine.
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While I believe it's a great thing to have some fun, I also think that it's important to never burn your bridges. So make sure that whatever you decide to do doesn't have bad ramifications for your future.
I can't wait to see the pictures of the "new you"! The courage you are showing in taking your own life into your hands is inspiring.
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While I believe it's a great thing to have some fun, I also think that it's important to never burn your bridges. So make sure that whatever you decide to do doesn't have bad ramifications for your future..
I won't be having any fun and I won't be burning any bridges. The hair and the suit and the wingtips stay on for Friday - until 5 PM.
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I can't figure out why you're waiting. I mean in for a penny, in for a pound--why not take it to the bone now and enjoy the last week. Who knows you might jog some of your compatriots into a move too.
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I want the whole transformation at one time - not in stages. That is what I want.
I can't figure out why you're waiting. I mean in for a penny, in for a pound--why not take it to the bone now and enjoy the last week. Who knows you might jog some of your compatriots into a move too.
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yeah:I can understand that - the hair and suits for the bank, the shaved head and overalls for the garage: a complete new you for a different life. Lookin forward to Friday though, and seein the new you! O0
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Timbo, please check out my comments on your other thread "Thoughts about shaving my head".
If you are good with all that I presented, my only other thought is "Vaya con Dios, mi amigo" (go with God, my friend). 8)