Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => Reactions to being Bald => Topic started by: CC Kael on November 05, 2012, 09:27:15 PM
-
You guys will find this interesting. I was let go from my job on Friday, a marketing position within a company. Essentially I wasn't let go due to unsatisfactory work, money is an issue for the organization and they wish to retain my services on a contract basis. Also, I didn't fit into the "culture" there.
Anywho, in the 2 hour conversation with my former boss a few things he said stuck in my mind. First of all, "your beard is a statement". A 3 inch goatee blended into a full beard. He never said anything about it before hand, but it came up then. Also, "...and then you come in here with a shaved head". It wasn't shaved...it was a no guard buzz but I guess it's all the same to the normies. I entend to take it down to the skin in the next couple weeks so that definitely wouldn't have sat well with him. Seems they wanted a cookie cutter employee who does what he's told and nothing else which lead to him saying "...and no one is going to change you."
Might be grounds for wrongful dismissal, but honestly I'm just happy to be out of there. Any of you guys ever encounter any of this outdated type of reaction?
-
I have never ran into this type of crap ! But if I ever did , I would have told them to take a flying leap at a donut ! ;) Goodthing that I am not looking for a job. I have had both long beard , and shaved head. What kind of job was this if you don't mind saying ?
-
It was a marketing position in a small company. It wasn't entirely based on the hair and beard as they apparently just didn't want someone with opinions or who would speak up against something they thought was wrong. But, it was obviously playing on his mind to say it. Would've liked to have told him what I thought of him and the whole organization but I'll need him as a reference when I start the job hunt, haha.
-
Cool , Thanks, you are better with out him. I never have kissed tail and never will. Sounds like you also have the right attitude. Maybe they can get a Robot ! ;D ;D
-
It certainly sounds like grounds for some sort of legal action. BTW, welcome to SBG.
-
CCK, I'm quite saddened by this. It reinforces just how deeply some people choose to elevate themselves at the expense of others.
However, I genuinely believe that all things happen for a reason ... and in this case I think it's clear that this company was not well-suited for you and this gives you the nudge to find something which is ultimately better for you.
You didn't write what the company's products/services are, but the small-minded owner apparently doesn't feel that his marketing should accept/reflect the entire universe of his customer set.
Kudos to you for having the right attitude. A far better opportunity is heading your way.
-
Welcome to SBG.
You need to ask yourself, what is more important, bringing suit or a potential reference? If you bring suit, you can forget the reference.
Good luck and keep us posted.
-
Some people are so narrow minded. To me it certainly sounds like grounds for an unfair dismissal case. But I personally probably wouldn't pursuit it either.
As FG said, you are probably better off out of there anyway, and something better will be just around the corner!
-
Welcome CCK, definitely unfair, one of the bonuses of being self-employed! I also agree with FG, the next, more fitting opportunity is just around the corner, good luck, and welcome to SBG!
-
Always leave a job on good terms. Write them a letter thanking them for the experience etc etc . Some day you may be hat in hand looking for a job from them; when they open the old file and see that you sued them you are toast, they see your nice thankyou and you may have a job.
-
Always leave a job on good terms. Write them a letter thanking them for the experience etc etc . Some day you may be hat in hand looking for a job from them; when they open the old file and see that you sued them you are toast, they see your nice thankyou and you may have a job.
That's a really good suggestion. That may also influence how they respond if asked to provide references for you in the future. Though - here in the States at least - most companies I've dealt with only provide job title, hire/termination dates and (occasionally) final salary if contacted. That may be less so in your case with a small company.
-
You need to go after these guys for wrongful dismissal based on them discriminating about your apperance. Where in the employee manual does it state "no bald people" or "no beards". I understand in some jobs a beard is not allowed for safety reasons...but I doubt this matters in marketing. Sounds like a case for the labor board.
-
Good Luck in your future job search. This could lead to something better.
-
Sorry to hear that you lost your job. Telling you that your appearance was an issue after the fact is flat out poor management.
As to a lawsuit, there are a lot of things to take into consideration. First, as Shro asked, what's more important to you: a recommendation or a lawsuit? Second, you mention the company is very small. Many employment-related laws have exceptions for small business. Third, a lawsuit will take time and possibly divert your attention from finding a new job and doing well at it. Fourth, as you look for a new job, your future employers will ask about why you left your prior job and likely follow up on it, so if they see you are involved in a lawsuit, they may be wary about hiring you. This last point is very unfortunate because many employers know that a former employee with a pending lawsuit has a harder time getting a job, so they can dismiss employees with littl concern about a lawsuit.
Good luck in finding a new position. Remember, a shaved head and well-groomed beard are not disqualifications for a job.
-
Thanks for the input guys. I don't think it was possible for me to leave under any better terms given the circumstances. He praised my work and offered a recommendation, and I know that 95% of employers will want to speak to my last boss. Honestly, happy to be out of there. It was a lay off and not a firing so it shouldn't reflect negatively on me.
That aside, I've decided to take it down to the skin from a no guard buzz when I get back from a trip home to my parents' house next weekend. In an odd way, this whole job thing has made me see that I shouldn't be as concerned what others think. And what better time than a stretch of unemployment to try it out?
-
Glad to see you are looking at it from the right angle, lets hope it's not too long of a stretch!
-
I would imagine that in some other organization, a beard w/ a bald head would be just the "edge" they are looking for. I think of Marketing today as progressive and edgy.. not preppy and "fit-the-mold" kinda people. This whole experience may lead to the perfect job for you... one that fits your look (which is who you are). If you feel that you need to look more professional, just make sure the beard is neatly trimmed (maybe not too long) and has a simple style to the shape. You can alter it as you feel is appropriate as you go along. I had to pick up my company president from the airport one time, so I trimmed my goatee to an ordinary shape (kinda like in my profile pic). At the time, I was letting it grow at more of an angle toward my jaw line. I don't feel I have the total freedom to grow the beard-of-beards, but I am pretty content with a beard of any size, because I worked in a job for years where no beard was allowed.
Good luck to you in your job search, bud!!
-
O0 :) 8)
-
Well, we always say to try the 30 day rule when you're getting used to slydom, let's hope that it also works for getting a job!
-
Since you left under good terms and your former employer offered a good recommendation, sounds like there's no reason to look into a lawsuit.
As far as shaving your head, go to it! You'll love it and when you interview, no one will have seen you any other way, so you will look natural as a sly guy.
Good luck!
-
As a former Lawyer I would suggest you see an employment lawyer. If you sue they can't retaliate with a bad reference. You cam't give bad references without opening yourself to possible suit again. Don't take sh*t like that lying down.
-
Of course Canadian law may differ from U.S.
Ultimately I think you need to decide (perhaps with professional advice) whether this is a battle you want to fight - based on possible expense, time required, etc. Or is the better path simply to appreciate the boost to move on to an employer/job where you are genuinely appreciated and see opportunities.
-
Honestly, I was gettin' the hell outta there as soon as something better came along. Underpaid and underappreciated. I didn't go to university for years to put up with their crap for such low pay.
Despite the dumb reason for dismissal, the whole thing was pretty cordial and we left on good terms with him offering me some contract work. Seems like it was a money issue there as well.
-
Took the plunge tonight and took it right down to the skin. Can't stop rubbing the scalp but I assume that'll subside...haha. Don't think I'll keep it slick just yet as there are some scalp issues I need to clear up first (seborrhic dermatitis), but this is the first time there hasn't been scabs or flaky skin on my head in years and it feels great. Probably keep it at a short buzz with the occasional shave until I can get the redness from the SD to go away.
Once that finally clears, perhaps I'll pick this up again over in the 30 day section. :)
-
Congratulations on the shave. Now you know how good it feels and looks (minus the SD issue), which will make any future decisions much easier and permanent. Continued success on all fronts.
-
Congrats! Have a talk to Schro, as far as I'm aware he dealt with SD and has no issues anymore
-
Good to hear that there is no pending legal action. Unless there is a probable and huge pay-off it is just not worth the stress and trouble IMHO.
-
I am surprised that the shaved head and beard were brought up! I remember many years ago, I used to work for Fred Meyer Stores, which is now part of Kroger. For years, the supermarket industry was one of the most conservative in terms of dress code. Back in the 1980's, men could only sport a mustache and sideburns down to the bottom of the earlobe and moderately long hair. I worked for that company off and on during a 10 year stretch in my teens and twenties. So only during my time while I was attending college, did I even have a beard. I had to shave it off during every break when I came back to work. But NOW, I go into various chain supermarkets and I see shaved head and full beards plus piercings and tattoos!. Maybe the supermarket industry decided to reflect how their customers look!
-
I wonder if the 'shaved head' & 'beard' comment was a personal opinion hiding the fact that they found that they can hire someone else for less money?