If anyone is wondering about if you can get to the C level position with a shaved head, just look at our new member who's a CIO (Chief Information Officer)
http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=5833.msg99345#msg99345
Yes indeed - that would be me. The suggestion of going in the military would be great if you were able. Trust me, I had a pretty awful upbringing - I won't delve into too deeply - but for the sake of helping you HP - here is a tidbit:
My father left when I was two and my sister was a newborn.
My mom married a man when I was 4 and he died from cancer when I was 7
My mom tried to commit suicide shortly thereafter
My mom eventually worked at a seedy truckstop where she eventually turned to prostitution - bringing these guys back to where we lived
My sister and I were verbally abused on a daily basis - called every foul mouthed word in the book
Fast forward to my high school years - moved to a different state - was a geek in school but had good friends (Drama Club, German Club - no sports because I thought I wouldn't fit in)
Decided to go in the Navy with my best bud on the Buddy Program - they offered a 3 year sign-up for a program called Sea College Program.
Spent 3 years in the Navy - saw some of the world - got money to go to college
Went to college - majored in pre-med for one year before switching to Geology - wound up with my Master's in Geology
Moved from PA to KS for a woman I met - took the first job I could find which happened to be in IT - figured I would find a job in geology eventually.
I had a natural aptitude for computers - advanced quickly - got certs (CNE, MCSE, CCNA, CCA - Citrix, etc.)
Got interested in improving the organization - they paid for me to go to school for Six Sigma - got my Six Sigma Black Belt
Used that to improve services and outcomes - was recognized by getting promoted - wound up at director level
Applied for a CIO position a few years later - got the job with a foot long beard and tattoos (covered up of course at the time).
Today, I am still in that position - bald dome, beard, tats - been there long enough that no one "stares" or gives me a second look anymore. Just gotta remember to always smile and FORCE yourself to project a postive attitude even when you are having a horrible day.
Trust me, if I can do it - so can you. I may not be extremely tall and stick out like that - matter fact I am pretty darned short (5' 7") and stocky (215 lbs) - but the beard, tats and dome can make you stick out like a sore thumb.
HP - it's all about trying to get your foot in the door - you say you have a strong work ethic - do whatever you have to to get in the door - GO on those interviews - put your best game face on - fake it 'til you make it - then soon enough you will prove yourself via your hard work and THAT is what people will see - your height, your head - none of that will matter in the least to others. Trust me - I know.
Regards,
Matthew