Working at an information desk is difficult, sometimes. From the strategically placed brochures, to the arrangement of the binders in a cabinet, everything must be pristine, and that's usually where all the "hard" work is. But what about the employees? Are they expected to be just as immaculate as the desk itself? Are piercings or tattoos even allowed?
Sarah Davidson is an information desk attendant on the University of Utah campus. Throughout her employment she has had a total of five piercings, all of which have been (or are) through her ears, and one tattoo.
Regarding her tattoo, Sarah made sure the tattoo fell inside uniform guidelines. She asked her manager, Marci, about getting a tattoo before she decided to get one, "I actually asked Marci first before getting a tattoo if that would be ok. Marci was totally supportive of my tattoo idea and was excited to see it after I got it," she explained.
Yet despite having her manager's approval, Sarah wanted to ensure it would not affect her current employment or future employment endeavors in any way. "The placement of my tattoo was chosen specifically for the fact that it is hidden when my hair is down," Sarah explained, "I made the choice to keep it hidden in order to keep this job and so that future employers would not judge me or have issues hiring me because of a visible tattoo."
When asked about her piercings Sarah simply replied, "I haven't really gotten any thus far that I think would interfere with work." Historically, Sarah has had a few ear piercings including two holes in each of her ear lobes (one set of which she still has and is gauged) and an industrial rod through her ear cartilage. As for future piercings? She told me she was considering getting a "Monroe piercing" which is an upper lip piercing that gives the impression of a beauty mark.
When asked what her manager would say Sarah straightforwardly said,"I'm not really worried about Marci freaking out about it because she has allowed other facial piercings."
So what about for future jobs? What was her view on having her piercings affect her odds with an employer after college? "When it comes to finding a job after this one, I will probably take out the piercing[s]," she told me.
Her final thought on her piercings and her future career was simple, "no piercings, no matter how utterly sexy, are worth losing out on a job or career opportunity."
