Did/Does anyone else have this dilemma? (kinda long sorry)

[dimpalz]

I'm not sure if this is right for this section, but it's not off-topic and it's certainly not anything to do with celebrities. But I digress....

I want to cut all my hair off now! I have that HIF thing I keep reading about and this straightness is driving me crazy. I long for the days of wash n go and canerows - I really miss the canerows - and fun little accessories. The problem is; I need a job. I'm graduating soon and whilst they have "equal opportunities" here I don't want to be turned down just cos I look a little "radical" or the employers think I'll be a potential problem. I'm only going natural cos I want HEALTHY long hair, it's got nothing to do with oppression etc. cos I didn't feel like that when I got it relaxed. I just wanted hair that blew in the wind, it did, it does, I'm over it....

Am I wrong in thinking this way? Does anyone have any experiences of this or know anyone who has? I'm thinking of cutting my hair down and getting some braids but until I find a braider I'll just have to deal cos like I said, rocking a TWA to an interview just seems to me like career-suicide. I feel like if I BCd after I got the job they could actually ask me about it, but in an interview it would be improper so they'd just assume the worst.
Am I better off waiting it out?

 

[LipGlassHoney]

I worked for Eli Lilly, the Better Business Bureau and now as a teacher all while interviewing with a TWA. It's your hair though. I'm sorry that you feel that what God made you isn't good enough to get a job. If that's how you feel.

 

[atlien11]

i work in a corporate environment and as much as i hate to say it, sometimes your hairstyle matters to others. I know it sounds stupid but those biases still exist today. I have a good friend from Nigeria that is natural and i have heard comments said about her by her counterparts all behind her back. I am not in a position to tell you what you should do with your hair however i am just saying that those stereo-types and ugly things said do still exist. Do what makes you the most confident. Dont worry about what other people think or 'selling out'. Its your life, its your hair. Just make sure you can live with the decisions you have made.

 

[baglady215]

I agree. It may be wrong, but it is what it is. We still live in a world in which these prejudices exist. I would wait until you got the job to do the BC. It seems like it's against everything we're supposed to stand for, but at the end of the day you have to do you. I wish it wasn't like this. Good luck!

 

[caligirl]

For work, I like the look of "updo" natural styles like flat twists, cornrows, buns, etc. Maybe you can wait until your hair is a little longer so you can do updo styles.