Parents Said That "I Can't Get A Job If I Big Chop"

[CarLiTa]

I just don't see this discrimination against TWA's (that are neatly trimmed, no accessories, no hair dye, etc.-- just neat & simple).

I thought this topic was interesting and wanted to go back to it.

Since the OP mentioned her length, I think it would be fine to BC now (depending on the environment).

I think the "in-between" length is hard. For example, I am almost 9 months post. My afro would not be teeny-weeny enough to ALWAYS look neat, I don't think.

At this stage, I'd prefer to not BC right before a summer job (considering the fields i'm interested in) and potentially look a mess on the days when i'm having a hard time adjusting.

I think a TWA is easier to maintain and can definitely look professional.

An in-between-in-the-process-of-being-grown-out fro might cause me (in particular) some issues. I'd rather wait.

Overall, I do think it's about perception management. I don't see what's wrong with waiting to BC... it isn't as if one wants to completely forgo her natural hair just for a job.

I think once you are IN, you can afford to let your creativity (whether through your hair, your clothing choices, or whatever) show... but I wouldn't let that affect my chances of getting a job in the first place (all depending on the industry, of course).

 

[pinkchocolatedaisy]

I think you should just go ahead and BC! I bced in June 08 and I went for a job interview about 2 weeks later. It was for the sheriffs dept and basically I would've been a booking clerk. I so had the job in the bag and they wanted to hire me! (stupid me turned them down and now I'm regretting it, but anyhoo..... my hair was about this length below):

(I don't remember what you said your length was)

ETA: I just checked out your fotki and looked at your new growth. I think that's a good point to bc and the length wouldn't look bad at all IMO! I was about 5-6 mos post when I bced.

Good luck

 

[Renewed1]

I struggled with the same issue prior to my BC. As you can see below, I BC'ed anyway, when I go to interviews I just wear a wig. That solves all of my problems worrying about if my short hair will be accepted or not. Once I get the job I may wear my hair out, I haven't decided yet.

But I"ve been wearing a lace front on my interviews.

 

[Renewed1]

I wanted to add that if you do showoff your TWA, use a shampoo/conditioner that will define your curls more and don't comb the curls out. I've seen alot of women do this and their hair is so cute.

 

[Esq.2B]

OP, you said you don't want to wear a wig during the summer. I imagine you mean daily? So how about you wear a wig to the job interview. Once you get the gig, you don't have to wear the wig to work everyday. You can just show up for work rocking your real hair.