Son says he needs to cut his long hair for job

[TAX GUY]

I was talking specifically about the people I see working at the various grocery stores I shop at. I see all kinds of looks and accessories that would have been a problem in the past. It seems pretty wide open where I am which is why I commented on it.

I was replying more to this part...

A requirement like that seems to be far from the norm around me. There is a variety of looks at the stores I frequent and I'm surprised something like this is even an issue in today's world.

 

[Mysterian]

Wait a sec. If he has friends working there, I'm surprised he didn't have prior notice that cutting his hair would be a requirement. And he's already accepted the job.
There must be other places he could have applied to, unless he's just looking for a job where he can be with his friends.
Have him twist his hair into sideburns, a beard, and a neck tie, and it's a Win/Win for everyone.

 

[VandVsmama]

My son just got his first job at a grocery store. It is one of those traditional stores that still make male employees wear ties and all that, and he says he needs to cut his hair short (off collars/ears/eyes) for it. He has gorgeous long surfer hair, and he is both excited for the job because he will be working with a bunch of his friends, but also disappointed to have to cut his hair.

I said he shouldn't have to cut his hair for a part-time job, but my husband (who has never been a super big fan of his hair and tbh I think it's just glad he is finally cutting it) says that that is bad advice, and that a professional haircut would suit him well. I know there are lots of other jobs out there that is less strict, but he also seems excited to work with friends so I am not sure how to advise him.

If he wants to work there, then he has to abide by its dress code regardless of whether or not he agrees with it. So since employment there requires short hair, then if he is going to work there, then short hair is required.

If he wants to keep his long hair, then he needs to find a different job elsewhere.

It's as simple as that. Tell him "Welcome to Adulting 101."

 

[TippyThomas]

I was replying more to this part...

I meant today's world in being a grocery store associate, not a professional baseball player.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

I said he shouldn't have to cut his hair for a part-time job, but my husband (who has never been a super big fan of his hair and tbh I think it's just glad he is finally cutting it) says that that is bad advice, and that a professional haircut would suit him well. I know there are lots of other jobs out there that is less strict, but he also seems excited to work with friends so I am not sure how to advise him.

Define "professional." I work in a white collar environment designing safety critical devices and they couldn't care less what I wear or how long my hair is. Your husband's attitude sounds like it was formed in another era and not in step with modern day.

Leave the decision up to your son and support him either way. I personally would skip that job (as I'm sure there are other employment options) but if he wants to work there badly enough to cut his hair, you shouldn't persuade him otherwise.

 

[Her Dotness]

I meant today's world in being a grocery store associate, not a professional baseball player.

It's where you live and what local standards are as well as if this is an independently owned store.

Lots of very small rural communities across the US still have "Mom & Pop" stores that set their own standards.

And those standards can seem a throwback to the 1950s to those not living there.

It's neither a rarity nor as outrageous as those living elsewhere may think.

 

[Mysterian]

I meant today's world in being a grocery store associate, not a professional baseball player.

Often the two are confused for eachother. I have a large collection of Grocery Store Associate trading cards, including a signed Tonya Shermenski, Most Valuable Stocker 1997 and consecutive three time employee of the month.

 

[TippyThomas]

It's where you live and what local standards are as well as if this is an independently owned store.

Lots of very small rural communities across the US still have "Mom & Pop" stores that set their own standards.

And those standards can seem a throwback to the 1950s to those not living there.

It's neither a rarity nor as outrageous as those living elsewhere may think.

I live in one of those very rural communities from way back when and I am still surprised. I was simply stating that I found it hard to believe that long hair was still an issue today. I didn't realize I needed to qualify it with fifteen different variables as well.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Often the two are confused for eachother. I have a large collection of Grocery Store Associate trading cards, including a signed Tonya Shermenski, Most Valuable Stocker 1997 and consecutive three time employee of the month.

Further confused by the similarities in lifestyles between the two professions, what with grocery store associates so often driving flashy cars, dating models, and popping bottles in the VIP section of the club.

I can see why the OP’s son might consider cutting his hair for that kind of opportunity…

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

It's where you live and what local standards are as well as if this is an independently owned store.

Lots of very small rural communities across the US still have "Mom & Pop" stores that set their own standards.

And those standards can seem a throwback to the 1950s to those not living there.

It's neither a rarity nor as outrageous as those living elsewhere may think.

These are the places that motivate talented children to move far away. (I grew up in one)

 

[cedricandsophie]

If he were my son, I’d just shrug and say…you want the job, you gotta meet their requirements. You don’t say how old he is but assuming you don’t care, he should make the Decision himself. If he makes the wrong choice, it’s on him.

Personally I love the idea of kids dressing up for any job, even a grocery store. It teaches a lot about being an adult, being respectful to your clients, your employer and yourself. I know I sound like an old lady but kids today don’t seem to think rules apply to them. It’s good to learn how the adult world works as early as possible.

 

[_19disnA]

I would assume from what the OP has stated the person is likely in h.s. starting his first job and since other friends are already working there seems he would enjoy the work and be a good experience. Businesses often apply dress codes for a number of reasons. In some places, long hair can be a safety hazard when working around various types of machinery/equipment. There can also be health standards when working around food that is fairly common in many companies. At worst, he can cut his hair and see if he likes the job and working with his friends. Hair grows back as others have pointed out so this is not a life-changing decision. If he doesn't enjoy the work, he can quit, work elsewhere and let his hair grow back.

 

[Magical2017]

It's too bad he can not just tie it back, but he may be out of luck if that is their policy.

 

[TAX GUY]

I meant today's world in being a grocery store associate, not a professional baseball player.

Which is why I said it's not the same, but....

Nevermind.

 

[Denise W]

Interesting first post on a Disney message board.

 

[Tuffcookie]

OP, He will have to decide, for himself, how bad he wants to work there.

I will say, I have 2 adult sons, ages 49 & 30. (They are both in my signature pictures below). The oldest one has always had his hair short but youngest son’s hair has been long, since high school. He worked thru high school at a local grocery store chain and when he would come home from college, he would stop in the grocery store and they would hire him back for the summers. He wasn’t required to cut his hair but he did have to have it up in a “man bun”. As much as I like shorter hair, I was glad his employer bent a little and compromised. If not, he would have had to decide if he wanted it bad enough.

TC

 

[tvguy]

Might be a Health Code requirement. But there are plenty of other jobs if he doesn't wish to comply with the dress code.

 

[mom2rtk]

I am not sure how to advise him.

I'm confused on what your son would need advice about. Hair styles? Whether to protest and make a scene? It's not complicated. Cut your hair and take the job. Or don't. But I'm sure he already knows that.

 

[mjkacmom]

I have a friend who is a microbiologist and ran a lab, moved from Iowa to California intending to retire, but got a great job offer. She has to cover her arm tattoos, fine in Iowa, but not at this company. She’s in her 50’s and will cover them.

 

[ronandannette]

Interesting first post on a Disney message board.

Come for the "Popcorn Hull in My Throat", stay for the thoughtful, caring advice on all manner of your personal business.