Job Discussion Forums

[kvinnan86]

Hey all, I've been lurking the boards here for the last week or so, and didn't see this topic listed. Came across a similar question on the subject as it relates to Asia, so thought I would collect input on my destination country.

I have 4 (easy to hide) tattoos, and several piercings (three pairs in my ear lobes, two in my left nostril (small studs), two lip rings, a tongue ring, and two earrings in the upper part of my right ear. Other than my lip rings, everything is pretty inconspicuous.

I was just wondering what the general attitude is toward body jewelry and (to a lesser extent) tattoos in Russia, and if my piercings are going to be a problem in getting/keeping a job (as my seeking employment in St. Petersburg at a later time is a possibility). Also, would it be unethical to submit photos that have had my jewelry Photoshopped out? (The application for the volunteer program I want into, asks for a few recent photographs).

I just need to know if I'm going to need to buy clear retainers for my jewelry before I go. Also, some of my jewelry cannot be removed without pliers...so it'd be good to know ahead of time.

Thanks!
Amy

[rusmeister]

It's acceptable primarily as a teenage phenomenon - subcultures that are acting out. It's not generally considered responsible adult appearance, and you are liable to be turned down anywhere that you face competition for employment.

Yes it would be unethical because you are deliberately hiding an important fact about yourself that would cry out to them upon actual appearance.

Obviously, I would discourage adults from wearing that stuff in Russia. No one will pester you on the streets of Moscow, I think, but when it comes to employment or outside the big city, you're more likely to run into problems - at the very least you'd get treated like a teenager.

[kvinnan86]

The only reason I would omit them from photos is because that is the way I would look at work, as I would not wear them (or would wear clear retainers), so why let something that is irrelevant hurt my chances of employment.

To me, it is similar to describing/photographing all of my tattoos and letting them judge on that, when the tattoos will never be seen at work. If the jewelry isn't a part of work then why should it be a major factor in the hiring process?

It would be different if I refused to take them out while at work; then I could understand that, but otherwise?

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I see the tats being less of an issue than the lip rings. Many, many people here have tats (many military), and tattoos are rather commonplace. They're very popular with women, too (especially the lower-back thing).
Piercings, as rus said, are less rare, but I don't envision them being a great barrier to your getting a job.
Best of luck!

[dirimini]

I never had problems with nasty reactions to my piercings in either Petersburg or Moscow. It depends upon the people with whom you associate, I would imagine.

And I'm sure it's an entirely different story if you're looking for employment.

[rusmeister]