Job Discussion Forums

HAL 9000 · Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, OR USA

Hello,
I am beginning to research teaching English in Asia. I am a male with long dread locks and a big beard. Is this going to affect my prospects for getting employed? Besides the hair/beard I am a pretty conservative guy regarding my dress, speech, lifestyle. Clean and sober and all that.

Thank you

Warrior10 · Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 21 Location: Toronto, Canada.

It could go either way.

My dreadlocked friend teaches in an island off Jeju in S. Korea and he has had no problems. You'd think ppl there are more conservative there than the mainland. It's more like a novelty to them. His aren't quite as long as yours though (the dreadlocks Laughing

)

On the other hand, it could be a reason why someone else would be chosen for a position over you, or you may be asked, unfortunately, to cut it much shorter. That's how it is. It really depends on your employer.

Are you a practising Rastafarian?

saint57 · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:14 pm Post subject:

HAL 9000 · Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, OR USA

That's good feedback. I appreciate it. At the moment I am researching Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. I still feel like it�s possible without getting a hair cut, and a shave. I can tie it back and wear some nice clothes.

Rastafari has always been a big inspiration for me. I'm not sure if I am ready to cut my hair yet.

With jobs in the States I've done pretty well getting hired with long hair, but I usually have some type of introduction before I apply.

I've heard potential employers ask for a picture. A straight on shot wouldn't really show the hair style too well, but I wouldn't want them to freak out about it later either.

I'd like to get a Cert. in the region that I plan to teach in, so that will give me some time to feel things out a little more.

Thanks again.

Warrior10 · Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 21 Location: Toronto, Canada.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Singapore? I remember landing at the airport 'way back in the mid-1970s. They forced me to get a haircut right there before entering their police state. And my hair length was just a bit below the collar. Wink

Unfortunately, things haven't changed much in the past 30 years -- although there might not be the mandatory airport clipping.

saint57 · Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 12:24 pm Post subject:

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

Cut the hair, mate. What's the big deal? Are you like Samson or sumpin'? Once you get established you might be able to get back to your hairy self.

BedTiger · Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 55

It would effect you here in Vietnam. Look like a hippy backpacker and you will be treated like one. No offense but but many Asian countries will feel this way.

HAL 9000 · Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, OR USA

Yeah,
I'm not surprised at the feedback. I appreciate the straightforwardness. I've always told myself that I would make the change before I would limit my options. If I do end up getting certified in the region I plan to teach in I would probably hold out until the end of the course. That way I could get additional information about local hiring practices.

If I do drop dead I'm hold you responsible JoesphP.

saint57 · Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 5:26 am Post subject:

Honestly, I didnt say what I wanted to because I thought this was going to become a PC flame war about the right of white Rastafarians to keep their dreads. Parents who are paying good money for their child's education will be much more critical than any of us.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

saint57 · Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 6:52 am Post subject:

How do you command such respect from your stuents?

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

saint57 · Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 7:06 am Post subject:

Hey Kent,

Actually, I used Paint to enhance the photo. The students were all staring at your chest, butt, and one other place. I can't insert it though.