Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ibsen]

Would piercings or tattoos be a deal breaker for employers? I could understand if employers would be turned off to hiring someone covered with tattoos or with 1 inch holes in their face, but do they ask about them even if they are not in plain sight?

I am male, have no piercings on my face and have never had any, but I have a tattoo on my upper right arm that is slightly visible when I wear short sleeve shirts. I have no problem wearing long sleeve shirts everyday since it is probably more professional, but do employers ever ask about this kind of stuff?

This issue never really crossed my mind until I read some horror stories of people getting fired when their employers discovered they had a "hidden" tattoo.

[ED209]

I can't see them asking unless they've had problems before. So it's unlikely they will. Many teachers here have tattoos but just keep them covered. The stigma over tattoos being a mark of a gangster is slowly disappearing. Younger Koreans, not part of any gang, are adopting them.

Piercings should be removed when teaching. Also think about your bosses first impressions when they pick you up from the airport. Oh and be careful who you show your tats to!

http://www.rjkoehler.com/2012/01/18/pinkberry-founder-arrested-after-assaulting-homeless-dude-in-la/

[kimiki]

I'm about to start a 3rd year at the same small hagwon. During Christmas vacation I got a small but beautiful tattoo on my inner arm. It's usually visible but have gotten no comments at all from my boss, though some students have noticed. And also he just asked for my advice on applicants for another FT position.... All of them had tattoos. He didn't seem to blink an eye about them. Ultimately depends on the personality of the people in charge, it seems. Good luck!

[itiswhatitis]

This is completely subjective.

If they otherwise like you then they won't complain about it. If you are in the dog house about unrelated crap then the tattoo will very likely become one more thing to complain about.

My hagwon that I got fired from: complaints about the tattoo.

My current hagwon (been there alomost 2 years): Occasional interest, but no complaints.

As an aside, don't draw attention to the tattoo, if anyone asks to see it I would recommend just saying that you don't like your tattoo and that it's a secret, otherwise many people may want to see the tattoo as they are not common in Korea and many Koreans are fascinated by them.

[iselynjenniep]

i have worked at two hagwons. i have a nose ring and no one ever cared. other co-teachers also had nose rings and visible tattoos. no one (bosses, korean teachers) ever said anything or acted like it mattered. i wouldn't worry about it.

[Ibsen]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I really had no intention of telling my boss or showing it off to anyone other than close friends. I was just worried that it may cause problems if I ever accidentally slip and my boss sees it (not sure how this would happen, but just in case). I agree though, purely subjective and changes on a person to person base. I'll just have to get in good with my boss and tread lightly.