Shave or Dye - Starting New Job, Looking for Accommodation

Zeouterlimits

Hey,

-I'm not sure if this should be in the Work thread group, and this is a far less serious issue than most-

Trying to decide if it's okay to shave my head and dye my beard this Friday, for my current workplaces Shave or Dye charity event.

I'm finishing up at that current job this Friday, starting my new job in a new city (Dublin) in 2 weeks time. Both are software jobs, the Dublin one being a fairly Web 2.0 casual open office style of workplace.
At first I was totally into the idea of doing it, but a slightly more career focused friend said it might not be a good idea, both for the new job, and for looking for accommodation in Dublin over the next month.

What do ye think?

tl;dr: Shaving head and dying beard for charity before new job + accommodation hunt, real bad idea or totally grand?

tinz18

Given my brother and boyfriend both work in similar type workplaces and very little heed is given to how people look I would say go for it. Sure you can always explain its for charity if you think you're getting sideways looks and if it becomes an issue in the new job you can always dye it back. Don't know if it'd affect you renting but I knew of someone with a ton of piercings tattoos and multicoloured hair that never seems to have an issue getting a place to live in Dublin (Although that was two years ago).

The_Morrigan

Contact the new company and ask them. You don't want to turn up on your first day breaking dress code policies.

Tokyo

OP, as The_Morrigan said above, one phone call will put your mind at ease, one way or the other. Calling the company and explain to them that it was a charity event that you were considering participating in before you'd gotten the new job, and you were wondering if it would be an issue. Some companies will have no problem with it, others might be a bit more dubious - hard to say which unless you ask them.

That being said, I think that it will have an impact on your house hunting. Like it or not, people often do judge by first appearances, and someone turning up to the door with a shaved head and dyed beard may not come across as the ideal housemate to some, particularly in a market like Dublin, where people can afford to be more choosy with how they decide to live with.

Zeouterlimits

Thanks folks.

mike_ie wrote: »

That being said, I think that it will have an impact on your house hunting. Like it or not, people often do judge by first appearances, and someone turning up to the door with a shaved head and dyed beard may not come across as the ideal housemate to some, particularly in a market like Dublin, where people can afford to be more choosy with how they decide to live with.

Yeah, this is what I have grown to become a bit nervous of.

happysunnydays

Sort your own life out first.... then you can do it next year or every year but just not in the transition phase, that's my advice! ......first impressions always last!

amdublin

I don't think it's a good idea.

You'll always be known as the crazy lad or lass who turned up first day with crazy hair.

Miaireland

To be honest I wouldn't either. First impressions do count and some people may not view a shaved head or dyed beard in a postive lights and might make assumptions about your character(even without them realising) before you could even explain why you did it.

amdublin

You can always shave/dye/crazy your head another year.

FloatingVoter

Ring them....if you get the OK from the bosses then it's an icebreaker with your co-workers on day one.
Even if a firm "no" is given it looks like you had the consideration to think of the new job first. It's a win-win. But do make contact.

amdublin

FloatingVoter wrote: »

Ring them....if you get the OK from the bosses then it's an icebreaker with your co-workers on day one.
Even if a firm "no" is given it looks like you had the consideration to think of the new job first. It's a win-win. But do make contact.

I wouldn't. Your boss I'd imagine would prefer you to be giving consideration to the actual job, not your hair.

It's a bit like walking into the office first day and first thing saying "when is my tea break". Doesn't really give a good impression.

iguana

Doesn't the Shave or Dye event have a third category this year where you just make your hair look silly for the day? You could get some washout hair colour gel/mousse/spray and participate on the day. Then you could wash it out when you get home. You mightn't get quite as much sponsorship but you'd still raise some money and it won't negatively influence your future.

Stavro Mueller

If you want to help the cancer society, why not just give them some money. That'll be of far more use to them than you going around with a shaved head and dyed beard. Or why not go for a compromise and dye your hair with one of those wash in, wash out dyes?

Shrap

iguana wrote: »

Doesn't the Shave or Dye event have a third category this year where you just make your hair look silly for the day? You could get some washout hair colour gel/mousse/spray and participate on the day. Then you could wash it out when you get home. You mightn't get quite as much sponsorship but you'd still raise some money and it won't negatively influence your future.

This. Yes, there's a third category this year and it probably would look a little faint hearted to raise much money with, but you could name what you're going to do and go into work properly outrageous for the day? Dress as a woman (if you're male) or a gorilla, or superman or something. Should raise a few quids!

Otherwise, definitely don't shave the hair as it won't grow back for ages and you need to think that one through carefully. Dying the hair could be ok, if you're prepared to over-dye it again just before you go house-hunting/start your job, but you may need a professional job to cover the previous colour.