As teens and university students assert their independence on the journey to adulthood, many decide to make a bold statement permanently on the body. Tattoos have grown to be almost the norm for young adults. Some reports estimate that the third of people 18 to 25 have a minumum of one tattoo. In some environments, the folks with tattoos are in fact in the majority. Take a look at professional football or basketball, and then try to find a player without tattoos. With one of these men as prominent heroines, what do we expect in our high school and nfl and college football or basketball players? Most of them “can’t wait” to get their first tattoo, and unfortunately many rush to obtain a tattoo on a dare, while drinking, or perhaps in response to some life changing event (first love, recent death, etc.). In some instances, a hurried tattoo can result in life-long regret, and make finding gainful employment tougher than they ever expected.

The Ohio State football players recently showed the things they value the most by exchanging football memorabilia for something of real significance for them… a tattoo. For their credit, they were all seeking an expert tattoo (not a dorm room imitation) which carries by using it significantly less risk for disease transmission, or regret because of poor artwork. However these young athletes get consumed using the drive to get tattoos, and lose sight to the fact that upon graduation, most them will not play professional ball (yes, even at Ohio). In fact, if they’re lucky whether they can enter today’s highly competitive workforce in an entry level position. This is when the problems arise.

Employers, managers, and corporate leadership have a strong tendency to negatively pre-judge people with tattoos. As the younger individuals with tattoos age and transfer to these positions, this would correct itself, until then, these are the facts. Employers notice a person with tattoos as less intelligent, less aristocratic, more impulsive, and fewer likely to climb the organization ladder. An online survey on debates.juggle.com discovered that 68% of people believe that tattoos are negatively stereotyped in america. With scarce jobs along with a challenged economy, the ultimate decision on getting a young applicant could easily hinge around the presence, or absence, of obvious tattoos.

Here’s one other issue. The most recent trend within the tattoo world will be independent and bold, therefore obtaining a tattoo on the neck, hands, calves, and even face may be the new sign of autonomy. Unfortunately, employers haven’t jumped on that bandwagon yet either, which college students with un-hide-able tattoos will discover that a lot of jobs only will be out of their reach.

The answer is easy. Think of a tattoo like a surgical procedure similar to cosmetic surgery. You wouldn’t get a abdominoplasty in your friend’s basement. When obtaining a tattoo, do a significant amount of research. Consider your family, future, career, and life’s possibilities. Visit websites like shoulditattoo.com and evaluate the pros and cons of tattoos inside a balanced way. Speak with people who have tattoos and obtain their honest opinion regarding their experiences. Studies have consistently shown that after people research a significant life decision thoroughly, they’re overwhelmingly more happy using the outcome.