So you wonder why you're unemployed...

There is an e-mail forward that is making the rounds right now that shows people in different stages of Ink and Piercing. Some of them are ridiculous; others are just down right scary. I try my best to be open to things, but Jeez, these people look like freaks to me. I can just imagine how conservative America looks at these people with giant holes in their noses, earlobes and lips. Having a few tattoos and piercings myself, I try to remain objective and try “getting inside” their heads, if you will. Self-expression is very important to the Gen Y people and as they get older and begin to enter into the business world, I see some conflicts on the horizon. Those of us who are Gen X and Baby Boomers (for the most part) don’t understand this need for self-expression. We have always maintained that keeping the status quo “alive and well” is a safe way to live and prosper. The previous generations were much occupied with building this great nation, and so the national mind set was singular: contribute to the common good. Work hard so that your children won’t have to. I have found that my dad, a typical Baby Boomer, works seven days a week for the most part. He feels that he is being lazy if doesn’t get out into his shop and paint, stripe or work on something. I can call him on a Sunday afternoon and he’s in his shop. Me, on the other hand, I value my free time. I value self-expression and understand the need to be unique and to make a statement with my clothes, attitude, language and hair style (shaved head currently!). However, keeping up with the Jones’ is also important to me, because I want to be successful as well as look successful. In other words, I like to have “stuff” because “stuff” lets people know something about you. If I drive a nice car, people might say, “He must do well, he’s driving a nice car” or “He’s Dean of Students, he must make really good money”. These things are important to me and yes, I know, it makes me sound really vain, too. However, I think that Gen Y should take notice of these things, because they are important. Most of you are here to get an education so that you can make more money. Which means you must play by the rules. Gen Xers and Baby Boomers make the rules for now. At some point in the future, the Gen Y people will be in their 30’s and 40’s and will begin to control corporate America. They’ll control TV, marketing, fashion and will be able to create for themselves the environment that they long for. Self-expression is important to you on a personal level, but it can keep you from the higher paying jobs because, let’s face it: Corporate America wants clones. Those who dress the same talk the same and have the same values. There’s no room for loose cannons, mavericks or those that buck the system. Why? We want employees that will do their job and not make waves. I know that piercings, especially nose rings, are becoming very common. At some point it may become so common that it won’t matter anymore. But think about this; Baby Boomers and Matures perceive these things as bad. I would even go so far as to say evil. These are the people that you are going to be helping. Do you want them to be afraid of you or judge you as a criminal? In the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, those that had tattoos were hoodlums, criminals and associated with the wrong element. In the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s only rock stars had piercings and tattoos. Most would agree that rock stars are generally perceived as rebellious party animals that live the credo “Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll”. It’s not always the case, but usually there is some truth to it. So when I talk about being professional, I’m talking about what my generation and the previous generation perceive as professional. I know that probably doesn’t seem fair. However consider two things: one, life isn’t ever fair and two, do you want to get paid or not? It may sound like I’m taking a hard line here, but it’s really not the case. I want you to be successful, look successful and make more money. So please consider your outward appearance for a moment. Does my hair style or color, nose ring, earrings, tattoos or dress keep people from seeing my talents and skill sets? Is it more important for me to express myself than have a job that pays my bills? Finally, here at school we have a strict dress code based on what the current industry trends are. When we talk, we are talking with the authority given us by those that make the rules. In the long run, you only hurt yourself. School is not the place to battle these things: you will lose. Wait a few years and when you “own the world” you can make the rules!