Long Hair, no Job

[RacyRobin]

In 2011 I started growing my hair from a flat top. Today it is half way down my back. Pure White with no split ends, clean and always conditioned. In 2017 I sold my business of 17 years. I am considered an Icon in my industry. Recently I have applied for numerous job opportunities in my Industry to no avail. My silently accepting wife is convinced it is due to my hair length. I am 59 and applying for senior leadership positions. She wants me to cut my hair. From my perspective it is a part of my feminine self and I don't want to give it up. Your thoughts and advice. Thanks.

[Tracii G]

My hair is mid back and I have cut maybe an inch or two off since 2012 to clean up split ends.
If I needed an income sure I would cut mine if it was a deal breaker to the company.
Refusing to cut it is just vanity really.
You still have your femme self and the amount of hair you have doesn't matter.

[Crissy 107]

If you need/want the job listen to your wife, cut the hair.

[Kaylin]

I say cut it, and get that $. You can always buy some nice wigs hon

[vplshowoff]

I'll offer some other possibilities. As an icon in your industry, the hiring managers could feel threatened by hiring you. You could be a victim of age discrimination. Your white hair may make you look older than your are. You might want to color your hair for a younger look.

[~Renee~]

What's more important... The hair or income? You might cut the hair and still have no job. Then what?
If you need income... Then start another business as a consultant to your old company. No? I can't imagine wanting to be an employee after being a boss for 17 years and being forced to remove my hair. Sounds like a lose lose situation.

[docrobbysherry]

How do u know it's your hair? And, not the lipstick, dress, or hi heels?

[Tracii G]

If no one wants to hire you maybe its not your hair and they just don't want you.
You could always ask if your hair is the reason and offer to cut it.

[RacyRobin]

Thank you to all for your input. Your hart felt thoughts are appreciated. Doc, not out so other than the hair no show. Traci, you may be the most levelheaded one of the clan. That said, and based on your collective input, if an outstanding opportunity shows its self I will make a trip to the barbershop. If not, I will look at starting another business as a consultant and hopefully keep my wonderful mane growing. It stinks being the happiest when the drab world looks down upon us. You all rock!

[Asew]

I doubt it is the hair and more likely the age (they wonder how many years they will get out of you and will it be worth it).

[RacyRobin]

Asew, you may be on point. The industry I have been associated with for over 45 years is youth based, 16 to 35 years old. Unfortunately today's companies don't see experience as a positive.

[AllieSF]

Remember if you decide to cut it, then cut it in one bunch to be able to donate it mto Locks of Love or some title like that. They get the hair to specialists who make long hair into wigs for those that cannot afford a wig and have lost their hair due to cancer.

Why not try an interview with your hair in a man bun on the lower back of your head? Maybe it won't impact them so much, if it does at all. Have you considered using a headhunter. They are pretty cool and will tell you if your hair may be an influencing factor or not. Let them see your resume first before asking. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[RacyRobin]

Allie, my last two interviews I did a tight braid thinking it looked clean and proper. I thought the man bun would not fit my age. If I do cut it off I will definitely follow your advice and ensure it goes to those in need. Thanks for the awareness.

[Rochal Tukque]

Maybe you can set your eyes on another type of position that your nice long hair would be more common place. You never said what industry you were in.

[RacyRobin]

Roacal, the powersports industry, specifically the performance motorcycle world. It seems strange to me but the younger leadership today seems less open about appearance with the exception of tattoos (:

[SamanthaToday]

59 and a Icon in a industry looking for a job, it's not the hair. You are close to retirement and since you are senior in your expertise, chances are the companies that you applied to think the positions available are all below you and you will get bored.

My wife interviews Men all the time and She sadly dismisses alot of males at our age for the exact reason, plus most of the time they dictators and not workers because they are used to giving orders.

Maybe look to another industry that parallels the one you were in but different.
Good Luck

[Macey]

I have long hair. I've had long hair since I was a child (except for my stint in the military, of course). In my late 30's I needed a new job and was hired, long hair and all. Now in my late 40's I still have it and am a respected employee at my job, head of my department, and have gotten raises and bonuses along the way. I doubt it's the hair, as others have pointed out it may unfortunately be age related.

Perhaps you may want to reconsider what type of employment and positions you are looking for, with your drive and experience, maybe look for consulting/contracting positions in your field.

[susan54]

You don't say where you are. In the UK hair length is usually a non-issue. I have been part of many appointments panels and we would never dream of using hair length to lose out on a good candidate. I once interviewed a guy with huge earrings. He didn't get the job but it was not earring-related - he didn't know the basics of the job requirements. Good luck with the job hunt.

[Bobbi46]

I know this may sound a bet extreme but what about cutting your hair to say shoulder length and then wear it in a pony style I have seen many like that, but also and you don't say how old you are, but the problem could also be age related, companies feel, sometimes, unwilling to employ somebody because in a few years or whatever they retire so the company is not getting a good benefit out of the whole thing especially if in house training is required as well . having said that mature workers are far more diligent and stay the course instead of younger workers who often flit from job to job.

[BTWimRobin]

I am willing to bet it's more your age, salary requirements and the fact that you are probably overqualified for the job than your hair.

[Charona]

If I might make a guess they think the industry has changed enough they think you might be "behind the curve.". Things in the powersports world are swiftly moving toward electronic and computer control. It is very difficult to stay abreast of the changes, and they may worry that you haven't kept up.

[Maid_Marion]

Where I work skills are a major issue. Only the CEO gets a secretary or personal assistant.

I do a lot of stuff in 30 minutes once a month that would be a challenge for a new hire to learn.
Especially the stuff involving old software that never worked all that well to begin with.

[Aunt Kelly]

It is almost certainly your age. Age discrimination is almost everywhere, and notoriously difficult to prove. As you say, the right position may be worth the image points a more professional hair style would bring. Shouldn't be that way, but it definitely is.

[Ressie]

It might be a combination of age, hair etc. But also, theses entities can hire someone younger with less experience at a lower wage. you might be over qualified for these positions but it's generally hard to get hired in one's late 50s compared to someone straight out of college.

Also, you've shown that you're successful at being independent which might not be desirable. You can keep looking but I think you should start another business in the meantime. That is, if it's feasible.

[Laura912]

Another vote for age. Keep the hair and do your own consulting thing. Why would you want a boss again? Your new clients will be glad for your expertise.