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.

[Bea_]

It seems to me that age rather than the hair would be the issue. If you really think it's the hair, you just have to do a cost/benefit check on keeping/cutting it. I'd tend to go with keeping it. I would suck to cut it off and not get the jobs anyway.

[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).

[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]

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.

[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.

[Vicky_Scot]

Would they ask a woman to cut her hair? No so keep your hair the way you want it. Doubt the length of your hair would effect your capabilities to do the job. x

[CarlaWestin]

Cut your hair, get a job, quit bitchin'.

[April Rose]

I missed the part about the motorcycle industry. As a life long rider and occasional worker in the industry I'd have to say, My God! It's pretty sad that the industry has come to that. Then again, Harley Davidson hired a guy who was essentially a cheese monger to run the company, and he went and fired Erik Buell and flushed all that innovation down the toilet.

Speaking of Mr Buell, he's moved over to electric Motorcycles and bicycles, which are coming on strong. Have you taken a look in that area?

[Rhonda Jean]

I think it IS your hair. I had long hair my whole life until I knew an employment change was coming, and cut my hair before it became an issue. I would not have gotten the job I have today if I hadn't cut it. It's wrong, but that's the way it is.

Hair was a big deal to me. I loved messing with it and styling it at home, loved the salon, especially loved roller sets. I got it cut an inch or two at a time over a period of time trying to ease into it. To this day I still miss it. I must say, though, as a guy I look better. Also, the fact is it was/is getting thin at the crown. I didn't realize how thin until it got fairly short. I'm sure that that showed regardless of how elaborate the hairstyle, even though I didn't see it. Wigs are probably more convincing, even though it's very hard for me to admit.

[Vickie_CDTV]

Of the two, your age is probably the biggest issue, the hair probably doesn't help but age is a killer. Many industries are ageist. Back when I was in IT, even in my 30s I was passed over for kids right out of college. They *love* hiring young people, because they usually have no children or spouse (they expect you to be married to your job), will work cheap because they are often desperate to get their foot in the door, and if it is a smaller company they don't have to give young people health coverage (I was literally told that by a boss, he was amazed in my 20s I cared about health insurance. Young people never get sick or have issues.. guess I was an unlucky exception.)

In other words: They don't want to pay you what you are worth, being "old" they think you are behind the times and "too slow", will cost them big money for health care and/or missed days due to illness, and they want young people they can abuse and exploit easily.

Our society treats our older people like trash. It is a disgrace.

[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