# First one in my family to get a masters degree, and I got tattoo sleeves several years ago; scared! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 29, 2015, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163 "2015-05-29T23:43:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hossdonad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b487fb/32.png) [@Hossdonad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hossdonad)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/1 "2015-05-29T23:43:59Z")
I’m so scared that I won’t ever become a business executive, because of my tattoos. The part on my wrist pops out occasionally from under my dress shirt and suit jacket. The regret is making me near suicidal! Is my life completely ruined? Did I totally fuck up? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/2 "2015-05-29T23:45:15Z")
Yup. ETA: Reported for forum change. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2015, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/3 "2015-05-29T23:49:10Z")
Since the factual response has already been given ;), let’s move this to IMHO. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/4 "2015-05-30T00:00:31Z")
Yes, you screwed up. But you’re not screwed. It’s just one negative factor among many factors that will determine your success. If you’re smart, good looking(aside from your ugly ass ink), hard working, personable, then you’ll do fine. If i could be all those things and the price was that I had to get extensive body art, I’d take the body art. ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/5 "2015-05-30T00:02:10Z")
You could always become the chief executive of your own business…maybe a tattoo parlor? ---
**Author:** ![Robert163](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4af34b/32.png) [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/6 "2015-05-30T00:14:56Z")
> [@Hossdonad](#): > > I’m so scared that I won’t ever become a business executive, because of my tattoos. The part on my wrist pops out occasionally from under my dress shirt and suit jacket. The regret is making me near suicidal! Is my life completely ruined? Did I totally fuck up? It’s 2015. I doubt it is as bad as you think. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/7 "2015-05-30T00:15:59Z")
Yeah, it’ll be a lot worse in 2025 when tattoos go out of fashion and yours date you. Imagine having to keep your hairstyle from 1985. Forever. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/8 "2015-05-30T00:16:17Z")
> [@Robert163](#): > > It’s 2015. I doubt it is as bad as you think. No one in the Seattle area would give it a second thought ---
**Author:** ![grude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47774/32.png) [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/9 "2015-05-30T00:16:42Z")
Get some makeup and apply it, pretty sure they have some that doesn’t smudge.(maybe?) ---
**Author:** ![ASGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/838e76/32.png) [@ASGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/10 "2015-05-30T00:53:53Z")
I’m going to chime in here because tattoos are a big deal to me. I emphasize the _me_ part. I agree with other respondents that in 2015 many will overlook them. But if I were still an employer, and you presented yourself during an interview as a serious businesswoman looking to make inroads in my company, I would not respond favorably to a tattoo that might appear during a business meeting. As a retired person I might have a outmoded viewpoint. But presentation is everything in my book, and if your tattoos were visible during a normal interview, you would not be hired. I wanted my customer contact employees to be looked on as Joe Everybody. Tats did not give off that vibe. I think in 2015 you will still do well. Tats are common. But there are some old timers like me that will turn you down. In any case remember this: if you have the talent, skill or knowledge you will succeed. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/11 "2015-05-30T00:55:25Z")
Go for full face coverage. Nobody’ll notice the sleeves. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Angry\_Badger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b38774/32.png) [@The\_Angry\_Badger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Angry_Badger)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/12 "2015-05-30T00:57:24Z")
I guess it depends on what you’re going to be working in. If you’re looking to be, say, a tax lawyer, then yes that might be frowned upon. If you’re working in IT or something, people probably won’t care that much. It also depends on the type of tattoo: Is it something fairly tasteful/neutral, or is it all bleeding skulls and naked women? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/13 "2015-05-30T01:03:27Z")
If you are really worried, you can buy flesh-colored nylon sleeves that cover the wrists. Maybe not the most elegant solution and may look a little funny, but I doubt anyone would count it against you if you had them-- they might wonder if it’s a medical thing or something. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/14 "2015-05-30T01:12:11Z")
> [@The\_Angry\_Badger](#): > > I guess it depends on what you’re going to be working in. If you’re looking to be, say, a tax lawyer, then yes that might be frowned upon. If you’re working in IT or something, people probably won’t care that much. My gf is in advertising. All of the artistic types have heavy coverage and wear sleeveless shirts. They also tend to sport facial piercings (noses, brows, septums, labrets). ---
**Author:** ![keturah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e95f7d/32.png) [@keturah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keturah)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/15 "2015-05-30T01:27:34Z")
I work in a large corporate environment and have frequent contact with VP and C level folks. I assure you there is plenty of ink. Probably 20% have it visible and I imagine there are a few that went for more conservative placement. When the rubber hits the road, tattoos are so irrelevant. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/16 "2015-05-30T02:44:25Z")
When they finally notice, be open, honest and forthcoming. Just as you have with us. Casually whisper it’s your biggest regret, then move on. The maturity with which you address this when it surfaces will speak much louder than the sleeves, I believe. If you let on like it’s not a big deal to you, it won’t be a big deal to those around you. They are sleeves and will be easily disguised for interviews and certainly long enough to get you into the job. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/17 "2015-05-30T02:56:20Z")
Even as recently as five years ago, I would have said that a tattoo you couldn’t easily cover for a job interview was a bad idea. Nowadays, though, tattoos are so common that I don’t think it’d even matter, for the vast majority of cases. They’re not even against school dress codes any more, unless they have inappropriate subject matter. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/18 "2015-05-30T03:22:51Z")
> [@grude](#): > > Get some makeup and apply it, pretty sure they have some that doesn’t smudge.(maybe?) Oh, yeah - everything from drugstore discount to professional grade cover. Although tattoos are much more accepted these days anyone going into a “professional” environment with visible tattoos might want to research that option. Day to day it probably won’t matter but there may be a time when some make up seems like a good option for achieving your goals. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/19 "2015-05-30T05:03:53Z")
Ah, in the short term, make-up sounds like a good cover up. For the long term, maybe laser removal? Not the whole sleeve, but enough so that when wearing a long sleeved shirt you look like a blank canvas. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2015, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163/20 "2015-05-30T05:17:59Z")
Laser removal tends to leave behind… a tattoo-shaped scar. In general, the tattoo looked better. I know factory managers and people pretty high in corporate ladders whose tattoos sometimes peek out of a sleeve or neckline, but they’re Swedes and Brits (I haven’t been in the US for ten years). Perhaps the question should be, “since there are companies out there where nobody gives a shit about my tattoos, and others where people will faint upon sighting them… do I really want to work for the second kind?” Notice that this comes from a female engineer who decided a long time ago that no, she didn’t want to work for the kind of people who believe that they can’t (literal quote) “hire a girl to work in Production!” [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-one-in-my-family-to-get-a-masters-degree-and-i-got-tattoo-sleeves-several-years-ago-scared/721163.md?page=2)