You get a tattoo on purpose --it conveys some message to the outside world about you. It might communicate just your art preference, a meaningful person/quote, or some affiliation. To me, it communicates an impulsive, uncalculating person trying to look tough/rebellious...most likely from low socioeconomic standing.

"oh my god. that quote is so deep. that firebreathing dragon is so rad. i want to put it on my skin for other people to see forever"

I spent a few weeks researching the tattoo artist, worked together on the design (which has a special meaning for me) and is hidden by a t-shirt. Is that impulsive or uncalculating?
Does it make me look tough/rebellious when no one can see it?
I know plenty of other people who can say the same thing about their tats. It's just an outdated stereotype

Although I will agree that many tattoos fall under this category

Not really --and then I think you don't fall under the "WHY DO TATTOOS MATTER FOR JOBS" sobstory

Okay, yeah, you got me. I'm from a low socioeconomic background and I made a "rebellious" decision when I was 17. I'm trying to decide whether it's best for my career to pay to have a tattoo removed? Yeah, I'm crazy irresponsible. I think I'll refrain from taking you too seriously, since you're presumably an adult and still think it's cute/rebellious to make references to weed in a username.

Yea, because clearly my interpretation of what a tattoo says should be applied not only to you personally, but your decision process to get it removed...

Sorry I just saw this, I wasn't talking to you. This was meant for the guy with the toke weed forever or whatever.

that was obviously a joke...

aka, "not sure if srs or just autism"

I don't believe in sobstories
(and neither do most employers)

This view, while silly, is far more common than most people realize, even among younger people. And among educated, successful older adults (here meaning 40ish), I would say it's more likely than not that people will see tattoos and think "degenerate."

I don't say this to insult the tattooed (I have tattoos), but I really don't think most people in their late 20's right now (or younger) realize how much more accepted tattoos are among that demographic than they are even among people just a few years older. There was sort of a tattoo renaissance around 2000, and for those who weren't kids or young adults at that time, tattoos often still have the connotations of poverty, uneducated, criminal, drugs, etc.

So do you guys think in 15-20 years firm partners will be cool with tats? Or will the overly conservative uptightness ruboff on people from our generation?

Cool, no
Accepting, yes

Accepting of non-visible or easily covered up and demure tattoos
Having the outline of a penis inked on your forehead will never be accepted

Yeah, content/style will always be a factor. Part of me suspects that zero-tolerance tattoo policies are just a practical way to avoid having to explain to applicants why one tattoo is unacceptable, but others are okay. It would be a nightmare for employers to draw the line. Tiny, easily hidden and tasteful flower tattoo? Okay. Flames of hell raging up the forearm? Not okay. But where to draw the line, and how do you justify it on paper? Hence, zero-tolerance on paper. It might play out differently in person, though.

As for me, I'm going to experiment with tattoo concealer make-up.

Who has zero-tolerance policies?

Thank god I'm too boring for tattoos!

Just tattoo a smiley face on your left butt cheek - no one will ever know

while i do not have a tattoo, while reading through the thread, i saw something about pants suits and hair worn up being bad? seriously?

I have a mustache tattooed on the inside of my forefinger. Good for laughs but essentially unhideable. Already nervous for when partners notice. Also have some arm stuff that causes me to wear long sleeves almost everyday. IMO cover tats when first judgments are made (class, etc), and always around professionals.

Plz no quotes

This. The skirts in skirt suits are usually hellishly uncomfortable. And while I get that comfort is not/shouldn't be the main factor in professional clothes, I can't imagine having to be in an uncomfortable pencil skirt all day being very fun.

I actually read that hair up was the more professional way to go.

Yeah, I heard that, too. although it probably depends on whether the person in question is keeping it classy, or has one of those annoying messy bun/ponytails.

No you don't need to cover up in front of professors or classmates etc.; that's absurd. You do need to cover up for any job interview (that's hardly unique to the legal profession, however).

.

I spent 2 yrs working with a good friend (who is an artist) designing mine, which I got in my mid-20's. Totally an impulsive decision.

I can cover mine up if I want to (it's on my forearm), but I often wear 3/4 sleeves and some of it inevitably shows. Hasn't gotten me in trouble yet and I've been working in the legal field for 5+ years now.