Career's, Families & Tattoo's Don't Always Mix

In today’s society tattoos are more accepted than ever but tattoo removal is more common than people may realize. People who choose to have the procedure done tend to be worried about multiple factors including work opportunities. Other people simply regret the tattoo for personal reasons.  Studies have shown that individuals who got tattoo’s in their teens or early twenties are more likely to opt for tattoo removal later on in life.  What may have been a great idea for someone in there twenties is often not a great idea for professional, parent or grandparent. Individuals who feel uncomfortable with their choice of tattoo and opt for laser tattoo removal treatment will definitely feel remarkably less stress once they are able put their past behind them.

Trends are showing us that clients prefer to have upper body tattoos removed. This is likely to be because these tattoos 's have greater visibility. Out of approximately 4o million people, an estimated 16-17 % of them will eventually have their tattoo removed.  The decision to have laser tattoo removal is growing and expected to keep growing as many people are in search of jobs or new careers after the recession.

While there is a stigma around tattoos in society, it is slowly changing; tattoos have increasingly grown in popularity. Currently 36% of people ages 18-29 have a tattoo. Unfortunately though, many of these people are finding that having a tattoo can mean being stigmatized and discriminated against in the workplace.  Many employers and recruiters find that visible tattoo’s have a negative reaction from customers and will choose to hire other people after taking into consideration the effect of visible tattoos on their customers & company environment.

Findings point to employers preferring candidates with a more professional image & feel their employee’s image is a direct reflection of them to their customers.  Certain fields have a no tolerance policy in place that specifically state that tattoo’s should be covered while on the job. Unfortunately many times employers will not make their opinion of tattoos clear during the hiring process but take tattoos into account when choosing candidates. 

A good example of discrimination against tattoos can be seen in the cyber security industry. This field is rapidly growing but candidates should be mindful of the stigma around tattoos when applying for these positions.  In this field, tattoos are still not accepted and candidates will be turned away for having tattoos despite being qualified for the jobs they are applying for.

Other reasons’s for tattoo removal could mean lifestyle changes, marriage and childbirth. Examples of this can be having an ex-boyfriends/girlfriends name removed. Others want to remove sayings/quotes that they have to explain to their children and grandchildren. The fear of embarrassment in front of family and judgment over previous lifestyle choices.   

There are many reasons to have a tattoo removed and it seems more than ever before people are choosing to remove their "bad" or visible tattoos and keep the more memorable ones out of sight.  With laser technology developments such as the Asclepion Tattoo star Effect Laser & R20 procedure it is easier and faster than ever to remove an old tattoo and move forward with ones life and career.

Client Before & After Photo from Erase Tattoo Removal in Oak Brook, IL