Okay, My Friends... a Decision... UPDATE @ #73 - I WENT!!!

So.... a guy I used to work with at my current office (and got along with famously) is now working for one of the large corporate Architects here in L.A. whodo mostly Aviation / Infrastructure type work, in which I have a lot of experience. He is looking to steal me away, and they want to interview me TOMORROW!! Now, the place is very corporate, and he said I should cut my hair (!!!!) for the interview. I've almost NEVER worked in a large, corporateenvironment.... but he is certain that I will be offered almost DOUBLE what I'm making now, and it would mean a commute to downtown (30-40 minutes) ratherthan the 5 min. commute I have now.<br><br>

Cut it off and go. Get the job, double your salary, grow the hair back out.

I say go with the hair!! Really it's something I think people are ok with now!!

Yeah, put it up or something. They're judging you on your resume, not your coiffure. And good luck!!

Are you married and/or have kids? It all depends on what you would like. Do you already own your house,go on vacations,have enough redlines? It all depends onwhat your looking for. Double the money would be worth the extra travel. I travel over an hour each way for my job and if they doubled it I may go an extra 30mins out. I say do what it takes to get the job.

I look at it like this. You have a buddy that cares enough about you to get you through that front door. Meanwhile, he presumably knows the corporate culturethere well enough to suggest that you'll make a more favorable first impression with short hair.

If you are undecided you will most likely not get the job anyway. Thats a trait that is is easily exposed in interviews. Not meant as a slam, just a fact.<br><br>Mark mac13

You have every right to wear your hair EXACTLY as you wish. Likewise, the company has every right NOT to hire you because of it. Like it or not, there is acorporate culture and, many times, image is a part of that culture. Can you be professional and do an excellent job with long hair? Absolutely. Will everypotential client for your new company see things the same way? Absolutely not. If the firm feels that it may lose even one client do to a"long-hair" image, it has every right to institute standards of appearance.<br><br>If you want the job (and it seems you've commented several times on the lack of jobs/low pay for architects today), show that IT means more to you thanyour hair. If nothing else, go in with your hair exactly as it is but make sure you comment during the interview that you understand that there is a"corporate dress code" (so to speak) and that if given the job, you'll be more than happy to meet their expectations - this will show yourwillingness to be a team player and, in the off-chance that you're not offered the job, you'll still have your hair...<br><br>As for the drive, I've been working out of the house for about the last ten years (when there is work, that is <img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/mad.gif" alt="image">). I absolutely hate rush hour and have dealt with it in CA on many occasions. Given the opportunity, however, to double my salary and (potentially) work on higher profile projects, I'd do the drive. 30 minutes isn't squat in thescheme of things...<br><br>Doug<br>

Wow.... outstanding input from all - thank you so much - it really helps!

<img height="15" src="http://redlinesonlinemessageboard.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/pacman.gif" width="15" alt="image">If you're good and they turn youdown because of your hair,...it's their loss. Although, is it a good idea to turn down that kinda money over some hair?<br><p><img height="15" src="http://redlinesonlinemessageboard.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/pacman.gif" width="15" alt="image">Also, working in large offices canbe somewhat 'soap-operetic'! Do you want that?<br><br><img height="15" src="http://redlinesonlinemessageboard.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/pacman.gif" width="15" alt="image">In the law firm I used to work in, ofthe 18 lawyers there, the 2 best there, and possibly in all of Edmonton, were longhairs with gold earings. They were better than the clean cut's. I thinkone's long hair says something about their personality once they've achieved a professional level despite the hair.<br><br><img height="15" src="http://redlinesonlinemessageboard.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/pacman.gif" width="15" alt="image">Go to the interview, and ask whetheror not the hair is an issue. If you REALLY want the job, and you're willing to give up the hair, tell them. If the hair isn't an issue with them, andthey want you, you'll get hired! If you first cut your hair then not get the job, you'll be pretty upset with yourself. Do they want your skills, or dothey want to own you?<br><br>Andy<img height="15" src="http://redlinesonlinemessageboard.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/pacman.gif" width="15" alt="image"><br></p>