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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get a tattoo that's very visible as a teacher?

366 replies

LifeLong13 · 08/10/2016 23:35

I've been teaching for over a decade. I have several tattoos and only one is visible and it's on my foot.

I'm debating a tattoo of a lotus flower on my lower arm.

As a parent how would you feel if your child's teacher was tattooed? If you employ teachers how would you feel?

OP posts:
Oblomov16 · 09/10/2016 10:35

I like tattoos. But, I don't think they are professional and I don't like them to be on show on top professionals. You want to be a Head? Maybe you should consider this.

Most tattoos I see are badly done. Many of them look awful. And that's coming from me, who generally likes them. If you are going to have to have it done properly then you should go to someone who is really good, like Darren stares in Portsmouth. Don't go to have one done by someone shoddy.

witsender · 09/10/2016 10:36

But most roles I have worked in at a professional level had a dress code of conduct, which included covering tattoos. So yours would be fine wiyh long sleeves over it.

JacquesHammer · 09/10/2016 10:36

I also don't think any decent school or private school would touch you

The head of the prep of one of the top private schools in the country has a massive tattoo on his forearm. Grin I saw it at a rugby tournament.

He's terribly attractive

rollonthesummer · 09/10/2016 10:38

Our dress code is clear on allowing 'no visible tattoos'-would you be able to completely cover it up?

Bobochic · 09/10/2016 10:39

Having a tattoo is always a bit risky, professionally, in any kind of intellectual job.

wiltingfast · 09/10/2016 10:42

So long as it was not aggressive or offensive I would not care.

Notso · 09/10/2016 10:45

At my DC's school you are not allowed t have them showing. One of the TA's has to swelter all summer in long sleeves.

Original poster
LifeLong13 · 09/10/2016 10:47

Thanks for the replies.

No I'm not an English teacher for the person that asked. Hope you feel better for your dig Flowers

I'm not looking to move into a mainstream school or private school. I love the type of students I work with and I know I'll never want to move from them.

The whole alternative debate is just boring. I'm not bashing any of you am I? So why feel the need to do so to me. As mentioned above- I hope you all feel better for your negative comments Flowers

Im going to book my appointment tomorrow & am debating whether to have my knuckles done at the same time as there were so many good suggestions & ideas for them. Wink

OP posts:
Original poster
LifeLong13 · 09/10/2016 10:49

Jacques which school is that? I may move from PRUs after all Wink

I've already got several tattoos & have a very good tattoo studio that I go to.

OP posts:
jessica29054 · 09/10/2016 10:52

Well, genuinely, why ask? You knew what you were going to do!

Yoarchie · 09/10/2016 10:53

It doesn't matter what parents think, it matters what headteachers/governers think as they'll be employing you.

It wouldn't matter to me if you were my child's tattooed teacher but if my dc directly asked me if I liked tattoos, I would tell them honestly that I can't stand them and think that they are a bad choice to make due to their permanence.

People look beautiful just as they are with no enhancements whatsoever. I don't want my dd growing up thinking that she needs to wear makeup every day to look acceptable. Or that she needs designs on her skin or decorations like jewellery. I am drawn to people who look like nature intended. It is such an underrated look in our society.

BowieFan · 09/10/2016 10:54

Oblomov16

Why aren't they professional? Because some people have decided that they don't like them and are therefore inappropriate? Anything like this really irritates me. If it doesn't impact your ability to do a job, your employer and other people have no right to tell you what is appropriate and what isn't.

granny24 · 09/10/2016 11:07

This week I have noticed my G P and my dentist ( young women late 20's) have tatts. Don't think it made any difference to their professional abilities. Personally I would never have one but then I could say the same about perms.

Kr1stina · 09/10/2016 11:19

Gosh you are rude OP! Why ask for opinions and then be nasty to those who disagree with you? If you find debate " boring " then I don't think you are going to enjoy Mumsnet .

Have you thought of net mums ? They are much more cuddly over there .

HmmmmBop · 09/10/2016 11:28

Some very predictable responses on here, which just show that many people have a very blinkered perspective on the world. Ironic that there are some people saying that tattoos are now so mainstream that people with them are a bit pathetic whilst others are saying that they are indicative of someone not having the right attitude to be able to hold down a responsible job in a reputable organisation.

Both of course are total nonsense and say far more about the person expressing that perspective than a person with a tattoo.

HmmmmBop · 09/10/2016 11:28

Granny Grin

user1474781546 · 09/10/2016 11:31

Neither my employer or my OHs employer would hire someone with a visible tattoo.

daisychain01 · 09/10/2016 11:34

Kr1stina cripes don't send the OP over to the 'Hun-side', they'll have her tattooing herself with glitter and rainbows.

daisychain01 · 09/10/2016 11:38

& am debating whether to have my knuckles done at the same time

I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry at that one.

Genuinely, OP you just need to do what makes you happy, it's your choice, we can give opinions or thoughts but they're your knuckles X eeeek I'm such a wooos it's making my eyes water, just thinking about that.

RollerDiscoQueen · 09/10/2016 11:49

I would not only not think badly but would actually quite like it. I find the existence of the 'alternative' reassuring.

Alternative? These days?

Grin
NorbertDentressangle · 09/10/2016 11:54

I agree that they are not at all alternative these days.

When we were on holiday abroad this year I think we were the "alternative" ones as we must have been one of the few families on the beach (from a wide variety of countries) without a tattoo between us!

Headofthehive55 · 09/10/2016 12:22

I don't think you ever find out if you are rejected because of a tattoo. I think what minty said is very true.

I think dress does make you approachable, and having a tattoo visible makes you less approachable for me. There is a push towards traditional education, whether you agree or not, that has happened over the last couple of decades. Smarter uniform, spellings etc. Things change, and you would put yourself in a position where you would not be able to adapt and change as easily.

It's not about judging it's about giving yourself options. The pru might close etc.

Isthatwhatdemonsdo · 09/10/2016 12:24

I was a Teaching Assistant with visible tattoos on both my arms. Never had any comments from parents, not that I'd have given a shiny shite what they thought. It's your body OP do as you please.

oblada · 09/10/2016 12:28

I genuinely couldn't care less and surprised and saddened to see ppl judging others on that basis!

Mamadothehump · 09/10/2016 12:28

My DD's fabulous teacher has a small one on her wrist. She's a great teacher, my DD loves her so why should I give a shit about her tattoo?

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