WIBU to refuse to remove my nose piercing?

[ManonBlackbeak]

Just that really.

I work for an agency doing supply work in schools. Ive been doing this for about three years, and love it. I enjoy it and the flexiability it brings, that I can go on holiday in term time etc. I have regular schools that I go to and get excellent feedback, people ask for me and I'm pretty much always in work. Just for context, I think I'm good at my job.

The whole time Ive been with the agency I've had a small nose stud and no one has ever commented on it. In fact I forget it's there most of the time.

To get to the point I was asked yesterday about going for a potentially long term position at a school Ive never been to before, one of the few Ive never been to in the area. They asked to meet me first and I agreed, which in itself is unusual as usually you just turn up as and when you are needed. They liked me a lot apparently, and would like me take the placement but on the condition that I remove my nose ring. Now I was a bit taken a back at this, and so was my consultant actually. It's never happened before anywhere in three years! It's a tiny stud you can barely see! A ring I'd have understood. An eyebrow or lip ring certainly, but nose stud? Christ, Ive seen loads of teachers and TAs with them!

I'm not even alternative. Ive no visible tattoos, and dress fairly mundanely but this seemed horribly judgey to me. I don't know why? I feel like they've judged me on how I chose to dress and look I suppose.

WIBU to refuse to take it out?

You dont have to take the job - they have a dress code, if you dont like it, then dont take the job

Pretty simple really

Depends how much you want the job.

I personally think that if they are strict on students having piercings then it’s not a good example to set. Teachers are meant to be a good example to the pupils. If you don’t take it out then I guess you won’t get the job. Can you not wear a retainer?

Of course you're entitled to turn down any Jon you want for any reason you see fit.

It depends whether you want the placement!

I can't see why anyone would object to a nose ring, but if that's their dress code, so be it. Dress codes don't always have a rational basis; they just reflect what someone senior sees as the image they want staff to project.

Of course you can refuse to take out your nose stud, just as they’d don’t have to employ you.

I'm not even alternative. Ive no visible tattoos, and dress fairly mundanely but this seemed horribly judgey to me. I don't know why? I feel like they've judged me on how I chose to dress and look I suppose.

So you are judging those with visible tattoos and dont dress mundanely?

Well, it depends on whether you want to challenge them or comply. We all label ourselves by the way we dress and so yes we will be judged unless we all wear a uniform. Personally, I don't like piercings but I am not sure whether they are justified in asking you. You could ask the reason but it may come back as something like you need to look professional. I suppose different schools may have different policies and this one may simply have a no piercings one. How badly do you want the job?

Depends if it's their dress code like no earrings then I think it's fine

And if students are not allowed nose studs then teachers shouldn't wear them either

If You refuse to take it out you probably won't get the job, your choice. Thats their dress policy.

I would refuse on principle. It has zero impact on your ability to do your job.

You can get clear plastic retainer studs you could wear while working. No biggy

**You dont have to take the job - they have a dress code, if you dont like it, then dont take the job

Pretty simple really**

^This. Personally I cannot stand nose rings but that’s another matter

I wouldn't take my piercings out for any job but do accept that might mean I don't get some jobs.

I think you’re both in the right. They have a dress code that they want to adhere to. If you don’t want to adhere to it then you can turn the job down.

I've had my nose pierced for 10 years or so and some jobs are fine with it, others aren't. If I want the job then I'll take it out if they ask. I just pop it in in the evenings and weekends.

You have the right to wear a nose stud. They have the right to not employ someone who refuses to adhere to their dress code.

I would imagine the students are not allowed to wear nose studs, we certainly weren’t at school and I imagine it’s still frowned upon, in fact I remember one student and her mother kicking up an almighty fuss that she had only just got it pierced and it needed to heal etc etc, she had to wear a plaster over it at all times and as soon as it had healed enough take it out during school.

It would be very difficult for you as a teacher to tell your students that they are not allowed to wear a nose stud as part of their school uniform and to take it out when you are wearing one yourself.

If they really want you they’ll let the nose ring slide. Unless you really need to work decline the offer to remove your ring and leave the decision with them about whether to employ you. Make sure they know the decision is theirs. You’re not turning down the job, just declining the suggestion of removing your ring. What happens after is up to them.

Just take it out? I don’t understand. I remove all my facial piercings for work because it’s grooming policy. I hide my tattoos too, although it is annoying and hot.

My place is pretty over the top though, I wear ‘male’ Uniform instead of the pretty little dresses the girls wear and the head of HR pulled faces at me about it.

Mines a stop gap job for extra cash so I don’t really much care for it, but it’s still policy. Do you want the job?

I just wasn't expecting it to be honest. Like I said, in three years no one has ever even mentioned it.

By the way it's a Primary school. So it's very unlikely that the any of the kids will rock up with a nose piercing!

YABU you do have to dress professionally and racial piercings are not professional. If you don’t like it don’t take the job but don’t make some kind of attention seeking stand. Either take it out or politely refuse the offer instead of throwing a tantrum.

I've got a piercing that is barely noticable. I really like it though and wouldn't want to take it out. But if a job I really wanted came along, I would. I suppose it comes down to which is more important to you OP.