Sen !q/sOExraek started this discussion 13 years ago#29,332
Sometime in the next year, I'll be seeking employment. I've got a small, visible tattoo on each wrist, courtesy of my twelve-year-old self. They're literally just dots. Some people notice them, most don't. When I tried to take a picture of them, they're so small they just appeared to be very faint discoloration.
My question is this: am I morally or (more importantly) legally obligated to tell my employer about them if they ask? It's a misdemeanor to tattoo somebody under the age of 18 in my state, so technically I did something illegal, and I'd prefer that they not know about it because of the sheer embarrassment. And could they fire me if I don't cover them up?
MetalPairofducks !PARAdoxiHw joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 5 minutes later[^][v]#429,520
@OP
Perhaps wear a wristwatch over one, and a bracelet over the other?
MetalPairofducks !PARAdoxiHw double-posted this 13 years ago, 4 minutes later, 10 minutes after the original post[^][v]#429,521
You're not legally obligated to tell anyone, the worst they can do is fire you (and even that's unlikely) The only person who could face legal charges is the one who gave you the tattoo, and even then the statute of limitations is long, long, past.
Don't worry, there's no way for anyone to know when you got them anyway. And if they're too small to be photographed, I doubt anyone will mind. Employers really only worry about large, visible tattoos (ie people who are "inked").
Don't say anything about it on the interview/application unless they notice and ask about it.
(Edited 2 minutes later.)
Sen !q/sOExraek (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 9 minutes later, 19 minutes after the original post[^][v]#429,523
@429,520 (MetalPairofducks !PARAdoxiHw)
That's not a bad idea. I was also considering removing them, but that sounds like an easier fix.
@previous (MetalPairofducks !PARAdoxiHw)
I'm glad that I'm not obligated to tell them, but I'm still a little concerned about being fired. Also, I just looked up the statute of limitations for misdemeanors, and you're right, it has passed. I'd be the one facing legal troubles since I did the tattoos myself, but that's one less thing to worry about now, so thank you.
Meta !PARAdoxiHw replied with this 13 years ago, 17 minutes later, 37 minutes after the original post[^][v]#429,527
@previous (Sen !q/sOExraek)
Trust me, you won't be fired over a barely visible tattoo. I don't have any myself, but I've worked in places where they're not allowed, and worst case scenario is they'll ask you to cover it up. Those anti-tattoo policies are only really there to keep out the people with crazy, large tattoos. It's superficial but some businesses want to present a "clean" image so as not to scare off little old ladies. But again, a barely visible tattoo won't cause any problems. If you cover it up, they'll never even know anyway.
Good luck with the future job!
Anonymous C joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 1 hour later, 2 hours after the original post[^][v]#429,533
If anyone gives you shit about a few dots, then tell them you got in a pen fight in junior high; or tell them your rousing story about how you were a dumb twelve year old. Just don't let them think you were in prison or something.
Sen !q/sOExraek (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 31 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^][v]#429,539
@429,527 (Meta !PARAdoxiHw)
That's all very good to know. And thank you, I hope I find a job I like -- I'm hoping to work in my school's library, since I have some experience with that.
@previous (C)
All good advice. A pen fight sounds more plausible than what I've told some people. I don't think I seem like the type of person who's been to prison, so no worries about that.
Anonymous D joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 17 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^][v]#429,542
what's wrong with you why would you think those would get you fired
Sen !q/sOExraek (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 11 hours later, 14 hours after the original post[^][v]#429,663