I want to become a lecturer but I have a lot of tattoos

So, I have 10 large tattoos distributed all over my body. On one arm, I actually have a full-on sleeve (i.e. tattoo all over the arm). I'm really into academia and I take that part of my life EXTREMELY seriously. Do you think that in the academic world, I will be judged for having tattoos? Should I attempt to hide them during my entire PhD education which starts in September?

I love my tattoos and I don't regret any of them but I just want to know if this will be viewed negatively and if I should make the effort to hide them which will be hard in summer as I will be forced to wear long sleeves on hot days.

Hi, in my opinion for formal occasions ie interview I would attempt to cover your tattoos. I wouldn't bother too much after that as they will get to know you. But I wouldn’t think you would be judged at all but I think it will look more professional if you have it covered during formal occasions they will be more interested in your personality

I doubt people in the university environment would judge you. In many professions visible tattoos or piercings are forbidden and this is perfectly reasonable. For you I suspect it won't be a problem.

That's good to know. Thanks

It seems unlikely fellow lecturers would mind and I doubt students would be bothered. That would be my guess.

Some lecturers can be really traditional but I can figure my way around that, I guess

Of course not, I have many lectures with tattoos and if anything it makes them more interesting. If you absolutely have to cover them up you can just wear long sleeves.

Most are very left-leaning and would probably view tattooed people as an oppressed minority group.

It'll be the crap job market that causes you issues, not your tattoos. I have done 5 years teaching in academia with no issue at all, I have a full arm and a half full arm.

It'll be the crap job market that causes you issues, not your tattoos. I have done 5 years teaching in academia with no issue at all, I have a full arm and a half full arm.

That is good to hear. I know that the crap job market will be a major issue but, for now, I'm just really fixated on the idea that I will be judged by my sleeve throughout my PhD education and be considered as a 'less serious' contender than other more academically looking students or that my ideas will be taken lightly by some of the really traditional academics (i've met my fair share of those i tell you)

I was literally about to go "I know someone who could help you here..."

Oh, who was it?!

- @SomeoneSay, mate. 90% covered I believe.

More likely to get grief based on your accent and perceived class background than on tattoos, in my experience

It is sensible to play it by ear - use your common sense and trust your gut, especially re interviews or whatnot. But in general, very few people will be bothered by tattoos

- @SomeoneSay, mate. 90% covered I believe.