The Career Mirror at Midlife

Many people at midlife are being forced to change professions and take up new ones. In 2013, everyone is judged on both their appearance and media presence  . People are more willing to live life in public than ever before. Facebook, Twitter and Linked In  have become a part of this era. When is the last time you Googled yourself?

 We are trained that success in  life is based on how you present yourself to the world. Make good grades in elementary school and Santa will bring gifts.  You should always do your best, look your best and whine less than you do. Suck it up and make something of yourself. After all this is what is important, right? 

 For example, when you go in for a job interview, you're judged on appearance. Have you ever made assumptions about others waiting for a group interview?  Please tell me I am not the only one...  Yes, it is an ugly game of  you against the world of candidates. Some better , some worse but all in competition for your spot. 

 Employers often do quite a bit of research  before they hire you. This plays a huge role in if you are accepted within an organization. If you are good enough to get the job, are you required to maintain it? 

Darlene Jespersen, a former casino bartender at Harrah's Entertainment, sued her Reno-based employer of 20 years. She was fired for not wearing makeup.Following a court case, she returned to work and was exempt from the cosmetic requirements. Does mascara really make a difference?

Why do some employers ban tattoos while other doesn’t mind them? The corporate world does not really accept them. A pink leprechaun on your neck following a date with Jim Beam comes with a price. I know a girl that tattooed a Disney castle on her butt after a night of cosmos.Do I really want to buy a product from someone with offensive tattoos?

Jennifer Portnick was denied a Jazzercise franchisee . The company had a policy that required exercise instructors to be in good shape and appear fit. Portnick, weighed 240 pounds and this was not company standard.  How realistic is it to represent fitness at this weight? What if she lost those extra pounds and became an example for Jazzercise to be proud of? 

Many people have been judged for blogging..  Blogging is publishing and you can't ignore the influence. It is part of the world and here to stay. For example, when writing this article, I googled...BTW, Love this photo and wish I knew who to give credit to.  They get the idea... Beauty fades and dumb is forever.