Dyeing to be different: Alternative style in the workplace?

So you're hiring for an accounting position and you have to choose between two candidates. One holds a degree, and from the interview you sense they could be management material - but they have hot pink hair, and an eyebrow stud. The other is "normal" but you can see that they really can't tell their earhole from their ar$ehole. Which would you pick? Would you rather pass over both candidates, even though one is clearly qualified for the job?

In an ideal world, a person will be hired and valued for their abilities and not for how they look. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal world. The corporate jungle - where most of the money is made - is still off-limits for those of the alternative persuasion, not matter how capable they are of doing a particular job.

A US poll found that 36 per cent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 had a tattoo and although there are no figures for Australia, bosses here have taken note of a change.

In June 2006, one of the nation's biggest and most conservative employers, the Defence Force, lifted a rule that allowed it to bar anyone with a tattoo from joining up. - The Age

Let's face it... enlisting isn't for all of us. Many other workplaces still require people to cover up their tattoos. Personally I don't see a problem, unless the tattoos are of offensive subject material. That said, I guess "offensive" is open to interpretation as well -- but that's another discussion.

When I was in university I changed hair styles and colour a lot. Very often I got complimented on my various 'dos. No matter what my hair colour du jour was I was still a good student. Sadly, graduating from university also meant the end of the blissful period where my creativity and individuality was being encouraged. Instead, I was left to make my way in a world where conformity is king.

Why don't we continue to nurture our fellows throughout their lives? Is hair colour, or body art, not as valid a form of personal expression as coming to work wearing $500 designer shoes? Why is it OK for me to go from brunette to blonde, but not deep purple? It's a still topic not many employers are willing to consider.

Right now those with "alternative" leanings have to make do with "alternative" jobs. And while some are pretty cool (tattoo artist, hairstylist, rock star...) we can't all do that. Some of us need to consider "normal" jobs to support our lifestyles. But surely I can aspire to both being an accountant and having a neon green pixie crop?

People will tell me that "grown up life" isn't fun -- I already have to worry about rent or a mortgage, and utility bills, debt, and so on. So why does the rest of my life have to be monochrome? I guess I'm just waiting for all the boring to eventually dye out. ;)