Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Slick on July 22, 2011 at 6:27pm

I am only a bald kid, but your son sounds like a pretty cool dude. I know alot of older guys who are brothers and sisters of my friends, the are ALL having trouble finding jobs. It must be pretty much like the tv and net shows...the economic is reallly screwed up. Parttime jobs for us h.s. students are not easy to find either. You son sound pretty much like me. Everybody has always told me that if I feel okay bald, then other people will pickup on it and do the same. Tell you son good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Dominique Cleopatra on July 22, 2011 at 11:08pm

The job market sucks right now, I have several friends who are unemployed that are college graduates with beautiful hair. It's tough out there, but he sounds like a strong guy and I'm sure he'll find something if he doesn't give up!

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Paul Prince on July 24, 2011 at 8:59pm

I don't think it's because he "might look sick". There is a lurch in employment these days - a lot of people flooding the market looking for work. I've been on and off the job market quite a few times - noone really notices my hairlessness until I actually talk about it.
It is summer though - lotsa folks out on vacation. Hiring tends to swing back in September when everyone heads back to the offices. I'll keep my thumbs crossed for him though! Depends what industry he is looking for work in as well - call centers are always looking for people (high turnover rate). Construction is usually in September as well - and falls off in winter... Working in restaurants is kind of tough to get into at any time, but not having hair is a plus because we don't shed ;)
Have a good week! Keep us posted :O)

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Permalink Reply by Cindie on July 25, 2011 at 3:03pm

It could very well be....employers are very, very picky....and the more "different" you are from what they are seeking, the more they will be rejecting.

I hate to sound negative, but that's the way it is.

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Permalink Reply by Slick on July 25, 2011 at 8:39pm

I forgot mention in my reply the otherday that I have a part-time job. I am a CUSTOMER ASSISTANT as well as a bagboy and carry-out helper. My job is to assist people who are disabled in someway as well as to assist customers that have a huge list and need help with more than one cart. I OFTEN LEAD MY SHIFT IN TIPS. Yes, I do a great job and I am very polite. And a customer who owns a very fancy restraunt has already told me that he has a job for me as soon as I turn 18.

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Permalink Reply by Tallgirl on July 25, 2011 at 9:09pm

There you go! Looks like BIG tips are in your future, and sometimes clients get to know you, like your service and professional communication, and offer jobs...

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Permalink Reply by VanillaPlum01 on August 1, 2011 at 9:34pm

I am a female and have worn a wig for 15 years. I can tell you first hand that employers have questioned me about my hairloss and I have been very open. Depending on the type of work he's looking for, perhaps he can bring it up as a strength in his character. For instance, I am a teacher and I have brought up how dealing with a disease such as alopecia has made me more able to understand children of all needs, capabilities, and even incapabilities. I warn that if he is going to work with kids, try to stay out of the highschool age. they can be cruel (from experience). let me know how it works, I'm interested.

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Permalink Reply by Sanfra22 on August 29, 2011 at 7:36pm

I don't think that the baldness would be a reason not to hire him. Baldness in men is relatively common and not something that necessarily turns alot of heads. I would venture to say that it is probably due to the really soft job market and the fact that many qualified people are out there. This probably does not help.
Perhaps your son could leverage his excellent social skills and schedule a few informational interviews with people that are involved in industries that he is interested in. The contacts might include family friends or relatives. This way, he could get a chance to know the demands in different industries and get a little insight on how he might become more competitive for them.
Another great way to make relationships and to get out of the house is to do volunteer work for your local school, museum, organization, or whatever. Frequently you will meet an interesting cross section of people, several of whom are gainfully employed and/or have work experience. This is another way to make relationships and build contacts which might eventially lead to a new opportunity. Best of luck.

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