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In his not-so-distant youth, Joe Budzkinski idolized heavy metal rock stars for their rebellious lifestyle. Working as a pharmaceutical assistant, Budzkinski harkens back to his college years when he rolls up his sleeves.
“When I was younger, I noticed all of these cool rock guys had tattoos,? Budzkinski, 24, says while waving his tattooed right arm. “Then when I got older, I decided that I wanted tattoos too, but not just because some guitar player had one.? Now a button-down hides his personal canvas. Two ink jobs, one his forearm and one on his right bicep, the building blocks for what he hopes will one day evolve into a full vampire themed design.
With all the problems entry-level workers face, they sometimes forget about hiding their creative bodily exploits once they start their job. Making this adjustment is a big part of being accepted in the office.
“Lots of people in my office are tattooed, but the majority of the people in my office are 24 to 36,? says Darrel Paul, 19, an accounting intern and full-time student. “A lot of people in the marketing department have them, and they show them off in unobnoxious ways; but if they’re having a meeting everybody makes sure to cover them up.?
Some of New York’s biggest corporate offices agree with Paul’s opinion. J.P. Morgan Chase spokesperson Paul Elliott says, "there is no specific policy on tattoos…but the company is unwavering in its expectation that employees dress in a manner that reflects the broad mission and objectives of the organization."
A senior executive at a large financial services firm in Manhattan has an easily hidden tattoo. He says that in the world of suits and ties where most tattoos are hidden anyway–except, maybe one similar to Mike Tyson’s–coworkers would never know who had one or not.
