Are tattoos acceptable in the workplace yet?

Tattoos are very common for Gen Y.  We don't even look twice when we see someone with a tattoo.  Having a tattoo seems to be a prerequisite to work at some places (like JB HiFi).  Not to mention that Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba have tattoos, and it hasn't injured their careers.

But for all of us younger workers, we have to embrace the fact that there are still some older Australians who are not comfortable with tattoos.  As a corollary to this, our bosses and managers may in fact be those kinds of people.  When they were growing up there was stronger stigma regarding tattoos.  Women with tattoos were seen as slutty trailer trash types and men with tattoos were definitely criminals. 

I do understand that there are some tattoos you could never pull off in the office, for example, swastikas, facial tattoos and profanities.  In client situations, as the face of the company, it's probably not a good idea to have any tattoos peeking out of your shirt either. 

Nothing wrong with hiding this under your shirt...

For a few generations to come, it's still going to be necessary to cover up your tattoos at work.  In fact, the more conservative professions like accounting and consulting will probably always be too conservative for tattoos.  Most of these companies are fine with tattoos that are covered up. 

If you're considering a tattoo, best not to get it anywhere that you can't cover up with your work clothes.  Another good tip is to get the image you like, stick it up on your wall, and if you still like it in a year, you can get it tattooed on your body; if you don't like it anymore, thank god you didn't get it done when you wanted it. 

Until tattoos become acceptable in the workplace, don't get any that will require you to wear opaque stockings and long sleeve shirts for the rest of your career.