OP is a 29-year-old self-employed copywriter who recently started a 9-5, 6-month contract gig with a retail company. She works from LA and gets up early during the company’s hours in Chicago.
No Time For Makeup
OP does not usually wear makeup for a few reasons, including the fact that she wants to get straight to work, she comes from a beauty industry background where she was pressured to wear a full face of makeup every day, and the company she works for is mostly a cameras-off company.
However, some of OP’s friends and her mother have criticized her for not wearing makeup and “letting herself go.” Her mother, in particular, has called her “unprofessional” and has told her that she “would never hire her” if she didn’t wear makeup. OP feels this expectation is sexist and over the top, especially since her job is not client-facing.
OP recently snapped at her mother, telling her that she has no right to tell her how to do her job when she has only worked one job her entire life as a hairdresser. OP is now wondering if she should start wearing a full face of makeup again to feel more “professional.” She feels terrible for snapping at her mother and is questioning if she is in the wrong for not wearing makeup to work.
Guys Are Up-In-Arms
One of the most liked comments was, in fact, from a man rather than the plethora of supportive women in the thread:
“NTA
As a man, my gut reaction was, “Does she do a good job? Who cares about makeup.”
Beards used to be considered unprofessional, but does that even occur to you when you meet a man now?”
This Redditor could not believe that OP’s mother could be so offensive for such a trivial issue. They note that there is no reason to care what a person looks or dresses, particularly if they have a successful career. The importance is the position they achieved rather than the way they look.
Additionally, they make the male comparison of the perspective of beards a few decades prior. They used to be considered unsightly and unprofessional. However, in modern society, beards are considered fashionable. They are now perfectly acceptable in any professional or informal environment.
The writer hints that the new era of women not feeling the need to wear make-up is upon us. In a few years, it may also be seen as strange for women even to wear make-up in the first place.
You Can Do What You Want
Many Redditors support people as individuals over the need to conform to traditional expectations.
“NTA. It’s your face; you choose what you want or don’t want to wear on it. I’ve never worn makeup to work/job interviews, and I’m gainfully employed. Lol, don’t let the scare tactics get to you.”
This Redditor highlights the lack of make-up needed in this modern day and age. They have even used themselves as an example of people who rarely wear make-up in interviews, never mind the workplace.
It is an excellent example of how times have moved on. Unfortunately, OP’s mother has not moved with the times. Beyond a misunderstanding of workplace expectations, OP’s mother is also willing to be very offensive to their daughter. Many agree that it is totally unacceptable.
It’s a Legal Right
It wasn’t mentioned much in the thread, but one key point should be discussed.
“NTA. It isn’t a requirement to wear makeup to work.”
This is both within workplace rules and that of the judicial system. There is no requirement for anyone to wear make-up in the workplace. It is not a requirement, nor should it ever be.
OP is exercising her right to be herself and act as she wants. And more power to her. She has no reason to wear it, so why should she? She is thriving and content, and that is all that matters.
SHE FORCED HER WIDOWED SISTER TO REMOVE HER WEDDING RING IN PUBLIC. DEVASTATED SHE IS NOW BOYCOTTING HER WEDDING, WHO IS IN THE RIGHT?
Source: Reddit