In the current landscape, body art has emerged as a common means of personal expression. For one woman, her tattoos appear to have created obstacles in her pursuit of employment.
Ash Putnam, a woman covered with numerous tattoos from California, has recently captured attention on TikTok. She claims that her prominent tattoos could have contributed to her rejection from a position at TJ Maxx.
Ash’s tattoos certainly stand out, featuring a striking skull with horns on her neck and a unique design on her forehead. Alongside her body art, she sports facial piercings, featuring a striking silver septum ring.
Despite her appearance, Ash was optimistic about landing a customer service position at TJ Maxx. She is currently earning through Uber Eats and OnlyFans, but is on the lookout for more ways to boost her income.
In a TikTok video titled “It’s impossible to find jobs right now!!” Ash expressed her dissatisfaction. She shared that an automated rejection email from TJ Maxx landed in her inbox following her job application.
“They couldn’t even call me,” she remarked, disappointed. “They just sent me some automated email.”
Determined to find clarity, Ash made the decision to head to the store. She questioned the employees regarding the rationale for her rejection.
Ash reported that the hiring manager indicated she was less experienced than other candidates. Nonetheless, Ash had a hunch that her tattoos were a major factor in the choice made.
“I asked her if it was because of my tattoos,” Ash recounted in her video. “She said that wasn’t the reason, but I don’t feel like that’s true.”
The video swiftly captured the spotlight, amassing millions of views on TikTok. Numerous observers conjectured that her tattoos were, in fact, the reason behind her not being hired.
“Tattooer here, it’s probably the tattoos,” one commenter suggested. Another person who claimed to be a hiring manager stated, “There is no way any company would put you in front of customers like TJ Maxx.”
Ash’s story has sparked a renewed discussion regarding the obstacles that individuals with tattoos encounter in professional settings. While tattoos are increasingly embraced across various sectors, certain positions still exhibit a degree of reluctance.
Career coach Claire Brown shared with “Metro” that the location of tattoos can significantly influence first impressions. Facial, neck, and hand tattoos could continue to influence job prospects, especially in positions involving customer interaction.
Ash firmly believes that her tattoos do not determine her professional capabilities. “Just because I have tattoos doesn’t mean I’m not going to be a good worker,” she stated.
Her TikTok video resonated with numerous others who had gone through comparable situations. Commenters shared a wave of personal experiences regarding their job challenges linked to tattoos.
One user remarked, “There’s tattoo… and then there’s TATTOOS.” Some suggested that Ash reflect on how her look could be viewed in positions that involve direct interaction with clients.
The video ignited a wider discussion regarding the challenges that young individuals encounter when trying to enter the workforce. At 23, Ash questioned the reasons behind the frequent denial of opportunities for young workers lacking experience.
“So younger people just can’t get a job because they haven’t worked enough?” She wanted to know. “They’ll deny a 16-year-old a job because they don’t have enough work experience?”
Ash highlighted that in Europe, there is a greater acceptance of tattoos and piercings in professional environments. She questioned why the nation has not completely accepted this change in societal standards.
Ash’s frustration was evident as she navigates her way through earning a living via her social media platforms and delivery work. Her narrative highlights the persistent challenge of navigating the tension between personal expression and workplace demands.
The reactions to Ash’s video were mixed. Opinions were divided, with some expressing empathy for her situation, while others supported the retailer’s stance, suggesting that visible tattoos might not be suitable for positions involving customer interaction.
As discussions intensify across various platforms, Ash’s narrative has become a trending subject of interest. Her TikTok video has attracted more than seven million views, and the discussion continues to intensify.
As discussions erupted in the comments, Ash disclosed her doubts. She is convinced that her tattoos were, indeed, the reason TJ Maxx chose not to hire her.
“I hate that my tattoos are such a defining factor for me getting a job,” she said. Despite the manager’s denial, Ash exited the store with lingering doubts.
Ultimately, what started as a straightforward job application has ignited a broader conversation regarding body art and its place in professional environments. Ash Putnam’s narrative underscores the obstacles that certain tattooed individuals still encounter.
The reasons behind TJ Maxx’s decision regarding Ash and her tattoos are still uncertain. Nonetheless, the situation highlights the ongoing bias associated with visible body art in specific sectors.
As Ash shares her journey online, her story highlights the changing expectations surrounding professionalism and self-expression. Although tattoos have gained greater acceptance in modern day society, discussions surrounding them continue to persist.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/@ashxobrien)
