It's a sad fact that you WILL be judged for the way you look. I don't agree with it, but it's something that we all face. As to the school, you have to remember that when you wear their logo, you're advertising for them. You have to represent the school at it's best and most professional and, unfortunately, many people don't think that tattoos send a good message. It's nothing personal, and there's a very good chance that you're instructors have tattoos themselves, it's just that they have to enforce the standards set by the school. I've known some amazing chefs that were covered in tattoos, and some of them worked for very conservative restaurants. They rolled their sleeves on the line, but when they had to go table side or if they were at an event, you could bet that their sleeves were rolled down and they had taken every step to look professional.
It's a real kick in the butt that we have to worry about someone else's silly misconceptions, but it's a fact. No matter how talented you are, how fast and clean you work, how dependable you are; the guests don't care. They don't know anything about you except what they see and if they don't like what they see (and that's all up to them) well, there you go.
I hope everything works out for you in Sydney, and that you don't let this little set back get you down. Good Luck!  |