From makeup to accessories to piercings, people constantly find different ways to express themselves. In recent years, tattoos have become more popular, and are no longer just a stereotypical trait among members of motorcycle gangs. Nowadays, tattoos can serve many forms of expression, from symbolic religious figures to the commemoration loved ones. Young people who already have tattoos or are interested in getting tattoos often receive serious backlash from adults who are from a different generation. Some of the typical comments heard consist of “Do you really think an employer would approve of THAT?”, or (one of my personal favorites), “You know that’s permanent, right?”.

Despite the belief that tattoos are a taboo in the workplace, as the working generation shifts, tattoos are becoming far more acceptable at work, according to USA Today and Huffington Post. One poll found that approximately 86 percent of younger professionals in the workplace claim the fact that they have tattoos would not negatively impact their ability of being hired for a job.

Of course, there will always be exceptions to every rule; tattoos that are offensive, inappropriate, or in odd places (like the face) will probably not be as acceptable despite the shift in beliefs. Another exception to this is the military, which has strict rules that tattoos cannot be on the neck, face, hands, head, or in large sleeve form.

I, personally, believe that tattoos should be meaningful, which is why I waited to get one until I had a design that meant a lot to me. After both of my grandparents passed away within a short time of each other, my sisters and I wanted to have something special to remember them by and that would connect the three of us. We each picked a line from an Irish blessing that had always been important in my family. It goes, “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Because I am currently studying to be a teacher, I knew that I had to pick a strategic placement for this permanent art. So, I chose to get my tattoo in white ink on the inside of my arm, just as one of my sisters had also chosen. I picked the line “May the sun shine warm upon your face” and I haven’t regretted it at all. It has not negatively impacted me in college or while I'm at work at home over breaks. I may get more tattoos in the future, but just like this one, I want to make sure that it is important to me and in the right place.

That being said, we live in an age where tattoos are significantly less of a taboo than they used to be, and in many situations are not at all. Along with this general acceptance, it is still important to choose designs and locations with care because it is art that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.