As far as the negative comments, just remember, most people don't actually hate beards, they hate change. Start dressing differently or changing your hair style, you'll probably get just as many comments. I've been bearded most of the last 2-3 years, and at this point everyone(work/friends/family) are just used to the beard. The last time I went clean shaven was last October(shaved my circle beard to grow out the full again) and I got more comments from co-workers seeing me clean shaven than I ever got when growing the beard out for the 1st time.