Justin - I think you are right that maybe something else was behind the woman's comments and she is a bit behind the times

Dirk - thanks for the support, the conference went really well and I got a bunch of great comments about my beard, even a woman who told me she could get me a job, which started when she told me I won the best beard for the conference. After the notes from you and Andre, I waxed out the mustache the next day, I am sure it caught some people's attention.

Tom - I didn't take her comment too personally, just was a bit shocked at the blatently ignorant comments from this woman and wanted to share the experience because I know others probably suffer in silence. I am studying sustainable engineering, which is part of civil and environmental. I guess I should pull my tie up tighter next time  As for the competition I will definately check it out...how did your's go recently?

acroesch - I am definately going for the yeard. Thanks for the complements, I will likely go to the competition that Tom linked to since it is so close to me.

biermeister - thanks for the support, I have nowhere but forward (and longer) to go. 

Tom72 - thanks for sharing your experience. Like I've said, I don't feel too sore about this and the conference went well, with many wonderful comments about my beard so yay for that!

Triibeard - I think facial hair isn't too far out of the norm, however my beard is a bit outside of the standard deviation. I got more concern from mentors when my hair was longer than I have with my beard.

Bob - I am pretty easy going and I feel like my beard existing is enough of a push back against the ignorance that I heard last week. The conference went great, I saw a bunch of collegues and met a whole bunch of new folks too, and I definately got a lot of positive comments and not a single critical one.

MSS1978 - I think when it comes down to it I wouldn't be interested in working for/with anyone who won't hire me because of a beard regardless of if I decide to wear the beard or shave it off (which isn't happening any time soon). Thanks for the support!

andre - as I mentioned in my response to Dirk, I wore the mustache waxed out the next day. I like to change it up a bit day to day but I appreciate to know opinions about what looks best. I hope over 9000 is pretty good, lol  

gato - I was very busy the whole conference talking about my research and the work of my collegues. It went great and I think it was probably easy for folks to find me if they were looking, lol

Thank you all again, looking forward to posting the 8 month update in a week and a half!
Cheers!
~Troy

 

Neck warmer, extinct megafauna, punching bag, crumb catcher, built-in sunscreen, napkin, air filter, girl repellent, woman attractant, facebook fodder, grease trap
- - -
-My Beard Journey (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Beard)
-My homemade beard balm recipe!