I will say that in full business attire huge muscles are often perceived as just general huskiness. A perfect Adonis of a man to the untrained eye just looks like a chubby boy in a suit.
[quote]Hallowed wrote:
I will say that in full business attire huge muscles are often perceived as just general huskiness. A perfect Adonis of a man to the untrained eye just looks like a chubby boy in a suit.[/quote]
I’ll have you know that I look equally dashing in both a tuxedo and my skivvies! My mom even said so!
Wait, that’s just weird…
I’m a lawyer. I have weighed as much as 225 lbs (I weigh about 205 now, at 5’11", lean). I definitely think in my career field that people sometimes judge me as a dumb jock because of my size. Once I open my mouth, they change their mind (about my being a jock).
In any case, I too find that I get less of this initial reaction at 200 lbs and below. I view the issue as merely one of first impressions. You always have the chance to prove people’s initial assumptions are wrong, so I don’t see the size issue affecting a career (other than, as someone else already noted, getting that initial job interview).
[quote]Hallowed wrote:
I will say that in full business attire huge muscles are often perceived as just general huskiness. A perfect Adonis of a man to the untrained eye just looks like a chubby boy in a suit.[/quote]
I tend to agree with this. In situations where people have predominately seen me in suits, they are almost shocked to see me in regular clothes.
OK, I really have no business chiming in here since I’m way too small, but I do often get told that I look like I lift weights.
So… Doesn’t it depend more on the type of work than anything else? I would think in the case of a big guy owning a chain of restaurants, his size would be helpful. A bigger, more filled out dentist would be better than lean, aggresive looking one, and vice versa with the lawyer.
Like the guy who said he’d wear clothes that hide his size for an interview. Doesn’t that make more sense for an office gig than manual labor?
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
Just to throw this out there…but there us a rather huge difference in how you are treated at “250lbs and just bigger than average” and "250lbs with arms bigger than most people’s legs.
Yeah, I am sure some are offended by that, but I see people posting who don’t seem to recognize the difference.
There are tons of “big” people around in jobs. There are NOT tons of big people who look like they are seriously training for a contest in bodybuilding and powerlifting.
That difference DOES affect how you are treated on the job.
Whether you allow it to affect you comes from how good you are and your own character.[/quote]
your last sentence can also be applied to your employer, coworkers, and the public you deal with daily.
[/quote]
True…and in the end, it is your character that will shine through…but when it comes to how people perceive you at a glance, your physical presence rules all.
Me at my fattest weight is less intimidating than me leaner in my opinion…and judging by the responses I get.
It is about the overall look…and the more “extreme” you are, the more people focus on it.[/quote]
What I meant, Doc, was that your last sentence could be SAID to the aforementioned people. THEIR character comes into question if they see you in a negative light. I just don’t understand this. It’s almost as if your presence becomes a personal affront.
As a bystander, I once witness abhorrent aggression (by a nerdy shop clerk) toward a contest ready BBer who had just walked in and politely addressed the nerd. The other customers in the store all witnessed it as well (though I wonder which side they took). I felt offended for the BBer, but as in that German video where Rockell was the target, he took it completely in stride.[/quote]
I think the OP was asking “whether or not it is fair/valid/whatever, do you find that people who decide on your career success are intimidated by being large?” Whether you work for The Man or are self-employed, you are almost certainly dealing with others on a daily basis, either as managers or customers. If either of those groups decides to “go in a different direction” because you are scary, you’re going to be SOL.
I’m not in any danger of scaring people with my size, but I’m not 100% sure that the responses of “well, if they have a problem with it, that’s their problem, not yours” are addressing the issue.
[quote]ag918w35 wrote:
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
Just to throw this out there…but there us a rather huge difference in how you are treated at “250lbs and just bigger than average” and "250lbs with arms bigger than most people’s legs.
Yeah, I am sure some are offended by that, but I see people posting who don’t seem to recognize the difference.
There are tons of “big” people around in jobs. There are NOT tons of big people who look like they are seriously training for a contest in bodybuilding and powerlifting.
That difference DOES affect how you are treated on the job.
Whether you allow it to affect you comes from how good you are and your own character.[/quote]
your last sentence can also be applied to your employer, coworkers, and the public you deal with daily.
[/quote]
True…and in the end, it is your character that will shine through…but when it comes to how people perceive you at a glance, your physical presence rules all.
Me at my fattest weight is less intimidating than me leaner in my opinion…and judging by the responses I get.
It is about the overall look…and the more “extreme” you are, the more people focus on it.[/quote]
What I meant, Doc, was that your last sentence could be SAID to the aforementioned people. THEIR character comes into question if they see you in a negative light. I just don’t understand this. It’s almost as if your presence becomes a personal affront.
As a bystander, I once witness abhorrent aggression (by a nerdy shop clerk) toward a contest ready BBer who had just walked in and politely addressed the nerd. The other customers in the store all witnessed it as well (though I wonder which side they took). I felt offended for the BBer, but as in that German video where Rockell was the target, he took it completely in stride.[/quote]
I think the OP was asking “whether or not it is fair/valid/whatever, do you find that people who decide on your career success are intimidated by being large?” Whether you work for The Man or are self-employed, you are almost certainly dealing with others on a daily basis, either as managers or customers. If either of those groups decides to “go in a different direction” because you are scary, you’re going to be SOL.
I’m not in any danger of scaring people with my size, but I’m not 100% sure that the responses of “well, if they have a problem with it, that’s their problem, not yours” are addressing the issue.[/quote]
Good post…which is why I wrote that it does matter and that you have to do even better for it to not matter.
That is why when people who aren’t that developed chime in the real message gets lost.
YES, being really big in a field where the “stereotype” is way different can and most likely will have an effect on you if you fit the image of “extreme”.
How much you let it affect you is the issue…and yes, sometimes that is out of your control.
[quote]Nards wrote:
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]Stern wrote:
[quote]Nards wrote:
[quote]Steel Nation wrote:
I’ve had nothing but positive reactions to my size. Your attitude and charisma are much more important than the size of your biceps, or even your ability as a professional. If people generally react positively to you, then you will not have any issues.[/quote]
This is true.
I’m not kidding. I may be 245 to 250lbs at 6 feet but because of my winning smile I seem to be seen as a loveable oaf. Really. Check my profile for pics.[/quote]
Pretty sure we don’t need to check your profile to know that you are a lovable oaf. =)
[/quote]
X2. Nards is like the forum’s teddy bear mascot. [/quote]
Thank you! [/quote]
I’ve never seen a teddy bear with calves that huge though. In fact, I’ve never seen a teddy bear with calves.
Some good responses, thanks.
I find it funny how most people ( on this board ) seem to assume that any prejudices against bigger people would be rooted in some “fear” or “intimidation” of the bigger man. To me, and I didn’t really make this clear in the OP, I think the real root of most discrimination would be rooted in feelings of intellectual/social inferiority. NOT actually PHYSICAL fear. We don’t live in caves… I see the thought process more like this ( even if its unconscious) - this guy is huge therefore he must be compensating for something else therefore he is not a suitable candidate for position xyz. I don’t think people are thinking " omg , this guy is sooo big, hes going to beat me up!!!
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]ag918w35 wrote:
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
Just to throw this out there…but there us a rather huge difference in how you are treated at “250lbs and just bigger than average” and "250lbs with arms bigger than most people’s legs.
Yeah, I am sure some are offended by that, but I see people posting who don’t seem to recognize the difference.
There are tons of “big” people around in jobs. There are NOT tons of big people who look like they are seriously training for a contest in bodybuilding and powerlifting.
That difference DOES affect how you are treated on the job.
Whether you allow it to affect you comes from how good you are and your own character.[/quote]
your last sentence can also be applied to your employer, coworkers, and the public you deal with daily.
[/quote]
True…and in the end, it is your character that will shine through…but when it comes to how people perceive you at a glance, your physical presence rules all.
Me at my fattest weight is less intimidating than me leaner in my opinion…and judging by the responses I get.
It is about the overall look…and the more “extreme” you are, the more people focus on it.[/quote]
What I meant, Doc, was that your last sentence could be SAID to the aforementioned people. THEIR character comes into question if they see you in a negative light. I just don’t understand this. It’s almost as if your presence becomes a personal affront.
As a bystander, I once witness abhorrent aggression (by a nerdy shop clerk) toward a contest ready BBer who had just walked in and politely addressed the nerd. The other customers in the store all witnessed it as well (though I wonder which side they took). I felt offended for the BBer, but as in that German video where Rockell was the target, he took it completely in stride.[/quote]
I think the OP was asking “whether or not it is fair/valid/whatever, do you find that people who decide on your career success are intimidated by being large?” Whether you work for The Man or are self-employed, you are almost certainly dealing with others on a daily basis, either as managers or customers. If either of those groups decides to “go in a different direction” because you are scary, you’re going to be SOL.
I’m not in any danger of scaring people with my size, but I’m not 100% sure that the responses of “well, if they have a problem with it, that’s their problem, not yours” are addressing the issue.[/quote]
Good post…which is why I wrote that it does matter and that you have to do even better for it to not matter.
That is why when people who aren’t that developed chime in the real message gets lost.
YES, being really big in a field where the “stereotype” is way different can and most likely will have an effect on you if you fit the image of “extreme”.
How much you let it affect you is the issue…and yes, sometimes that is out of your control.
[/quote]
Yes, and that is my central problem. You can do all you want to overcome the sterotype but the fact is that some things ARE out of your control.
[quote]Mad HORSE wrote:
OK, I really have no business chiming in here since I’m way too small, but I do often get told that I look like I lift weights.
So… Doesn’t it depend more on the type of work than anything else? I would think in the case of a big guy owning a chain of restaurants, his size would be helpful. A bigger, more filled out dentist would be better than lean, aggresive looking one, and vice versa with the lawyer.
Like the guy who said he’d wear clothes that hide his size for an interview. Doesn’t that make more sense for an office gig than manual labor?[/quote]
Definitely, which is why I specifically mentioned that I plan to get into finance/accounting. When I was doing construction work I was up around 210lbs- I didn’t have a problem with it as it didn’t hold me back at all. Now that I’m in school, trying to network, get internships etc I feel like being "that big guy " can really be in detriment to your success.
[quote]tmay11 wrote:
[quote]Mad HORSE wrote:
OK, I really have no business chiming in here since I’m way too small, but I do often get told that I look like I lift weights.
So… Doesn’t it depend more on the type of work than anything else? I would think in the case of a big guy owning a chain of restaurants, his size would be helpful. A bigger, more filled out dentist would be better than lean, aggresive looking one, and vice versa with the lawyer.
Like the guy who said he’d wear clothes that hide his size for an interview. Doesn’t that make more sense for an office gig than manual labor?[/quote]
Definitely, which is why I specifically mentioned that I plan to get into finance/accounting. When I was doing construction work I was up around 210lbs- I didn’t have a problem with it as it didn’t hold me back at all. Now that I’m in school, trying to network, get internships etc I feel like being "that big guy " can really be in detriment to your success. [/quote]
I think this was actually covered in the ‘T-Accountants Unite’ thread.
[quote]tmay11 wrote:
[quote]Mad HORSE wrote:
OK, I really have no business chiming in here since I’m way too small, but I do often get told that I look like I lift weights.
So… Doesn’t it depend more on the type of work than anything else? I would think in the case of a big guy owning a chain of restaurants, his size would be helpful. A bigger, more filled out dentist would be better than lean, aggresive looking one, and vice versa with the lawyer.
Like the guy who said he’d wear clothes that hide his size for an interview. Doesn’t that make more sense for an office gig than manual labor?[/quote]
Definitely, which is why I specifically mentioned that I plan to get into finance/accounting. When I was doing construction work I was up around 210lbs- I didn’t have a problem with it as it didn’t hold me back at all. Now that I’m in school, trying to network, get internships etc I feel like being "that big guy " can really be in detriment to your success. [/quote]
That is where your own character and personality come in. You are talking about networking, which is nothing more than getting to know people and having them know you for career advancement. Being more muscular can’t hold you back unless you really are openly compensating for something and they can smell it on you.
being smaller won’t make that work for you better. It just means you stand out less.
I see tons of business people around Houston lately in that “25-40” age group who clearly workout regularly even if they aren’t huge…mostly because those are the types getting the jobs…young athletic and in shape.
Look at American Psycho. There is a reason they had him THAT focused on his looks.
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
[quote]byukid wrote:
I got hired for an internship in spite of my bigness. Hoorah for phone interviews. I will bring a can of crisco though- not just for snacking, but to grease up any doors I need to get through.[/quote]
LOL
You say a lot of funny things around here that seem to go unnoticed, Kid. [/quote]
I never not notice kid. He’s like my bestest mormon buddy eva!
[quote]tmay11 wrote:
I think the real root of most discrimination would be rooted in feelings of intellectual/social inferiority. NOT actually PHYSICAL fear. We don’t live in caves… I see the thought process more like this ( even if its unconscious) - this guy is huge therefore he must be compensating for something else therefore he is not a suitable candidate for position xyz. I don’t think people are thinking " omg , this guy is sooo big, hes going to beat me up!!!
[/quote]
Actually, I’d disagree with that. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m a mean, ugly biker lookin’ mother on top of things, but people do seem to have an actual fear response to the size. It was more prominent when I was larger, but there nonetheless. (I’m 6’1" and have been up to and over 300lbs, though recently dropped to 235.)
I’ve seen it quite a few times, a normal looking guy raises his voice and people will shrug it off. When I raise my voice people cower. People really do lock up like deer in headlights when they’re terrified. It’s an unmistakable thing when you see it. If they don’t know you, they’re also more apt to think that something will “set you off”. Where normally someone would just walk up and talk to you, people will use the buddy system or position themselves behind objects before doing so. Cops and security also get very nervous when they approach you for whatever reason, which is pretty funny to me.
I think people in the business world realize that their bullshit is just that, and are constantly on edge just waiting to be “found out”. Suits, ties, and corner offices are really just ways of hiding behind a status symbol. If you’re a large guy, a TRULY large guy, they realize that you are the most likely person to see through their shit and call them on it. Nature is always there, even in the cubicle.
The cop out that you must be “compensating for XYZ” is really just a way to save face and keep from admitting to themselves that you make them feel uncomfortable. You’ve given them no reason to feel that way, but it’s there. Call it whatever you want, THAT is fear.
Professor X hit the nail on the head - there’s a big difference between most people on this board and someone who is really physically imposing. Hell, I’ve seen some guys that scare the shit out of me, and I dwarf most of you. I can only imagine what “Timmy Middlemanager” feels in the same situation. The stigma IS there, guys.
Yeah, for all intents and purposes we DO still live in caves…
[quote]twiceborn wrote:
[quote]tmay11 wrote:
I think the real root of most discrimination would be rooted in feelings of intellectual/social inferiority. NOT actually PHYSICAL fear. We don’t live in caves… I see the thought process more like this ( even if its unconscious) - this guy is huge therefore he must be compensating for something else therefore he is not a suitable candidate for position xyz. I don’t think people are thinking " omg , this guy is sooo big, hes going to beat me up!!!
[/quote]
Actually, I’d disagree with that. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m a mean, ugly biker lookin’ mother on top of things, but people do seem to have an actual fear response to the size. It was more prominent when I was larger, but there nonetheless. (I’m 6’1" and have been up to and over 300lbs, though recently dropped to 235.)
I’ve seen it quite a few times, a normal looking guy raises his voice and people will shrug it off. When I raise my voice people cower. People really do lock up like deer in headlights when they’re terrified. It’s an unmistakable thing when you see it. If they don’t know you, they’re also more apt to think that something will “set you off”. Where normally someone would just walk up and talk to you, people will use the buddy system or position themselves behind objects before doing so. Cops and security also get very nervous when they approach you for whatever reason, which is pretty funny to me.
I think people in the business world realize that their bullshit is just that, and are constantly on edge just waiting to be “found out”. Suits, ties, and corner offices are really just ways of hiding behind a status symbol. If you’re a large guy, a TRULY large guy, they realize that you are the most likely person to see through their shit and call them on it. Nature is always there, even in the cubicle.
The cop out that you must be “compensating for XYZ” is really just a way to save face and keep from admitting to themselves that you make them feel uncomfortable. You’ve given them no reason to feel that way, but it’s there. Call it whatever you want, THAT is fear.
Professor X hit the nail on the head - there’s a big difference between most people on this board and someone who is really physically imposing. Hell, I’ve seen some guys that scare the shit out of me, and I dwarf most of you. I can only imagine what “Timmy Middlemanager” feels in the same situation. The stigma IS there, guys.
Yeah, for all intents and purposes we DO still live in caves…
[/quote]
I wanna scare cops 
OP, I think in your profession, getting back to over 200 pounds would be a good idea.
Your clients will hire you to be their accountant and have no doubt that due to your size, you can beat up any government official who wants to audit them.
Who doesn’t want an accountant like that?
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]tmay11 wrote:
[quote]Mad HORSE wrote:
OK, I really have no business chiming in here since I’m way too small, but I do often get told that I look like I lift weights.
So… Doesn’t it depend more on the type of work than anything else? I would think in the case of a big guy owning a chain of restaurants, his size would be helpful. A bigger, more filled out dentist would be better than lean, aggresive looking one, and vice versa with the lawyer.
Like the guy who said he’d wear clothes that hide his size for an interview. Doesn’t that make more sense for an office gig than manual labor?[/quote]
Definitely, which is why I specifically mentioned that I plan to get into finance/accounting. When I was doing construction work I was up around 210lbs- I didn’t have a problem with it as it didn’t hold me back at all. Now that I’m in school, trying to network, get internships etc I feel like being "that big guy " can really be in detriment to your success. [/quote]
That is where your own character and personality come in. You are talking about networking, which is nothing more than getting to know people and having them know you for career advancement. Being more muscular can’t hold you back unless you really are openly compensating for something and they can smell it on you.
being smaller won’t make that work for you better. It just means you stand out less.
I see tons of business people around Houston lately in that “25-40” age group who clearly workout regularly even if they aren’t huge…mostly because those are the types getting the jobs…young athletic and in shape.
Look at American Psycho. There is a reason they had him THAT focused on his looks.[/quote]
In the business world, your size has nothing to do with your success (unless you believe it does). Your personality, work ethic and character are what matter most.
Now granted- first impressions are based on the visual but how many of you are interviewing in t-shirts or tank tops? More important is that if this is an interview, is this your first job or your next. If its your first, its probably entry level and they dont care how big you are. If its your next, your body of work supercedes your body type. As a hiring manager, the only thing I’m concerned with is can you do the job.
[quote]Loudog75 wrote:
[quote]Professor X wrote:
[quote]tmay11 wrote:
[quote]Mad HORSE wrote:
OK, I really have no business chiming in here since I’m way too small, but I do often get told that I look like I lift weights.
So… Doesn’t it depend more on the type of work than anything else? I would think in the case of a big guy owning a chain of restaurants, his size would be helpful. A bigger, more filled out dentist would be better than lean, aggresive looking one, and vice versa with the lawyer.
Like the guy who said he’d wear clothes that hide his size for an interview. Doesn’t that make more sense for an office gig than manual labor?[/quote]
Definitely, which is why I specifically mentioned that I plan to get into finance/accounting. When I was doing construction work I was up around 210lbs- I didn’t have a problem with it as it didn’t hold me back at all. Now that I’m in school, trying to network, get internships etc I feel like being "that big guy " can really be in detriment to your success. [/quote]
That is where your own character and personality come in. You are talking about networking, which is nothing more than getting to know people and having them know you for career advancement. Being more muscular can’t hold you back unless you really are openly compensating for something and they can smell it on you.
being smaller won’t make that work for you better. It just means you stand out less.
I see tons of business people around Houston lately in that “25-40” age group who clearly workout regularly even if they aren’t huge…mostly because those are the types getting the jobs…young athletic and in shape.
Look at American Psycho. There is a reason they had him THAT focused on his looks.[/quote]
In the business world, your size has nothing to do with your success (unless you believe it does). Your personality, work ethic and character are what matter most.
Now granted- first impressions are based on the visual but how many of you are interviewing in t-shirts or tank tops? More important is that if this is an interview, is this your first job or your next. If its your first, its probably entry level and they dont care how big you are. If its your next, your body of work supercedes your body type. As a hiring manager, the only thing I’m concerned with is can you do the job.[/quote]
Yea sure… But are all hiring managers the same? Would some not be more insecure/intimidated? Would some not be prejudiced… even without knowing it themselves?
I walk into an interview and the guy interviewing me is a reasonably built guy, maybe not huge but you can see he cares about his lifting to some extent. He is likely to respect a bigger guy more for being big, knowing how hard it is to get there and knowing it probably doesnt effect his intellect. But what if I walk in and the interviewer is a small guy who used to be bullied by bigger guys in highschool?
Its the same reason why more attractive people (girls and guys) tend to get jobs more easily. The physical impression does matter.
@silo - I don’t disagree with you but your resume gets you in the door. Your character and work ethic get you the job. Having said that, you may not get hired because someone didn’t like you and your muscle may have contributed to that dislike but you need to ask yourself a question - Would you really want to work underneath someone that shallow?