Like many people in college I was putting some work into figuring out who I was, identifying my style, and experimenting with life. As a result I once received an award for "Most Volatile Hairstyles" as I had gone back-and-forth between a buzz cut and wavy hair well below my shoulders.
During the last few weeks of college I applied to a number of jobs, and at this time I had very long hair for which I routinely got compliments. I was getting a degree in computer science and it suited the metal-head nerd stereotype. Unfortunately, the dot-com bubble had just burst and jobs were hard, but I did get a few interviews. Ultimately I received (and accepted) a position with a nearby tech company. I had some concerns about the company culture but I really needed a job and had friends that were also working there (or soon would be).
Once all the paperwork was signed and accepted, I signed a lease with an apartment, completed graduation, and got all moved in. Then just a few days before my start date I received an email with on-boarding instructions for the new job that wrapped up with the line: "oh, and of course we expect you to cut your hair to a professional length before your first day".
I replied to that email with a note that I felt it was inappropriate to change the terms of my employment after all the paperwork had been signed and they responded that "professionalism is a reasonable expectation of employment". So I told them I declined the job and started looking elsewhere, which is a story for another day...
