Emily Reynolds, a PR executive, feels the pressure to appear youthful at 44. She looks young due to her commitment to treatments like Botox, fillers, and high-end skincare. She balances the need to appear seasoned enough to lead a team while still being relevant in her field.
As she navigates beauty standards, she often wonders about her professional future and the impact of aging. “How long will I be seen as attractive?” she asks, concerned that her appearance could affect her career.
Research shows that attractive individuals tend to earn more and gain more trust. In today’s world, where beauty standards are easier to access thanks to social media and new products, there’s an expectation for everyone to conform. TikTok is filled with office workers showcasing their beauty routines. For many, investing in appearance seems like a way to stay competitive in a tough job market.
With the rise of remote work, video calls have become the norm, forcing people to confront their images daily. A study found that more than a third of people began to dislike their looks after increased video calls during the pandemic. Cosmetic procedures saw a jump as many wanted to look better on-screen. Reports show cosmetic surgeries increased by 19% from 2019 to 2022, with many citing video chats as a catalyst for seeking help.
Dr. C. Bob Basu, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, explains that patients often want to look “more energetic” and “less tired,” especially in roles that require interaction with clients. Many have turned to procedures for their faces and necks, seeing video calls as a wake-up call.
Alanna Barry, a 30-year-old in PR, felt uncomfortable with her teeth after seeing herself on screen too often. She is considering Invisalign to boost her confidence. “I think you get better opportunities when you look polished,” she shares.
Looks have also crept into the hiring process. Sites like LinkedIn display potential hires’ images, making appearance a factor, even if it shouldn’t be. AI tools can now create ideal professional headshots, leading to a homogenized view of beauty. Artist Gretchen Andrew warns that this can stifle individuality and cultural diversity.
While many seek non-invasive procedures, like lip fillers, the trend is telling. The global beauty industry is booming, projected to reach $590 billion by 2030, with skincare making up 40% of that market.
Even those against cosmetic enhancements sometimes succumb. Maureen Wiley Clough, an advocate against ageism, got Botox after Covid-19 made her hyper-aware of her appearance. Though she later stopped, she admits that the urge to appear youthful was overwhelming.
Data supports the notion that looks matter in careers. A recent study revealed that attractive MBA grads earn about $5,500 more than their peers. This advantage persists over the years, benefiting both men and women.
Interestingly, even men are increasingly seeking cosmetic procedures. With men now making up 7% of plastic surgery patients, the societal stigma seems to be fading. The 2024 report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that more men are turning to aesthetic changes to boost confidence in a competitive job market.
The recent popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight loss reflects society’s ongoing bias toward thinness. Approximately 12% of Americans use these drugs, and many still hold negative perceptions of larger employees. Fear of job loss due to appearance is a real concern, and discrimination based on size is prevalent. While workplaces applaud diversity, discussions around body size are often overlooked.
In the quest for beauty, many forget to prioritize self-acceptance. Reynolds wants to look good for herself, not just for work. Still, the pressure to conform looms large. “Why is the window so short to be professionally relevant?” she asks.
Changing these biases requires addressing deep-rooted perceptions of beauty over a lifetime. The notion that looking good can enhance one’s career is enticing—but as Wiley Clough points out, it may not be entirely wrong.
The challenges of ageism and weight stigma persist, highlighting the need for a cultural shift that values authenticity over appearance.
For more insights, explore the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ findings on the impact of looks in the workplace.
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