Is your weight affecting your career?

[Tina]

The article is more supportive than I thought it would be, frankly, and Lynn McAfee is quoted here, which is cool.

Is your weight affecting your career?
Allison Van Dusen

You nailed a phone interview for a new job. But once you meet your prospective boss in person, things go downhill quickly. Either your meeting is cut short or you're abruptly told the position has been filled.

The scenario is an all-too-familiar one for a number of overweight people who have experienced weight-based discrimination in the workforce. While many victims of the bias have suspected their appearance has been hurting their careers, two new studies analyzing decades' worth of research show just how pervasive the problem is.

Go to Forbes.com to view the slideshow

(Opens new window)
"This is not just something on the margins," says Mark Roehling, Michigan State University associate professor of human resources management and author of an upcoming meta-analysis of 30 studies examining weight-based discrimination in controlled employment settings. "At the obesity level and higher, we have every reason to believe [discrimination] is having a very significant impact on people."

Weight-based discrimination consistently affects every aspect of employment, from hiring to firing, promotions, pay allocation, career counselling and discipline, according to Roehling's work.

The bias appears to be most prominent during the hiring process, when an employer knows a potential employee the least and therefore is most likely to be influenced by stereotypes (such as fat people are lazy), says Cort Rudolph, a Wayne State University researcher. Rudolph presented his meta-analysis of 25 studies on the topic at a conference of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology in April.

The bulk of research has also shown that the bias tends to be felt most by overweight white women, who are battling both the glass ceiling and the stigma of being heavy. A 2004 study by Cornell University Associate Professor John Cawley found that when the average white woman puts on an additional 64 pounds, her wages drop 9%. (Some studies have shown that overweight white women are evaluated more harshly than overweight African American women and that African Americans tend to be more accepting of large body types, according to Roehling.) More...

[Miss Vickie]

Thank goodness this doesn't seem to be happening in nursing. There is so much of a shortage that they're happy to have our heads and hearts, regardless of our size. For me personally it affected my ability to do my job, but it didn't affect my hire-ability, which is good.

[Shosh]

I was lucky enough to not have been effected in terms of being hired due to my weight. I am an Early Childhood Teacher as you know, although I have now applied for disability due to the progression of my MS. My actual weight did effect how I felt, as this particular profession can be very demanding physically.
I have been the target of hatred and discrimination from co workers about my weight though. I felt that acutely.

[Violet_Beauregard]

For me, no. I work for a very small, family owned company, and my boss is 3 times my size.

I have heard of other people who've had issues though. It's not right, but it does happen.

[bbwlibrarian]

This doesn't seem to be a problem in librarianship, though I can understand some of the concerns of someone hiring a person of larger size to be a librarian--the job is, more than occasionally, physically-demanding, and requires someone that can stay on their feet for hours at a time for certain tasks. That's not to say that a lot of what I do isn't desk work, but I often find myself in stacks gathering things that haven't been cataloged, and hauling several trucks worth of books and maps across the library on some days. This becomes an issue of mobility as well as physical strength/stamina.

[Keb]

I'm going through a job search right now, and I'm terrified that my weight will make things harder . Job hunting is hard enough without extra worries like this.

[BBW Betty]

Originally Posted by Miss Vickie

Thank goodness this doesn't seem to be happening in nursing. There is so much of a shortage that they're happy to have our heads and hearts, regardless of our size. For me personally it affected my ability to do my job, but it didn't affect my hire-ability, which is good.

I'm really glad you did not have that particular problem in the field. I can tell from many of your posts I've read that you are a caring, intelligent individual you would really make the best of things for a patient.

Not everyone is that lucky, though. When I went to college, I originally was going to major in Nursing. After one semester, the time came for my application to the School of Nursing within the University I attended. This included a physical. Immediately upon the beginning of the second semester, the Dean of that School called me in for a meeting and said that my admission would be dependent upon me losing weight. At the time, I weighed about 265, and I was very fit. By the end of the year, since I had also had some difficulty with my required Science classes, I changed majors.

Then I went into teaching. Schools were very happy to have me sub, and I got many interviews based upon my resume, but wasn't hired until I applied for a teaching job at a residential treatment center. I worked at that one until it was closed 3 years later, and then the new company that took over the license kept me on. But they downsized a lot, keeping only two teachers. Both of us were single women at the time. Looking back, I got the idea that we were hired b/c we most needed a job and would put up with more crap. (The other gal and I both believed this.)

So after 4 years of the new company, I quit that job. Frank and I were married by that time. I again subbed for a year, but was unable to find full-time teaching. So I took a job in Customer Service, luckily for a company that deals with other businesses, not individuals, and I must admit we are good . I don't think my weight is holding me back at that job, and my supervisor has no qualms about letting us all know my call volume is high and mistake ratio is low. I finally feel valued for my skills and abilities, as well as work ethic.

Wow, longer post than I intended. Hope others' experiences are better than mine.

[Friday]

I haven't had any problem at my job with Management although a few co-workers over the years have tried to harass me. That usually doesn't last long as I'm pretty sharp tongued with idiots. I don't think it would have held me back had I been fool enough to want to go into management, many of the male supes are men of size so it would make it real easy to turn it into an EEO thing if I lost a promotion due to size. Our plant mngr at the moment is a woman who weighs close to 400lbs. Hasn't stopped her advancement. Of course, neither has incompetence or borderline paranoia. Go figure.

[Tad]

I don't think that my weight has had a direct effect on my career, but:

1) I'm not all that big. Obese by the medical charts, but by at least one set of internet charts only in the heaviest 1/10 or 1/8 or so for my age and gender. Which is not to say that there is no discrimination possible at my size, but I'm sure it is quite different than being in the heaviest 1/100 or even 1/1000 for my age and gender.

2) I work at technology companies, which are pretty famous for mostly not caring too much who you are, as long as you produce. The stereotype is far from totally true, there is discrimination of various types, but ability to provide results is still really highly valued, and helpful.

3) I've tended to work in niches, where there is not a lot of direct competition. The question becomes more 'how well does what you need match up with what I do?' and less 'which of the people who could do this do you prefer?' (this is not entirely accidental, weight was one contributing issue to me choosing this route)

4) I'm fairly physically active, and I try to include mentions of this on my resume and in any preliminary phone interviews, mentioning in there somewhere how I like to bike to work, or that I enjoy skiing, or whatever. So that as much as possible I've planted the idea in their heads that I'm active before they see me, to counter the impression from me being fat.

-Ed

[TraciJo67]

I had no problem getting hired. I work in social services, and there does seem to be a higher percentage of large people working for the government than you might see elsewhere. Must be that free cheese or something

Promotional opportunities were something altogether different, though. Since I've lost weight, I've had no problems at all bouncing from one area to another as it suits me. Prior to losing weight, I was stuck in the same position for more than 3 years. I'm not sure how much of that had to do with fat stereotypes, and how much was that I was perhaps less qualified or spectacular than I thought I was But I suspect that at least part of it was due to the assumptions that people made about me, based only on my weight.

[ekmanifest]

My weight has never impacted my career opportunities - either being hired or moving up the ladder, as I have at every place I've worked.

[LillyBBBW]

It hasn't affected my 9-5 much but it has affected my ability to get singing gigs and nail auditions. It's made me a little gun shy actually, I was ready to quit.

[TallFatSue]

Originally Posted by Friday

I haven't had any problem at my job with Management although a few co-workers over the years have tried to harass me. That usually doesn't last long as I'm pretty sharp tongued with idiots. I don't think it would have held me back had I been fool enough to want to go into management, many of the male supes are men of size so it would make it real easy to turn it into an EEO thing if I lost a promotion due to size. Our plant mngr at the moment is a woman who weighs close to 400lbs. Hasn't stopped her advancement. Of course, neither has incompetence or borderline paranoia. Go figure.

I can't say my size has been a major impediment to my career, and I *am* fool enough to be in management.

When my size has been a hurdle, it was probably a blessing in disguise in the long run. On some of my job searches several years ago, I had a few interviewers who seemed very interested in me until we met face-to-face, and then they looked crestfallen at how fat I was. But that batch of interviews landed me at my present company, and I probably wouldn't have wanted to work at those other places anyway, so it worked out for the best.

Without a doubt the most obvious time my weight got in the way of my career was when our well-liked office manager retired and I was in line for the promotion. Instead, one of the big muckymucks passed over me in favor of a thin and pretty woman who clearly got the promotion for reasons other than her "professional" abilities. Wow did I ever see red when that back-stabber got the job! Several colleagues urged me to file a complaint, but after I calmed down, I realized her promotion was majorly unpopular in our office. So I swallowed my pride and bided my time. The more she tried to throw her miniscule weight around, the more she pissed off everyone, and the more her incompentency stood out. Within 6 months she crashed and burned and was out the door, and then I had the job. It was probably lucky for me that it happened like that. Had I immediately followed my popular predecessor, I would have had a very hard act to follow. Instead I followed a conniving little bitch, so I compared very well indeed.

Yet another valuable service my fat has provided.

[GordoNegro]

Originally Posted by LillyBBBW

It hasn't affected my 9-5 much but it has affected my ability to get singing gigs and nail auditions. It's made me a little gun shy actually, I was ready to quit.

Hoping that does not happen as it would be a great loss overall.

Though for my job, medically they do check for BMI, BP and from what I've told, start to nag you to slim down when you 260lbs or more.
I will say that I've already looked into promotions etc. to where those are not factors in stopping a steady paycheck.

[Raqui]

weight issues lead to me squashing because I couldnt get a job. So i know this is true.

[Tracy]

My weight has never interfered with my career opportunities. However, when the insurance agency that I work for merged with another small agency in January 2007 I have had to deal with a female boss who thinks that to be accepted and beautiful you have to be THIN. At the beginning I thought I would go CRAZY listening to her go on about how fat (she is a size 10) she is and how she needs to diet. In June of 2007 they hired a lady who works up front with me and of course she is thin. The favortism that the female boss shows to this lady is so unreal (they have become the best of friends). The female boss tries really hard to get under my skin by doing and saying little things. I wish she would realize that I do not give a damn about her opinion of me. I have gone back to school to make a career change and I hope my female boss is still here the day I turn in my notice. I have a feeling she will be very shocked to learn my opinion of her.

[Friday]

Originally Posted by TallFatSue

I can't say my size has been a major impediment to my career, and I *am* fool enough to be in management.

When my size has been a hurdle, it was probably a blessing in disguise in the long run. On some of my job searches several years ago, I had a few interviewers who seemed very interested in me until we met face-to-face, and then they looked crestfallen at how fat I was. But that batch of interviews landed me at my present company, and I probably wouldn't have wanted to work at those other places anyway, so it worked out for the best.

Without a doubt the most obvious time my weight got in the way of my career was when our well-liked office manager retired and I was in line for the promotion. Instead, one of the big muckymucks passed over me in favor of a thin and pretty woman who clearly got the promotion for reasons other than her "professional" abilities. Wow did I ever see red when that back-stabber got the job! Several colleagues urged me to file a complaint, but after I calmed down, I realized her promotion was majorly unpopular in our office. So I swallowed my pride and bided my time. The more she tried to throw her miniscule weight around, the more she pissed off everyone, and the more her incompentency stood out. Within 6 months she crashed and burned and was out the door, and then I had the job. It was probably lucky for me that it happened like that. Had I immediately followed my popular predecessor, I would have had a very hard act to follow. Instead I followed a conniving little bitch, so I compared very well indeed.

Yet another valuable service my fat has provided.

And a fine manager I'm sure you are, but I can guarantee you would not want to be a frontline postal supervisor. There's a reason that they get taken out first when an employee 'go's postal'. Many of them are petty, stupid morons (of both sexes) who get what little satisfaction they have in life out of pushing people around just because they can. The few good ones are rapidly marked as unpromotable because as one I know was told, 'If your people like you, you're doing something wrong.'.

No joke, just reality at the PO.

[bexy]

i certainly dont think it has affected my career. at present working in a sex shop, i thought my size might have been a hindrance to me getting hired. however as we sell bbw mags and dvds, my boss loves the fact that there is someone working for the company to represent another side of the spectrum! oh and my dashing personality and experience helped too of course lol.

the only time it ever affected me was working in a clothes store, that carried a plus size line but was mainly a size 6-18 range. i was always put in fitting rooms. when i eventually challenged it was told they needed the other girls on the shop floor to advertise the "nice" clothes.

i left a few weeks later, as i asked for extra pay i was entitled to (as per my company handbook) and then overheard my boss make the comment "she must be a fenian she knows her rights".

VERY OFFENSIVE in northern ireland. a fenian is a derogatory word for a catholic and even though i am of no religious affilitiation i demanded an apology letter and left.

[Tina]

I have to say I feel it's affected mine in the past. Maybe it will affect how people receive me when I take my jewelry around to local shops, too. Especially with the blasted rollator. Not only my career, but finding work.

One time, I went to a clothing store (not plus-size, because back then there weren't many) looking for work. The woman looked me up and down (all 180 lbs of me) and said, "YOU want to work for ME?"

Well, not now, you twat.

I figure, though, best to have that stuff out of the way from the start, but it can still be disconcerting.

[sunnie1653]

I've had a lot of discrimination, actually. I've been on eight job interviews in the past 2 months, 7 of which I had phone interviews prior to my face-to-face interview. One interview was at a doctor's office, and I was actually asked "Are you presently doing anything about your weight?" I said that it was none of his business and left. I've been told I'm overqualified for jobs (which is a lie) .. or simply that another candidate has been chosen. Its never been said outloud why I haven't been hired at another job, however.. the look on people's face when I walk through the door speaks volumes.

At my job that I hold currently.. it wasn't an issue. I was welcomed with open arms, I wasn't looked down on, and my boss actually switched the office chair that was here when I started because it was fairly high off the ground and had arms on it. I could sit in it, but I was uncomfortable. I would stay if he would just pay me a salary that matched the work I'm doing. I'm *severely* underpaid. :/

Sorry, turned into a bit of a rant.

[BBWDREAMLOVER]

I just have a hard time agreeing with this I never had an issue when job hunting. Maybe it's the way they carry themselves, I don't know I just know I've never experienced that type of discrimation.

[ekmanifest]

Originally Posted by Tina

Well, not now, you twat.

I think this needs to go into my sig

[Tina]

Originally Posted by BBWDREAMLOVER

I just have a hard time agreeing with this I never had an issue when job hunting. Maybe it's the way they carry themselves, I don't know I just know I've never experienced that type of discrimation.

I am trying not to read that as insulting, even though it certainly could be taken that way. Consider yourself lucky. I don't think one can assume that everyone who is discriminated against carries themselves like a victim or target.

Originally Posted by ekmanifest

I think this needs to go into my sig

Heh. *waves at EK*

[ekmanifest]

Originally Posted by BBWDREAMLOVER

I just have a hard time agreeing with this I never had an issue when job hunting. Maybe it's the way they carry themselves, I don't know I just know I've never experienced that type of discrimation.

This is something I've thought about as well. Honestly, before Dims, I had no interaction with other fat people (except my dad, who is a doctor). I would occasionally watch some show where someone would be talking about how much they would be discriminated because of their weight and I would think, hmmm, that hasn't ever happened to me.

I do think part of it is the attitude you bring into any experience. However, through my involvement with Dimensions I just see that it is like everything else, your life experiences are going to dictate how you show up in a certain situation - and if you've experienced that type of discrimination in the past or are worried about it because others you know have experienced it, that fear is going to affect your confidence. Although I certainly have those types of fears in other areas - I don't have them as far as it comes to my career.

[TraciJo67]

Originally Posted by BBWDREAMLOVER

I just have a hard time agreeing with this I never had an issue when job hunting. Maybe it's the way they carry themselves, I don't know I just know I've never experienced that type of discrimation.

Could have something to do with the field that you're applying in, Rhonda. Could be many variables. I wouldn't automatically assume that everyone who faces some kind of discrimination carries him/herself unfavorably. I certainly didn't, and don't.

Prior to completing my degree and required certifications, I worked in sales & customer service. That was during a time when the manufacturing industry was practically begging for qualified individuals, turn-over was high (and favored employees, who simply got better paying jobs elsewhere, and practically at the drop of a hat). Employers couldn't afford to be outrageously choosy, at least not in that industry. Much of the discrimination that I faced revolved around promotional and "goodie bag" type opportunities -- like, for instance, the chance to travel or attend trade shows. I do not discount that I was simply not always the best qualified for these opportunities ... but there were times when I was convinced that it had less to do with my abilities and more to do with how I was perceived. Doubly so, when taking into consideration vaguely insulting remarks made to/about me and my body size (i.e., "jokes" about how I couldn't get a new chair because I'd just break it or "good-natured ribbing" about me eating more than my fair share at company-sponsored dinners).

What I've observed is that the better educated some people are, the more outrageously bigoted they can be. Although I should know better by now, it still sometimes manages to surprise me ... hearing a college-educated professional with a Master's degree making fun of a client for being so large that he is considered disabled ... or hanging up the phone with someone who speaks English as a second language and going off on a tangent about how he/she should "learn ze Engrish" upon getting "off the boat" and landing in this country.