The reason I grew a beard in 1973 and haven't shaved it ever since, was simple: At the age of 23, I still had a baby face, so much so that I had to show some kind of age verification (ID card) to even get a ticket for a movie theater.

The tipping point actually was reached with this scene: I was sitting on the back seat of my parent's car when Dad had to get gas at a gas station in St. Gallen. Those were the times long gone when someone from the station filled your tank and washed your windshield, expecting a tip, of course.

The "someone" on that particular occasion was a car mechanic apprentice, maybe 15 years old. At the end of the procedure, Dad handed him a bank note through the window, the guy went inside, came back, counted the change into Dad's hand and eventually said: "And here's a chewing gum for the kid." The kid was about ten years older than the generous donator.

Two weeks later I had a full beard, and all my previous problems at box offices and the like were gone for good. No more questions like, "Is your Daddy at home?" On the other hand, gone were the times of half-fare rides on trains too.

__________________

"This is AMAZING! I have the exact amount of money Joe Biden has cost us playing golf in my sweatpants pocket!" — Kona Lowell

Perhaps it wasn't the length of urethra but your reference to 'light practice dress' that threw them off. Dress as in kit, not as in

Having a neat beard is THE thing in the gay community of Zurich at the moment, so maybe you just don't hang out in the hip and trendy places enough.

I've been working in Switzerland for ten years now, with a beard, and have had no problems whatsoever. However, as I began to prefer to trim it shorter and shorter, yesterday I've decided to start shaving again.

I though that was what that bar was the other night...

Seen plenty of earring toting, young, hip bosses of trendy little companies up and down Bahnhofstrasse. The one earring in your ear is traditional Swiss, so I don't think they are that picky about it. Unless it is the bosses prerogative to do what he wants, but employee must stick to a dress code.

Hmmm, I've had a beard for most of the 25 years I've been here, as have had several colleagues and friends.

I tried wearing a suit to work for a while, then only once a week, then I gave up, as no-one else did.

I know plenty of business types and bankers with earrings, including company directors.

I'm one of the few I've ever worked with who DOESN'T put on sandals at work!

Tom

Certainly not just gay community, seriously, here, everywhere.



Oops, wrong pic.

Here. Some people are made for it.





It's true, though, that one does not see it here too much, I guess it goes against the manicured metro thing? Makes people look younger, grasshoppy...Not everyone can sport manly facial hair.

Thankfully, mine is never neat (nor is my office or garage).

My bourbon, however, usually is.

Tom

That was the curve ball that threw me .

As is often said, this thread is useless without pictures.
There are men who are simply born to wear a beard, the late Steve Jobs for example. I can’t imagine how a smashing looking beard would spoil anyone’s chances on the job market.

The original is best:



Tom

Ok ok, just think practice like reception desk, waiting area for patients, x-ray rooms, surgical instruments, laboratory, microscopes etc.. Although I must admit I'll take that tutu into consideration next time I order new clothes. Not pink, though.

...what a strange question.

Friend of mine once said "A man without a beard is like a woman without tits."

Yuck ! You are right no wonder i don't find the Swiss men attractive ....adding a beard to the equation they would be looking totally gay........now there is a thought!

Glad I have a big beard because my woman has -- oh never mind.

That's traditional for Appenzeller cowboys and master carpenters which pretty much whacks the meter over on the male side of the scale.

Which do you have, beard or tits?


...or both?

I tend to think beards are hiding a weak chin, zits, lots of crumbs, or all 3.

Groomed beards only highlight the shape of one's chin.

The zits usually go away after one week's growth- its usually too long to get ingrown, and the hair absorbs a lot of the oils that clog your pores.

If you wash your face regularly, like any civilized person, you won't have crumbs in your beard.

Any other complaints?

I'm not a big voter for beards (they are spikey when you great with a kiss ) but I do have bearded and moustached colleagues. But now that you mention it, all bearded guys I know here are 40+ and in IT. Hmmmm...

Speaking of which... I just noticed someone hasn't shaved in a week Where's my razorblade...