I'll preface this with the obligatory “I'm on mobile” apology.
I'm 15, and I got my first job back in April of 2021. Now this alone has been slightly challenging for me, since at the time I was unmedicated. I've since gotten diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and prescribed treatment, so I'm doing a lot better.
One of the things I've never appreciated is how they try to take away your individuality. I work at a food place, so I understand most of the dresscode — tied back hair, hats/visers, etc.
But then the rules got weird. For example, there's a specific amount of rings you're allowed to wear. You're only allowed one bracelet on each hand. Some face piercings aren't allowed, and there's a regulation on the length of your nails. Hell, even the color of your socks is regulated (although nobody actually enforces that). Even worse, LGBTQ+ accessories aren't allowed. Point is, as someone who loves my freedom and expression, wearing all black everyday was a bit drab.
However, I've looked back over the rules, and started accessorizing. Tying ribbons to my belt loops, wearing chain necklaces, putting pins through the spare holes on my belt, etc. I know it's not much, but my coworkers immediately noticed the difference, and one of my friends even said I was the only coworker that stood out. While my intention was never to draw attention to myself, and moreso was just to bring a bit of my self expression back, I've decided I don't mind making a statement, even if it's a small one. As a teenager who's easily replaceable, there isn't much I can do to fight my job. So if the most I can do is push the limits of the dresscode, I'm completely down for it.