Obesity - major hinderance to success?

[purbeast0]

What field? We get lots of scope creep and vague guidance which often leads to extended work hours. Add to that someone messing something up, and it's almost always a recipe for late nights from time to time.

You just confirmed what smackababy said - you work for a poorly managed company.

 

[cbrunny]

taft was fatter so it doesn't matter. That your point?

It's a stupid point.

Being not fat is objectively better than being fat. Forget your careers, OP. Get not fat because its better than being fat.

 

[Tweak155]

As someone who has lost ~95lbs in the last year or so, and about 115lbs from my heaviest weight, I will say it has not brought any benefit other than endurance and self satisfaction (although to be fair, I only interviewed after losing ~20lbs and not since). Any goal is achieved through, first and foremost, setting that goal. The next step is to identify and try something towards achieving that goal, measure the success or failure, and either make it better or add to it (success), or try something else in the case of failure.

Humans are not very good at achieving great success with more than one goal in focus. Yes, you can have success, but your greatest success will come when it is something you want more than anything else and it is all you focus on. So, if I were you, I'd focus on losing the weight simply because it will be something that impacts most anything else you will want to work towards. It will improve your outlook on life and mental attitude, thus increasing the impact on any other goals you set thereafter.

Losing weight is not all that complicated, it takes patience and persistence and most of all - determination. EVERYONE knows the "secret" to losing weight - diet and exercise. It's the determined that execute the "secret".

 

[yllus]

I'm going to go against the crowd and say I suspect your weight does play a factor in career opportunities based on a couple of observations:

1. Once you get to a certain level, you look upwards at people above you and realize that they all seem to be over-achievers not only in their career but in other parts of their lives as well. My direct superior at a large company I was recently with was a long distance runner and one of the pioneers of BMX riding in his native country. Another guy above me was a distance cyclist who took two weeks off from working to cycle the Alps with a group of other insanely fit people. A senior director played volleyball competitively. And so on.

Theory: A lot of getting "in" with a group of people is emotional - they have to feel like you naturally fit with them. If you don't seem to be the type who excels in all major facets of your lifestyle, they'll notice and your odds of getting in go down.

2. Would you naturally look to hire someone who looks or dresses slovenly to execute a job that requires precise, decisive action? Considering the state of BMI in the West I'd hope that you would, but I wouldn't be surprised if people immediately have a thought otherwise. If you're "lazy" about your health or appearance, maybe people think that translates into mental processes as well?

I've wondered all of this for a while myself and it's caused me to work on dropping the ~7 pounds of weight I should drop - I've biked roughly 1200 km this year to that effect. If you're in NYC, you're near some really great trails and should consider doing the same!

 

[Chaotic42]

You just confirmed what smackababy said - you work for a poorly managed company.

It goes deeper than that, but to the point of the thread, I think that a lot of times people who are stressed and rushing around eat poorly not only because of time, but because they want the comfort of something full of calories and fat. It's pleasure to offset the stress of working too much. It doesn't help that there aren't many healthy options around us.

I can definitely verify though that even though eating properly may not give you the instant high of junk food, the every day general increase in energy and mood are far more worth it. Even five pounds makes a difference. Aside from the work benefits, you'll reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other medical complications down the road. Don't burn your body out by your 30s or 40s.

 

[vi edit]

If you're working late nights and weekends, it's because your company either has terrible management or you're a bad employee who can't get your shit done during regular hours so you have to come in later to finish.

Also, all you did was give an excuse as to why someone may eat poorly. If they are working late or weekends, why not take 20 minutes before going to work to prepare something you can eat at work, instead of taking 20 minutes to run out and go to the Wendy's drive through for a Baconator with fries and a large coke?

Ok that's just a terrible blanket statement. Maybe I'm biased since I work healthcare where it doesn't shut down and patients still need to be managed outside of traditional banking hours. Shift work is part of the deal.

 

[purbeast0]

Ok that's just a terrible blanket statement. Maybe I'm biased since I work healthcare where it doesn't shut down and patients still need to be managed outside of traditional banking hours. Shift work is part of the deal.

I'm not talking shift work where you are working your normal schedule, like people working 12 hour shifts in hospitals or firefighters who are on 24 hour shifts. I'm talking when you are working more than your normal 40 hours a week at a desk job which keeps you there on nights and weekends.

 

[NesuD]

To be blunt, I personally see fat people as lazy and I'd take a skinny person over a fat person, all things equal job wise, 10/10 times. Whether that's wrong/mean/whatever, that is just how I view it.

When someone is fat it shows me they lack discipline and self control. It shows me they are lazy. It also tells me they don't care about their health and their well being. If they don't care enough about themselves and are lazy with themself, why would they care enough about someone else (the company) or not be lazy for someone else?

You are a moron. There are lots of reasons people gain weight. I quit smoking for my health. Was the hardest thing I've ever done but I did it and it stuck been a nonsmoker for 7 years now. Guess what happened while I was being lazy and not caring about my health. I worked 60 hrs a week put my two sons through college, (they have degrees with zero debt) quit smoking, and I'm still working but something happened after I quit smoking. I gained 40 pounds. You want to call me lazy and accuse me of not caring about my health? I sure hope you don't take that attitude in your job. If you worked for me and treated people badly because of their weight or didn't give someone a fair consideration because of their weight I would can your ass. If you are downgrading people simply on that basis than you would be terrible at hiring.

Just so you know I am going to lose that 40 and maybe a little more then I am going to do the Rim To Rim Crossing of the Grand Canyon. Did the Barr Trail Up Pikes Peak Seven years ago right before I quit smoking. I am closer to 60 Than 50 you want to make that crossing with me? The undisciplined lazy fat guy who doesn't care about his health? Do Ya?

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Move to the midwest where you will be the skinniest and smartest people for miles.

 

[purbeast0]

You are a moron. There are lots of reasons people gain weight. I quit smoking for my health. Was the hardest thing I've ever done but I did it and it stuck been a nonsmoker for 7 years now. Guess what happened while I was being lazy and not caring about my health. I worked 60 hrs a week put my two sons through college, (they have degrees with zero debt) quit smoking, and I'm still working but something happened after I quit smoking. I gained 40 pounds. You want to call me lazy and accuse me of not caring about my health? I sure hope you don't take that attitude in your job. If you worked for me and treated people badly because of their weight or didn't give someone a fair consideration because of their weight I would can your ass. If you are downgrading people simply on that basis than you would be terrible at hiring.

Just so you know I am going to lose that 40 and maybe a little more then I am going to do the Rim To Rim Crossing of the Grand Canyon. Did the Barr Trail Up Pikes Peak Seven years ago right before I quit smoking. I am closer to 60 Than 50 you want to make that crossing with me? The undisciplined lazy fat guy who doesn't care about his health? Do Ya?

Use whatever excuse you want to - you're laziness about your health and eating is why you gained weight. The fact that you smoked for that long and it was so bad it was affecting your health is more proof that you didn't care about your health. Using the 60 hour a week excuse is just that - an excuse. Everyone wants to blame everything else when they gain weight instead of owning up to the sheer fact that they decided to gain the weight due to their poor and lazy choices.

And who gives a shit how many hours you work - what the hell does that have to do with eating healthy? Absolutely nothing, that's just yet another excuse.

And you don't have to "stay lazy" you can become not lazy, which is sounds like you are finally going to do with your health. Good for you.

I did not realize how much of a fat problem we have in the USA until I was in Europe in August. Fat people are like how it used to be when I was kids where you had that 1 "fat kid" in your class, instead of how it is now where everyone is fat. It's hard to find fat Europeans in the cities I was in. And like 95% of the time the fat people I did see were clearly tourists.

Also nowhere did I state that I tread people badly because of their weight, but nice of you to try and put words in my mouth.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I have to add that a lot of employers place vending machines in their lunchrooms loaded down with all kinds of unhealthy snacks in them. People working shifts with irregular breaks really don't care about what they eat when they get the chance hence the obesity levels in places like that. When I worked at Smurfit-Stone we didn't even have a scheduled break period for the 12 hour day and you ate when you got a chance or you didn't eat at all. People who want to lose weight need to plan their diet out and take what they need with them to work and stay out of the junk food machines.

 

[Mursilis]

At least some research has suggested a bias exists against obese people in hiring and employment settings. Regardless, as others have said, if you and your wife take steps towards a healthier lifestyle, that's a benefit in and of itself, both for yourselves individually and for your family. Good luck!

 

[Ruptga]

At least some research has suggested a bias exists against obese people in hiring and employment settings. Regardless, as others have said, if you and your wife take steps towards a healthier lifestyle, that's a benefit in and of itself, both for yourselves individually and for your family. Good luck!

Yeah, being fat will never help the impression you make but it can hurt it.

It can also lead to health issues like constant wheezing that will annoy the shit out of everyone you work near. That's not a plus.

 

[z1ggy]

As shallow as it is (especially NYC), hot women (and guys) are going to get looked at much more often for a job than an equally as qualified fat person. Aside from the fact 99% of people would rather talk to and be surrounded by attractive folks, fat people will cost the company more in the long run. They will cost the company more in insurance premiums potentially, be out of work more often due to health issues and maybe even drive customers away if they are in any type of sales business.

Bottom line, being "obese" can certainly hinder your career, especially as a woman.

 

[OverVolt]

Economically speaking Japan is about 10-20 years ahead down the rabbit hole of QE and at this point men are getting cosmetic surgery to land good jobs.

So my opinion... as of recently... looks seem to be a major contributor in hiring.

 

[OverVolt]

Use whatever excuse you want to - you're laziness about your health and eating is why you gained weight. The fact that you smoked for that long and it was so bad it was affecting your health is more proof that you didn't care about your health. Using the 60 hour a week excuse is just that - an excuse. Everyone wants to blame everything else when they gain weight instead of owning up to the sheer fact that they decided to gain the weight due to their poor and lazy choices.

And who gives a shit how many hours you work - what the hell does that have to do with eating healthy? Absolutely nothing, that's just yet another excuse.

And you don't have to "stay lazy" you can become not lazy, which is sounds like you are finally going to do with your health. Good for you.

I did not realize how much of a fat problem we have in the USA until I was in Europe in August. Fat people are like how it used to be when I was kids where you had that 1 "fat kid" in your class, instead of how it is now where everyone is fat. It's hard to find fat Europeans in the cities I was in. And like 95% of the time the fat people I did see were clearly tourists.

Also nowhere did I state that I tread people badly because of their weight, but nice of you to try and put words in my mouth.

Jesus cut a guy a break, you on the anti-depressant sauce?

 

[Ruptga]

Jesus cut a guy a break, you on the anti-depressant sauce?

You mean coffee?

 

[slackerinabox]

Thanks guys, I kept quiet because the post was a bit of a pathetic pity party. I also got a job, my boss is a chunky fellow too so my point remains 🙂 I suppose I'm most upset about my wife - I'm a slacker but she's the opposite - 2 masters in her field , years of acclaimed and hard work (award winning teacher), and she had consistently aced phone interviews getting to the 2nd or 3rd interview, then nada. She hits a wall whenever she hits a certain type (men and minority women love her, skinny white women have all rejected her - and she's a white lady). I don't think it's race, just from personal experience white women seem much more into body image issues than sisters. We've both upped the fitness because whining solves nothing, still - it's frustrating to watch.

 

[solidstar]

i don't think obesity is a major hindrance in finding a job, i believe employers look for your credentials not your weight. If you want to lose weight, then do so. But just because you want to be healthy and nothing else.

 

[edro]

Use whatever excuse you want to - you're laziness about your health and eating is why you gained weight. The fact that you smoked for that long and it was so bad it was affecting your health is more proof that you didn't care about your health. Using the 60 hour a week excuse is just that - an excuse. Everyone wants to blame everything else when they gain weight instead of owning up to the sheer fact that they decided to gain the weight due to their poor and lazy choices.

And who gives a shit how many hours you work - what the hell does that have to do with eating healthy? Absolutely nothing, that's just yet another excuse.

And you don't have to "stay lazy" you can become not lazy, which is sounds like you are finally going to do with your health. Good for you.

Buuurrrn.

 

[Ruptga]

i don't think obesity is a major hindrance in finding a job, i believe employers look for your credentials not your weight. If you want to lose weight, then do so. But just because you want to be healthy and nothing else.

Hah. That's the case until you walk in the door for the interview, well, unless you attach a picture with your resume. An interview isn't a standardized test, it's a battery of heuristics that even the interviewer isn't 100% aware of.

Actually, that describes pretty much all human interaction.

 

[lytalbayre2]

Not sure I have much to add to this conversation other than there are additional variables besides weight that might be in play. More specifically, attitude and self-confidence are extremely important. If you are thinking about this as potentially being an issue, then there is obviously a degree of lack of self-confidence that will present itself in an interview. Versus if you come in there full of confidence and expertise despite your weight, people will react to that. Just like dating, etc.... you have to be confident.... try not to show the chinks in your armor. Not always easy to do... especially if you have been dealt one rejection after another.

Good luck!

 

[slackerinabox]

I'm going to go against the crowd and say I suspect your weight does play a factor in career opportunities based on a couple of observations:

1. Once you get to a certain level, you look upwards at people above you and realize that they all seem to be over-achievers not only in their career but in other parts of their lives as well. My direct superior at a large company I was recently with was a long distance runner and one of the pioneers of BMX riding in his native country. Another guy above me was a distance cyclist who took two weeks off from working to cycle the Alps with a group of other insanely fit people. A senior director played volleyball competitively. And so on.

Theory: A lot of getting "in" with a group of people is emotional - they have to feel like you naturally fit with them. If you don't seem to be the type who excels in all major facets of your lifestyle, they'll notice and your odds of getting in go down.

2. Would you naturally look to hire someone who looks or dresses slovenly to execute a job that requires precise, decisive action? Considering the state of BMI in the West I'd hope that you would, but I wouldn't be surprised if people immediately have a thought otherwise. If you're "lazy" about your health or appearance, maybe people think that translates into mental processes as well?

I've wondered all of this for a while myself and it's caused me to work on dropping the ~7 pounds of weight I should drop - I've biked roughly 1200 km this year to that effect. If you're in NYC, you're near some really great trails and should consider doing the same!

I'm going to agree with everything you said. If there are fat CEOs I've never heard of them. I've been reading a lot of sales/business books these days and all of them stress the importance of discipline and cite daily exercise as a good beginning to a structured day. You're right, the higher ups are often fitness freaks, from cyclists to just gym rats. Denying that won't help us.

We're particularly well dressed chubsters but there is an apathy that sinks in, and when I started really over eating at my prior jobs (usually after years of no upward mobility), bad habits would sink in too - i'd shave less often, start buying cheaper clothing because I stopped caring, try to pass black sneakers off as dress shoes. It's all a cycle and all connected. Sounds like fitness will be a number 1 priority, especially since I sometimes go an entire day in the crowded city without running into a chubby native - it kinda sucks being the fattest guy on a subway car, especially since I sweat so much (seriously, it's jacket weather yet they pump up the heat on the trains - in rush hour when you don't have the room to carry your jacket and the body heat amplifies everything, it's basically torture and I think they do it to shame the fatties into leaving the city!

 

[Tweak155]

While Purbeast is being harsh in his delivery, his reply is 100% correct. Outside of some sort of debilitation / handicap / etc, if you can work a 60hr/wk job, you can control your overall health.

That said, and I realize I am replying to posts 2 weeks old now, there should at least be some level of appreciation that it can be difficult to overcome habits. At the very basis, the individual needs to understand what sort of impact their choices are making not only on their current health, but their future health as well. Some people have challenges thinking that far ahead, it also carries over largely to budgeting as well.

At the end of the day, we are the champions of our future, not some external force. Take control while you still have the option and under your own free will before it gets to the point of life or death. This is ultimately why I started changing my habits. While I'm still only in my 30's, I'd like to still be fairly active when I'm 70. While I was able to still do the things I wanted 90lbs ago, I can tell even today that not only am I way better off now, my future is looking great as well.

 

[Thebobo]

I think fat people lack willpower. Therefore I will only hire them to play video games.

I'm fat hire me!