Sas
Contributor
In decision theory we often employ what's known as a "least-regret decision model" in situations such as this. Essentially what you do is assume you made Decision #1 and then analyze the potential that you would regret that decision, in terms of both likelihood and impact. Then, do the same for Decision #2.
A quick analysis based on pure logic:
Decision #1 - Grow Dreadlocks:
- Likelihood of Dreadlocks impacting job offer: Low/Medium/High (Depending on hiring manager's bias)
- Impact: High (Don't get the job)
- Regret: Med/High (Low/Med/High x High = Med/High)
Decision #2 - Don't Grow Dreadlocks:
- Likelihood of Dreadlocks impacting job offer: Zero (Not having dreadlocks will not be held against you*)
- Impact: Zero (No Dreadlocks, no impact)
- Regret: None (0 x 0 = 0)
Seems like a pretty simple decision to me.
*Unless you're looking for a job at a Rastafarian dive shop.
I think your approach is a good one but I doubt for the OP that regret about not growing dreadlocks would be zero. They obviously would like to have dreadlocks so not growing them would be regretful. As someone who went from hair past my butt to no hair I can relate to the feelings of one contemplating a radical hair change. Whilst I am growing my hair back to its old length, I am glad I got to try out the whole bald thing, just for curiousity and would have regretted not trying it out.