Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Understanding the Impact of Jealousy and Entitlement Among Apprentices

In today's competitive tattoo job market, apprenticeships serve as a vital stepping stone for many individuals entering the industry. However, the dynamics within these environments can sometimes become toxic, especially when jealousy and entitlement emerge. This blog post explores the challenges faced by apprentices who create toxic environments, take things for granted, and harbor jealousy towards their co-workers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering a healthier workplace culture.

The Nature of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and mentorship for individuals seeking to develop skills in specific trades or professions. While this learning environment can be immensely beneficial, it can also lead to complicated interpersonal dynamics.

Apprentices often learn from more experienced colleagues, which can spark feelings of inadequacy or jealousy. For instance, a recent survey indicated that nearly 45% of apprentices admitted to feeling insecure when comparing their progress to that of their peers. If these feelings remain unaddressed, they can manifest in toxic behaviors, impacting not only the individual but also the entire team.

The Role of Jealousy in the Workplace

Jealousy is a natural human emotion. However, when prevalent in the workplace, it can create a toxic atmosphere. Apprentices may feel envious of colleagues who seem to excel or receive recognition for their efforts. This jealousy can lead to negative behaviors such as gossiping, undermining others, or refusing to collaborate.

For example, if one apprentice consistently receives praise for completed projects while another struggles, they might start engaging in harmful behaviors, like criticizing their peers publicly or with other co-workers within the shop environment, creating a toxic environment.

I have personally dealt with apprentices/artists who treat newcomers in my shop unprofessionally, based in jealousy. They have actively talked behind their back to others and destroyed the environment in the shop.

The Impact of Entitlement

Entitlement is another significant factor contributing to a toxic environment. Some apprentices may believe they deserve certain privileges or recognition without sufficient effort. This mindset can lead to frustration when their expectations are not met.

I, myself, apprenticed for three years before I was allowed to tattoo clientele. Granted this was in the 1990s when apprenticeships were actual apprenticeships, not paid to play schemes like how Arkansas has setup, similar to a cosmetology school. These days anyone can become a tattoo artist if you pay someone enough money in Arkansas. There are literal schools, it doesn't matter if you can draw a straight line or be an actual artist, just as long as you pay. It has denigrated the tattoo market around here with tons of barely experienced artists believing that they are experienced enough to open a shop on every corner.

For instance, an apprentice may expect immediate promotion or perks after a short period in training. When this does not happen, disappointment can fuel resentment toward those who earn accolades legitimately. Another major issue is when apprentices believe that because they have some time under their belt they are qualified to do any and all designs and styles, incorrectly, effectively making money grabs and leaving clients with a bad product.

Creating a Toxic Environment

Jealousy and entitlement can intertwine, creating a toxic environment detrimental to everyone involved. Apprentices who engage in these behaviors may find themselves isolated, leading to a cycle of negativity, whether they realize it or not.

Moreover, this toxicity can spill over into broader workplace culture, impacting everyone. When jealousy and entitlement thrive, collaboration suffers, communication falters, and productivity decreases. This not only affects apprentices but can create ripple effects throughout the entire organization, leading to higher turnover rates and decreased job satisfaction.

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The Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping apprentices' experiences. A supportive mentor can guide them through challenges, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate workplace dynamics effectively.

Mentorship doesn't require both parties to believe in all the same ideologies or belief systems, what it does require is the love for the art. I do not charge for apprenticeships, I give my knowledge to female artists and I do it in a safe environment. Apprentices are supported by everyone in my shop and given all the same opportunities regardless of their creed, race or beliefs. What I have learned is that these ideals are not usually honored in return and the entitlement of the gift of a career given isn't respected.

Summary of Key Insights

1. In this emerging world where the tattoo industry has become mainstream and "tattoo schools" are becoming more and more common; the age of true apprenticeships is dead. Younger generations do not respect older artists in the industry and treat our mentorship opportunity as an opportunity to take advantage and twist themselves into victims when hard work, expectations and decent human behavior is expected. This has been my experience in Arkansas for the past 7 years owning a shop here.

2. Arkansas needs to revamp their laws regarding who can apprentice and how many years of experience is required. 5 years is not long enough to be able to learn all the styles and get the experience to be taking money from people and licensing them.

3. This market is oversaturated with shops full of artists with barely any experience and I do alot of coverups. I would like to express that this may actually be a plus for me.