Tattoos: easy come, not so easy go, unless you're rich

I once saw a man at his sentencing hearing sporting a spider's web tattoo covering his chin and jaw. Given how many employers now require employees to cover any tattoos they might have, this fellow's prospects are probably limited to telemarketing. He'll have to make a lot of license plates to pay for an increasingly pricey alternative, tattoo removal.

A recent survey of HR directors found that almost four in 10 believe it's OK to pass on hiring someone because of tattoos or facial hardware. Many have a policy requiring any such art be covered while at work (Starbucks included, according to this story.)

Removing a tat that is standing in the way of obtaining that perfect job can cost upwards of $1,500 for four square inches. (I could buy four square inches of 14-carat gold, .064 inches thick, for $635.)