Are Short, Fat, Ugly People Destined to a Life of Poverty?

When the Journal of Applied Psychology reported that people who are tall typically earn more money that their shorter counterparts, this was quite annoying news, for a relatively short person like me.

Worse, another study reported that being overweight and ‘plain’ is bad for your earning potential, but being slim and physically attractive improves your prospects. Bugger. I was quite plain and podgy at the time.

So are short, fat, ugly people destined to a life of poverty? That doesn’t seem right!

A growing body of research including studies from around the western world, seem to show that taller people typically earn more than shorter people.

In response to one such study, the American Psychological Association said: “The findings suggest that someone who is 6 feet tall earns, on average, nearly $166,000 more during a 30-year career than someone who is 5 feet 5 inches — even when controlling for gender, age and weight.”

Why do taller people earn more?

Researchers have suggested that confidence might play a role in why taller people earn more, either because taller people are more confident, or because they are perceived to be more confident. This can make them appear more commanding, so they are regarded by others as good managers. Tall people are used to people looking up to them, after all!

Researchers also wonder if gender could have a role. Men tend are typically taller than women and often earn more, so studies that haven’t adjusted for gender bias, might be swayed by this factor.

Attractiveness helps!

What about the study that reported overweight women earned less than slim women? And that attractiveness helps. What’s wrong with being ‘plain’ anyway?

If you’re feeling a bit peeved by all this, take heed, there are many of us shorties out there, and we’re not all glamour pusses. What can we ordinary folk do to increase our earnings potential?

Enhancing your best features with a little make up and a smart suit, might set a good impression, but I think the real key is confidence.

Confidence makes people more attractive

People find confidence attractive. It’s a fact. In all walks of life, from social lives, to love lives, to employment, people respond well to those who are confident — just as long as that confidence doesn’t slip into arrogance and become unattractive! Although a little arrogance can sometimes go a long way at work.

So if you’re shy and lack self-esteem, trying to grow in confidence can help you come across well at work and in other aspects of life.

How to develop confidence

Wear clothes that make you feel good. Dressing to impress can boost your confidence.

Focus on your strengths. If you focus on your skills and what you’re good at, it helps everyone see your potential.

If your negative inner voice is doubting your abilities, fight back with positive self-belief. Focusing on your strengths and developing new skills can help you feel more confident in your own capabilities.

Develop new skills, embrace opportunities, and work on new projects with colleagues. Each new experience that goes well, will add to your profile and boost your confidence.

When things go well, give yourself a pat on the back. Recognise your achievements, focus on your best results, and work on weaker areas.

Developing confidence isn’t easy, but greater confidence will come if you’re willing to take a few risks to build that self-belief.

The bottom line is, there’s not a huge amount you can do about your appearance, but if you can develop a confident attitude, it could help advance your career.

Confidence also helps you grow as a person and develop positive social relationships. That’s got to be a good thing.

Final Word — to the offended

To anyone who is offended that I’ve called people short, fat, and ugly, please relax. I used that turn of phrase to catch people’s attention and get people reading. Below you’ll find the original version, which is politically correct, but garnered few reads.

So, will a more controversial headline generate more reads? Let’s find out. Please don’t be offended. I’ve never met you. I have no idea what you look like. I’m not calling you short, fat or ugly. I’m just passing on the results of scientific research. Don’t shoot the messenger. I believe in equality for all.

Tall People Earn More: What Can ‘Shorties’ Do To Catch Up?

It’s rewritten it with a slightly different focus, so no, I’m not breaking any rules either. Chill.