Getting a tattoo in the future a good or bad thing?

[Don]

Once you're hired, your employer can't discriminate against you for having a tattoo (its part of your appearance) unless it shows something obscene.

Actually, this is not true. Having a tattoo does not put you into a protected class. Employers CAN and do discriminate on things that are not in a protected class (race, gender, national origin, etc.). For example, many states allow an employer to discriminate against smokers. You can be fired for smoking. It may not be right, but it is legal. If an employer during an interview does not know about your tattoos and later when you are employed sees them, they can terminate your employment, especially if you are in a highly visible job such as a receptionist.

As far as tattoos go, I would not get one that would limit your future employment. You may not want to be a professional now, but as you grow older, you may have different opportunities and see some benefit in working in an office or in a professional setting. That, to me, means no hands, face or neck tattoos. I'm starting a full sleeve at the end of this month. It will start high enough so that I can cover it when at work with a long sleeve shirt. Since I normally wear a long sleeve at work, it is invisible. Of course, people are going to see it when I go to the firm picnic and other events. However, I've worked at this company for 12 years and have established myself as a professional by experience and education. In other words, I've worked to overcome any bias that my current employers may have.