If you had were seeking employment with a unique birth name would you change it legally to a common name?

I' am thinking of changing my name mainly because I think my first name is very unique and I aspire to go to law school and work in a more professional arena in the future and I think my name would hurt me when seeking employment.





I'm curious to know what do you guys think about having unique names and seeking employment. Thanks in advance.

If you had were seeking employment with a unique birth name would you change it legally to a common name?
I totally understand your dilemma it is very difficult for people with "ethnic" names to get ahead. My friend who lives in South Carolina was having a difficult time finding a job until she changed her first name to just the initial on her resume (it read "J. Doe" instead of Jane Doe). Please take inconsideration the fact that you are somewhat denying your culture with legally changing your name. I would just live my life with my birth name and become so qualified that people wouldn't have anything else to do but hire me. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
Reply:For being a lawyer, I'd change it to Kenneth, or Ken. Krazymack might not be the best choice for law, either.
Reply:If your name is Umaga La Quanda La Queta El Centro Smith.





Then no, I don't want your help.
Reply:It would depend, on the flip side, a very unique name could keep you on people's minds during the interviewing process.





Is it embarassing?





Knowing the name might help.
Reply:No, I think unique names are great and I admire them. What you could do is keep your name and use a shorter version as a "nickname" for general use with your friends and associates.


For instance, my doctor had a long foreign sounding name so she shortened it to make it easier for her patients to say.


If your name is Krazymack, for instance, then shorten it to "Mac" for general or business use. You could find some variation of your name to use, I'm sure.
Reply:Your name might be unique, but isn't weird, so I wouldn't worry about it. Like someone else said, it might even help people remember you, among the 15 Bob's and Dave's that they interview.
Reply:Why change your name? It's your name, if you like it, keep it.





You can always use your first initial and your middle name.





K. Middlename Lastname





Or use your initials. If your middle name is James, then you can be KJ Lastname.





Your first name does not strike me as strange in a bad way. I once met someone whose real name was "Princess". That would not be so good.
Reply:I once thought of legally changing my name, but after thinking on it, I decided not to because I thought of what my parents were thinking when they gave me the name. It meant something to them, and today it means something to me.





It should have no impact on your opportunities as long as your work ethics are good. Everyone understands that a name is something you did not have a vote on, therefore if it is whack, they'll overlook it.
Reply:that's the name your parents gave you and that's the one you should keep , and it will not hurt your getting jobs either