Graduated cosmetology school a couple of months ago. Are there other options?

Question

Did anyone else feel that towards the end of going to school you kind of just lost passion for being in a salon? The school I went to was terrible, the educators were on a constant power trip and treated everyone horribly, and the location of the school didn’t help as it was in The Villages (idk if anyone will be familiar with the area on here, it’s a large retirement community that takes over about 3 counties in Florida). We had a clinic floor and the only people that would ever come in would get the same thing.. root touch ups, 45/90 trims, or roller sets. I’m trying to tell myself that it was just the experience of the school, but I really don’t know if it’s just that or I’m just not fit to be in a traditional salon... If a salon environment isn’t right for me, what are my other options?

Answer 1

Found this really late, but someone might need to see this. School can be so draining, but honestly the school setting is NOT what working in a salon is like. You just need find the right place for you- a place that is interested in helping recent graduates grow. You can specialize in whatever you like!!!

But if you want to stay away from the service side of things, there are options for you! I will list some examples.

1. Cosmetology Instructor
2. Product Rep/Brand Ambassador
3. Research and Development Assistant
4. Beauty Advisor
5. Entrepreneur (you can create your own lines of brushes, skin care, hair products, etc)
6. State Board Examiner/Licensing Specialist
7. Beauty Recruiter

There are still so many options you have that don't require you to perform services. Me personally, I decided to come here on Wyzant so I can help tutor those who are about to take their state tests!

Answer 2

Oh sorry to hear that you'v lost passion for this field which is an art in itself. It is up to you to set the direction for your business such as who do you want to serve and how are you going to approach this new venture. Schools don't do anything for us other than offer a way to get a license to practice your business.

I am not a hairdresser, I am an esthetician. I was so bored at school I could have taught the trainers...that's how much they knew the subject. But I've graduated and started on my own thinking that I don't want to be working in corporate or a big and busy place. I took a piece of paper and decided on my market, who my customer is and where to take advanced courses to focus on my goals. Soon after I started marketing for that specific client and even created special skin care treatments just for them. Everything was deliberate and even though I wasn't busy at first, I got an extra job to hold me over until I could work full time. Now, 20 years later, even during the economic crisis I set my own hours and charge full price for my services. But my passion for this business is only getting stronger day by day. So make sure that you find help and work on yourself but you can always work for a big department store or Ulta who are always looking for people to help them market or even work as a stylist at the store.

In the end you need to find out who you are and if you want to work for someone or do the business. Business is a commitment. It requires a lot of work at the beginning to establish yourself and succeed.

Don't let all of those lady's in Villages turn you off from your passion. They were just your demo client helping you know what you don't want. Your job ahead of you is to focus on what you want. Good luck!