One of the most important decisions a person makes in their lifetime is the type of career that they want to pursue. There are a variety of options and factors that must go into this decision but society expects young people to be able to consider all of these during their high school years. For most people, this is a very difficult thing to do and they end up spending a lot of time and money in college or trade schools trying to figure it all out. Yet, for me, the options and factors were very openly discussed throughout my childhood which made the decision to plan a career in cosmetology much more simple than similar decisions for peers.
One of the first times that I remember discussing this with my family was when I asked my mother why some people are doctors and others work in the supermarkets. Her answer was that every job is needed and every person must find their place as they see fit. Later, she explained that you have to think about how you want to spend your whole life and not just about what job title you want. This meant that a person has to consider the time for job training and the time requirements of the position in relation to the type of work they want to do on a daily basis. This was where I began to choose my career path.
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I knew that I wanted to work during the daytime because I have never been a nightowl. I knew that I wanted to work with people and help them to feel good about themselves. Finally, I really did not want to spend a lifetime in college prior to beginning my career. Considering all of these things, I then placed my personal interests into equation and realized that I really enjoy doing my own and my friends’ hair and makeup. All of a sudden, it clicked and I began to research the steps to becoming a cosmetologist.
The first place that I decided to look in regards to how to prepare for this career plan was the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to their website, every state requires a high school diploma and also “every state requires that barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists complete a program in a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The website continues to state that the courses generally take around nine months and I could even get an associates degree in cosmetology beyond the required state license. This made me even more excited because this meant that I could receive a college degree in a field that would let me help people feel good about themselves without spending my entire life in college.
I knew then that this was certainly the plan that I intend to follow. After all, I love to talk to people and researchers state that “cosmetology is a ‘real people industry,’ and that the best talkers are the ones who will make it” (Craig). This would be perfect for me and I know that I can make it. The only thing that was left to do was to decide how and when I would begin. Education is an important part as each state requires a certain level. Additionally, when looking at job opportunities, it is noted that “some lease booth space in other people’s salons. A good number manage salons or open their own shop after several years of experience” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Therefore, I intend to take a few business classes to help me along the way. This will mean a little extra education but it will allow me to work with people, make my schedule, and pursue a career that will give me the lifestyle that I want just as my mother suggested.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. January 8, 2014. Web. 8 Apr 2015.
- Craig, Paul. “Beauty reborn.” Columbian, The (Vancouver, WA) 21 May 2008: Newspaper Source. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
