QuoteReplyTopic: Hairstylist = Respectable? Posted: June 05 2003 at 8:04pm
Hi all, I am a college sophmore. Since fourth grade I have been very intersted in biology. However, since before then I have been intersted in/fascinated by hair. For years I have planned to go to graduate school in Biology. I always in the back of my mind wanted to be a hairstylist but never expressed that desire. After only 2 years of college I am feeling burned out on school. I still love learning and want to go to grad school. But I have decided to take a year or two off in between to take a break. I have also decided to use that year or two to go to beauty school. This is something I really want. I think its a useful skill to have and will make a good part-time job at least during grad school. I love both biology and hair and don't want to decide. I still WANT to go to grad school but I want to do this too. When I first told my parents about beauty school they laughed and told me they would support me not matter what. Now that it is summer and I have mentioned it again my mom says she never thought I was serious and my plan really upsets her to the point that she doesn't want to talk about it. My family is very education oriented and I think they may look down upon hairstyling. I don't know what to do. I want to go to beauty school but I don't want to hurt my mom. She knows I plan to go to grad school after but that doesn't seem to matter. In the past I have mentioned taking a year off and going to Europe (something my mom herself did) and she seemed fine with it. of course I have now decided that I would rather take that time and go to beauty school. I don't understand why my mother is so mad, she is an arist and being a hairstylist is similiar except your medium is hair. I don't know what to do please help!!! Thanks. -Maura
Your parents believe they are preventing you from making a mistake. They may think that if they are emphatic enough, you'll take the "right" path. Maybe the want you to make the most money or perhaps they want you to achieve your maximum potential.
They are projecting themselves on to you. You will achieve your maximum potential doing what makes you happy. You're around 20. You have no idea what that is right now. Neither do they really. You don't have a spouse and three kids to support, only yourself. And what you're talking about doing is actually a way of supporting yourself.
College is hard work. It takes determination. The degree is important. You may regret taking time off later. But that would be your regret. Your mistakes belong only to you. They are what makes you, you.
If you stay in school now, you'll be unhappy and won't achieve your potential there. Make the decision for yourself, not for your parents. They may be unhappy with your choice, but they should love you unconditionally. If you make the decision for them, you may end up hating yourself and them.
So don't listen to your parents. Don't listen to some annonymous person on the Internet. Follow what you feel is right. Even if it's wrong, you have plenty of time in life to fix things.
I would add that passion-driven employment is more personally fulfilling even if you have to sacrifice some ��$$. Isn't fulfilment what we are all reaching for in our own ways?
If you find that you are very talented - and highly motivated - then success in hairdressing can be as lucrative as most other fields.
I agree, your parents are projecting. Sounds like an open, honest and focussed discussion of the subject is in order with your family members.
Hold true to your goals Maura, and best of luck.
Uzma
Uzi
loveshorthair
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Do you just like the styling of hair or just everything about hair? You could combine a biology degree with the study of hair - research in hair growth, hair regrowth, product development.... otherwise, I think your plan to get a degree and have the beauty part is fantastic. I don't see how your parents could really be mad at that. Most parents want their kids to be happy - unfortunately, most parents think their kids will be happy only in what the parents want. Sooner or later they will be accepting of this (and probably proud of you)
If you work and are a good honest person, you are respectable, whatever your job, including hairstylist which is an honest and worthy profession.
Considering all of the rich lazy people who live off of inherited wealth, people on government programs who sometimes can work but refuse to, and the many criminals and corporate white collar con artists who cheat people, I would think your parents would be happy that you are doing what you want, that you want to work, and that you are a good person.
THAT is what is really important!!!!!
tina
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Let me tell you about my choice. I fell under the heavy influence of family and parent pressure to "go to college". So I went and lasted 2 semesters, why? because all I could think about was hair. I quit college and went straight to Beauty School and have NEVER regretted it. Oh, and my family? I have alot of cousins who at the time looked down upon my decision, they were "in college" and "was going to do something with thier lives". Now? I own a salon and I am a very happy and fulfilled with my life, Theirs? Well, one is a daycare worker, another is a part-time bank teller and another gave up and went to massage school and is very happy with what she does now. ( Not that there is anything wrong with those jobs) But it is just the thought that they thought they were sooo much better than me because they are college grads. I make around 4-5 times what they make. .............Who is snotty now?!?
My whole point of the story is that you should do what you feel in your heart you want to do. You know what you want to do. Don't let others dictate your life. You are the one who will live with your decisions not them.
I also reccomend you listen to Robert Cromeans bio if you can get hold of it. If you want to pay the high price, his CD "The art of making money" can be purchased on Behind the chair.com. Its about 80 dollars but it was the best 80 dollars I have spent in a long time. I have made that back over and over by using his advice.
Good Luck
I am a professional Hairstylist/Haircolorist with 19 years experience. I have traveled all over the country for my advanced education. I am also a salon owner.:)........and I LOVE Redken!!!
Jennifer
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