Cosmetologists and estheticians talk to me

[DeerMother]

I'm a new single mama. I'm looking for a job with a quick training program. Cosmetology and skin carecame to mind. It seems that the job is semi-flexible, I know some mamas who only work Thursday-Saturday. Of course, they work long hours those days. Is this something that I could support my family on? I've never been super foucsed on my appearance, I won't be going to school with a great knowledge of how to fix hair or apply makeup. Am I crazy to even consider this profession?

[DeerMother]

Anyone?

[laura163]

I did the Esthetician program this year. It took 4.5 months and was a lot of fun. It was 40 hours a week + homework and studying. I was suprised how much work it was. I just started working Monday so I can't say if it is enough to support a family. The starting salary is usually $8-$10 per hour + tips until your comission (40-50% of services) is more than the salary.

[Thystle]

Cosmetology is roughly a 10 month course and all the schools I looked at (and went to many years ago) you went to school M-F 8-5 AND on Saturday. And there were only so many hours you could miss before you had to start all over again.


Will you have reliable daycare for those kind of hours? PT nights will take nearly twice as long.



My aunt is very successful at it. A few friends I have are not. Are there alot of salons or resorts in your area that you could apply at afterwards? Maybe consider a massage license too or a paramedical esthetician that could work for a plastic surgeon?



Honestly I would pick something you actually like cause it will really suck if you are not "into" it. Good luck!

[thriftyqueen]

I went to cosmetology school 12 years ago and actually worked in the field for about 8 years. It takes a long time to make a good living. Generally most cosmetology jobs start at minimum wage and you make more on commission (but you have to have enough clients to get to the commission level). You almost have to start at a JCPenney salon or Regis salon type of place to build a client base. It takes time and a lot of effort.

As far as hours go, you have to put in a lot of evenings and weekends as that is when most customers can come. If this works for your schedule, that is great. The schooling process for cosmetology is 10-12 months, but you have to be totally committed for those 10-12 months. You can't miss much school or it takes a lot longer to get done. The hours are generally 8-5 while in school and some schools have evening hours.

If you love it and have the drive to build up a clientele, you could have a very lucrative career, but if you are not a sales minded, people person, it is hard.