Beauty school or Nursing school?

finally some one sees the light. You are so right,you have taken the words out of my mouth. Need I say more.Like I said before ,it looks glamorous from the out side,
when you face the reality of being a hairstylist at an older age and your staring out it will hit you like a ton of bricks.

Interesting thread.

I was a cosmetologist right after high school and put myself through college in the 80s. I became I flight attendant and have been flying for 23 years. After 9/11, I got my BSN-RN. I currently work full-time in critical care and I also continue to fly internationally. I only do hair for family and friends. I've always enjoyed doing hair but never considered it a career. It can not be compared to professional nursing, IMO.

I am currently a hairstylist of 18 years. I am also looking to go back to school for a medical career. Hairstyling is a great job IF you don't have to support yourself! It is a job for the young. I am only 35 but I cannot see myself in this business much longer. I cringe when I hear anyone over 30 saying they want to go to beauty school cause it looks fun! It is harder than it looks. Especially in the beginning you definately have to put your time in to build your clientel. You pretty much are at the mercy of the public. And no I dont work on Christmas but believe me I work every second up to it. My husband has to do the Christmas shopping and forget enjoying the holidays I am usually so tired from the holiday rush I am a zombie. Remember you have to be there when everyone else is off from work! Evenings and weekends! I have missed plenty weddings, baby showers, bar b ques, soccer games, and baseball too! I am just saying its a great career choice for a kid who has the time and energy to put into it and doesnt have to support a family. If you do become a stylist go somewhere where they will train you or apprentice. You cant imagine how little people actually know when they get out of school! Get some good on the job training. Do not work for the chop shops they will work you to death for no money. Best thing to so I work for an independant salon for a few years, build a clientel and work for yourself. Why split the money when you are doing all the work? Anyhow I have lots to say and could go on forever. I dont want to seem like I am negative, just giving people some facts. Every job has its problems. Whatever you do, do it the best you can. How can that be wrong?

I also have been a hairstylist for many years,and you are right ,it is for the young. I have been telling older woman to think twice about entering a field that looks fun from the out side. If it is a career you want ,go back to school and do something else. Some will say ,it is always been my dream to be a hairstylist. I to have dreams, I have always wanted to be an actor,but realistically speaking,if I went to try now at my age,there would be little chance of me becoming an actor that could make a great living.I often think back and say why didn't I do it when I was young enough. Well I didn't so I became a young hairstylist.Now that I am older and have a large client base which took me years to build I could sayI will stay here or I will go to another type of work ,where I can make money. Either by opening a business or going back to school to get upgrading in computers software programs and learn essential office skills for todays standards. The opportunities are endless.

Sassiemama in Phoenix, Arizona said: I have been toggling back between going to beauty school or becoming a nurse. Im in my thirties, and have 3 children. Nursing seems so demanding and very long shifts...but great pay and lots of stability! Doing hair, on the other hand would be fun and Im good at it. although I don't do cuts, just styling and up-do's. Im at a point in my life where we need to bring in more income and Im ready to start a career after being home raising kids. What should I do? My husband supports either one as long as Im happy and can stick with it.

I think you should pick the career that your most interested in. You don't wanna pick a carreer just for the pay but for your enjoyment. If doing hair is what you love go for it. Plus you'll have alot of time for your family than you would being a nurse. Im in Nursing School and trust me if your only doing it for the pay and job security it is not the carreer for you. I also do hair and plan to own salon soon. Follow your heart!!!

Sassiemama in Phoenix, Arizona said: I have been toggling back between going to beauty school or becoming a nurse. Im in my thirties, and have 3 children. Nursing seems so demanding and very long shifts...but great pay and lots of stability! Doing hair, on the other hand would be fun and Im good at it. although I don't do cuts, just styling and up-do's. Im at a point in my life where we need to bring in more income and Im ready to start a career after being home raising kids. What should I do? My husband supports either one as long as Im happy and can stick with it.

Think about what has drawn you to dechipher b/w these two job venues. Why nursing? Why cosmetology? What are you the most passionate about? In both you will be helping/serving people; but where does your passion lie? Have you had any experiences in nursing (high school programs, CNA training, etc..) It appears you've had some hands on training w/ doing hair??? Research both on the internet (nursing/cosmetology programs)in your area,visit a hospital,nursing home,cosmetology school/beauty salon,talk w/ a student advisor/ beauty salon owner to explore all options for schooling or apprenticeship in beauty salon which takes longer, generally double the time depending on your state boards guidelines. Ex. If the required hrs. for your states school program is 1500 clock hrs. than you would need to do 3000 clock hours under apprenticeship. Also, I would suggest that you pray about which way you should go and that the ultimate decision is b/w you in God. It sounds like you are seeking your divine destiny and all the blogs/opinions/advice in the world don't mean diddly if you are not walking in your divine purpose. You may be suprised, especially if God's answer is that neither of the two of these professions are in his will for your life/future. Also know this, more income is not the answer and stablity,what is that, in these times nothing's for sure...but God remains the same.Praying 4U in GA!

This is an interesting thread. I am a stay at home mom who's going to have all children in school full time starting next school year. I am 32 and seriously considering going to cosmetology school. I worked as a phlebotomist previously and even though I was very good at it, totally underestimated the emotional strain working in health care can have on a person. I worked in a busy lab and the people that come to have lab work done aren't doing so (usually) because they are healthy. Very sick people AND KIDS are who I spent my days with, and I have to tell you, it was depressing! It was one little 4 year old bald girl with cancer that finally did me in. Anyone considering a career in nursing needs to consider these things very seriously.
I must say this thread has made me at least question my decision to attend beauty school. We depend on my husband's income but I wanted to contribute financially doing something I think I would really enjoy. My mother had a beauty shop out of our home when I was a kid and it seems ideal, but I will give it some more thought. Thanks to all who have posted!

One thing I have noticed in reading threads concerning different careers is that everyone has at least some negative comments about each. I have a semester of Paralegal training and I was effectively talked out of it by people that have many years of experience as a paralegal. They make decent money, but they have to deal with unreasonable deadlines and demanding attorneys. I know I would not want to work long term for an egotist. I worked as a hairdresser and it is not big money and a lot of hard work. I have worked in office work for MANY years and you have office politics to deal with. People jockeying for position, people that feel threatened by you, people that dislike you for no apparent reason. Accounting can be mundane and boring. There are negatives to everything. Do what you love the most, and don't make money the priority.

Couldn't have been a more true statement! One person's trash is another person's treasure and I think that applies to almost all areas of life. Very good advice, thanks!

Hi. I have been going back in forth in my mind between hair and nursing. I just can't decide. I can say that I went and job shadowed a nurse who did what I thought I wanted to do and it was not for me. It was just not what I thought it was going to be. It was not fun. On the other hand I love hair and makeup. I would love to attend the Paul Mitchell school thats coming to Murfressboro this fall. I have a one year old daughter though and Im worried that with being a hairdresser then it will take away time from my husband and daughter..Does anyone have any suggestions? Please feel free to respond..

First you have to think of schooling. LPN takes 1yr days. RN 2ys days. Either of these if you go nights takes twice as long. Cosmetology 1yr your done. I have my license in both. I have been a nurse for 11years and got my Cosmo. license 1.5yr ago. You sound like your young. If I were you I would go for the Cosmetology. You will need to assist in a salon for a period of 6months to a year. Unless you go into a fast service salon like a Supercuts or Hair Cuttery. You had mentioned you shawdowed someone in nursing and you did not like it. So I think you have your answer. If you can afford to go to a Paul Mitchell school which is the best, you will be guaranteed a great job. Most salons want individuals who are young meaning in 20's. They dont say that to you but it is the way it is. As far as spending time with your family you will have to get your husband in agreement with you that there will be times where you will be working and you will need to adjust your life. But it will all work out in the end. Think about it. Still not sure then look at both nursing and cosmetology schools and see what feels like a right fit. Hope this helps

Thank you so much! That did help, and yes I am young :)..I have heard so many wonderful things about Paul Mitchell and have booked a tour! I am very excited! Again, thank you so much!

I have been following this thread and appreciate all the pros and cons. I am 31 and have been in hospitality for a very long time. I'm ready for something much more stable with a higher income and have been considering nursing school for quite some time. I worked for a doctor as a medical assistant for 3 years and did enjoy it, although the pay was not so great. On the other hand I have done makeup and skincare, and grew up in beauty salons as my mom was a hairdresser. I love the Paul Mitchell salon experience and everyone that works there, and have toured the school and was very excited at the prospect of beginning the program! And eventually I could see myself owning my own salon. I'm just having a terrible time making the decision which way to go... I want a fun and stylish career, but being in hospitality for so long I can't handle too many more years of depending on other people's money for my income. I need more stability and opportunities. Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

I just got licensed to be a hairstylist at age 29..i have yet to start working though..the beauty industry is a money making business and can bring in alot of money in the long run but its not very stable..as a stylist you have to hustle to get clients and pleasing ppl isn't an easy job.. even though I havent startd working..I'm already considering going back to school for nursing!

Why not do both. I have been cutting/coloring hair at a salon for the past 6months. I also have a license in Nursing. I work perdiem nsg and cut hair. Until I get established and a good client base then I will move to a higher end salon and maybe give up the nursing. I will see. Enjoy life it is too short!

I am currently a hair dresser who is doing her pre-reqs for nursing. I am excited for all the different oppurtunities nursing provides. I am 25 and have been doing hair for 6 years. I work at a corperate salon so I get paid regardless. You can make just as much at a corperate salon as you can a private salon if you have the will and go getter attitude to build a clientele. I don't really have that attitude I prefer to let my skills speak for themselves. I'm a little jaded after these 6 years because people annoy me. Especially women who don't know what they want. I definatly prefer to do men they are quicker they know what they want and you make more money because you can get them in and out. I make about 50 bucks a day in tips, 1000 check every two weeks so for me at 25 with no kids it ok. I'm going to nursing school b/c I want a change and I want to make more money with out having to be a "go getter" passing out cards, and stuff like that. I like the fact that I have beauty school behind me however b/c I know that I'm not going to be the best nurse in the world right out of school.

Teresa in Holliston, Massachusetts said: I am a nurse who just finished Cosmetology school. I will go for my license this Week. I find that nursing is great money. I have checked out opportunities for hair jobs and have found in the area of where I am . People may not say it but they are looking more for the 20year old. I am in my 40's. But look and feel much younger. I have found many places that want assistants for 1-2yrs which I do not want to do at this time in my life. So I have decided to continue doing part-time/perdiem nursing and also work part-time in a salon, this way I can have hands on and get some experience. If I had to do it all over again I believe I would of done the Cosmo school first and then maybe thought of nursing later if at all. You have to follow your hearts desire and have a real drive to want to do either.

I am loving this answer!! Right where I am at!!! Love the laid-backness of hair, but the stability of nursing.. what to do?? Do what u love or what definantly pays the bills?? Although, running your own thing eventually is awfully enticing!!

Sassiemama in Phoenix, Arizona said: I have been toggling back between going to beauty school or becoming a nurse. Im in my thirties, and have 3 children. Nursing seems so demanding and very long shifts...but great pay and lots of stability! Doing hair, on the other hand would be fun and Im good at it. although I don't do cuts, just styling and up-do's. Im at a point in my life where we need to bring in more income and Im ready to start a career after being home raising kids. What should I do? My husband supports either one as long as Im happy and can stick with it.

Way to funny I have been doing hair for eight years. I started when I was in high school and I loved it but then I grew up...... There are NO benefits as far as health or retirement. I'm also busy but you dont make anything close to a nurse. So I started my generals for nursing and actually if you start with a associates degree at a Jr. college it is way cheaper to go to Nursing school then Beauty school and most hospitals will pay for you to get your BSN. Good Luck everyone!!! We all have alot in common

jag in Cranston, Rhode Island said: Seems to me RN is much better job. I have been an RN for 30 years and made around $90,000 hard to beleive haridresser would make that. That being said it is no easy and long hours with nights and weekends. Not the kind of ob you can just deccide on without some passion

I've been a hairstylist in Virginia for the past 10 years. Last year I finally made 80,000.plus under the table tips and gifts galore!Every Christmas i had one client who always gave me $500cash as a gift. Being a hairstylist is a natural gift and clients can tell if its not your passion.usually the stylists who are not naturally a visionary or creative are at the bottom of the barrel.their are stylists who are more on the technical side but i do believe you have to like people and have an eye for what looks good. It is a very competitive career with no guarantee money or benefits. its hard on your back legs and feet. I love being a hairstylist & for me its obviously been very lucrative but its not for everyone... recently i moved to michigan to follow my husband while hes completing his masters degree and even with all my experience i've had to start over and my pay is seriously a joke here. So i've recently started classes while here to get into nursing. the benefit in nursing is no matter where you go you can find a job and continue within the same pay range. And nursing isnt affected by the economy like hairstyling.hairstyling is great if you build up a client base and never leave!the cool thing about getting a nursing degree you could use it for doing botox and peels in a medispa of some sort & even some salons are starting to have this available.good luck to everyone!

Well guys, I'm an RN and if I could tell you what I've been through in the last 10 years you would understand when I say go to cosmetology if you want a quality of life. Nursing is a difficult undertaking, and school is difficult - not impossible though. I did it at 38 and graduated Dean's list, with 3 teens. But don't be lulled into thinking you will have time with your family. You will be mandated to stay when your relief doesn't come in. You will be required to work holidays, shifts, weekends, etc. It may sound like the money will make it all worth it, but it's not. You are tired, overworked, there is terrible staffing (not because you can't find nurses anymore, but because the facilities can not afford any more staff). My advice - take a year long program and then go have fun on your feet - nursing is NOT fun.

Jwoods in Hudson, New York said: Well guys, I'm an RN and if I could tell you what I've been through in the last 10 years you would understand when I say go to cosmetology if you want a quality of life. Nursing is a difficult undertaking, and school is difficult - not impossible though. I did it at 38 and graduated Dean's list, with 3 teens. But don't be lulled into thinking you will have time with your family. You will be mandated to stay when your relief doesn't come in. You will be required to work holidays, shifts, weekends, etc. It may sound like the money will make it all worth it, but it's not. You are tired, overworked, there is terrible staffing (not because you can't find nurses anymore, but because the facilities can not afford any more staff). My advice - take a year long program and then go have fun on your feet - nursing is NOT fun.

By the way...I'm 6 weeks into my cosmetology program and love it..it is what I have dreamed of doing all my adult life. When you stop dreaming, you stop living. We are the authors of our own life, so go write your own book and live it to the fullest!!!!

wow..this thread has been amazing! i am a mom of 3 (5,2,11mo) and was trying to figure out how to take classes in cosmo school. i just didn't think it was feasible and that made me so frustrated! but after reading this thread i'm starting to think that it might be a good thing i can't figure out the classes. i have a bad back, and really want to be involved with my kids on nights and weekends...all of which doesn't sound very compatible with being a hairdresser. i'm sure it will always be a dream...but my family will come first will the kids are still young.

If you have a bad back ,you may want to think twice about going into this field. You are on your feet all day and your back may not be able to handle the stress you would be putting on it. Hair stylists can have many problems with physical ailments such as carpal tunnel , feet problems and back problems, the list goes on. Good luck in ehat ever you choose to do.

I cannot believe her I am almost two years after my original post, nowhere closer to making a decision. I have been accepted into an LPN program starting July 2010. I work for a college right now making around $37K and we are doing fine, but Im not happy. So, I came back to this thread that I started all of those months ago. It's been interesting reading all of your responses. Here in my state, LPN's can make anywhere from $18-$30 an hour. My question id not about whether I can handle nursing. I worked as an MA for awhile so I know what nursing entails. It's a matter of "am I going to love going to work everyday"? I guess in my quest for happiness I only seem to cause myself confusion. I mught as well forge ahead with the 1 year LPN program and see what happens. If it's not what I want, I can atleast work and put myself through beauty school. Fortunately, my husbands income is decent enough to where I have some flexibility. I do want to be realistic however. And at 34 I am leary of getting into the beauty industry. I still may do it....but nursing school is about half the cost. So, I continue on this journey of discovery. Hoping for an answer to my predicament soon....

I was wondering when we would hear from you sassiemama. I responded to your original post first. I have been taking classes the last two years and hope to start nursing school this fall. I was in the same boat as you, so unsure at the direction I wanted to take. I am glad I am going to be a nurse and I am glad I am a hairdresser. Even if you are sure of something you may find you still don't like it once you start it, no matter what career you choose. Good luck with whatever you choose. in the end, people usually regret the things they didn't try.

Bottom line if your over 20 and going into hair industry you need to be prepared to be an assistant. Unless you go into a fast service salon like a SuperCuts. You can assist at some salons for up to 2 years and it is a process because usally you do not get alot of hands on when it comes to cutting. Building clients is another issue its a long process. Nursing on the other hand you know what you are going to make you either start as a RN or LPN and you have a better idea of what your getting into and your not depending on tips. I am a nurse of 11yrs and 2yrs ago got my cosmetology license. I do both it is hectic. I love doing the hair but I keep current with nursing because of the money. I am over 40 but look early30's. For me its the best of both worlds. Do what you feel a peace about in your heart. Peace never leads you wrong.
Be Blessed in your decision

cosmetology school....I am a registered nurse for a long time now, I am in my thirties.I am looking to go to cosmetology school. Everything they said about nursing is true, stability and excellent income but it is reallyyyyyyyy a very stressful job, lots of bullies, politics and not so nice co-workers since it is a high stress job a lot of your co-workers are on the edge cranky and irritated and flustered most often than not and not to mention the depression, irritability and anxiety of sick patients and their families that you have to deal with with an angelic demeanor no matter what or else.... Life is too short not to be happy and be stressed out...but if you are all about money and money then go for nursing,if you want a collection of luxury car that u only drive to work and a mansion that u only sleep in because you are a slave of work go 4 the Rn program lolz

you should become a nurse so you can do both. if you didnt know, nurses are legally allowed to cut hair. before patients go into surgery nurses have to cut or shave their heads, because of this their license entitles them to cut hair.

nursing and hairdressing are actually very similiar careers on two opposite sides of the service industry. both are meant for people who enjoy helping others but one helps them in times of trouble while the other helps them in a more fun and exciting atmosphere

and anyone who says you cant make money with hairdressing is not right, your just lazy. hustle, be aggressive, work for yourself put ads on craigslist, network your talent skys the limit when you have a trade.

lastly, you should go to the robert fiance beauty school i hear they are really good and a lot of successful stylists have gone there. there used to be a huge robert fiance institute in manhattan on 5th ave they closed down. now there are 3 in new jersey. look them up @ robertfiance.com

good luck.

Nursing school is so hard and very demanding. I have decided to follow my dream of going to Cosmo school and hoping to start this month......I have workeds as CNA and other things all my life, enjoy it but not the STRESS. Please consider and do not be afraid to follow your heart.

Holy Moly!I didnt know so many had the same issue of choosing nursing or cosmetology! I am glad I am not alone

Wow, this is such an interesting forum! I am a 32 y/o single mother of two school-age boys, and a registered nurse at a very busy hospital. I work full time on the Neurology unit, and have for six years. I made $58K last year, and have a great retirement and health benefit plan. And I am so burnt out it's a struggle to go to work every day. I chose nursing school over beauty school after my divorce, and graduating was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. It was really, really tough. Nursing IS stable, there are many things you can do with it, I just don't find myself gravitating towards any of them. It's hard physical work, as well as very emotionally draining. In a lot of ways you are like a waitress, tending to people's every tiny need, and believe me, they need you for as long as you are on the clock. The call lights and cell phones never stop ringing. I find myself coming home and not having the energy or patience to tend to my own children's needs, and that makes me sad. My work as a nurse is never complete at the end of my shift, there are always more tasks to be done or charting that could have been better, and I rarely have time to actually sit at the bedside and hold my patient's hand while they tell me how they feel.

I have always wanted to work in a fashion or beauty industry, have experience in retail clothing stores, working the Clinique counter at Macy's, and even worked at a plastic surgeon's office. When I go to a salon, I feel so at home...the hum of the dryers, the chatter of the stylists, the products, the energy, it all just speaks to me somehow. I've wondered many times what it would feel like to be the person behind the chair. Thanks for this forum, it's helping me think about it in a concrete, factual way. I wish you all luck!

You probably think hairstyling is less exhausting than nursing . It is not, believe me.You can develop a whole lot of physical problems in this Industry. You say, sometimes you feel like a waitress,it is no different in this Industry.You will get the complaints and all that goes along with it.It is not all fun as you may think it is. Some salons are so busy you don't have time for lunch or even a break.When you start out in this business you must start at the bottom to make it to the top. It is hard work.You make $58,000 a year,it will take you awhile before you can make even close to that.If you have your heart set on becoming a hairstylist do your homework.Do not give up your current position yet. Good Luck!

Its the truth going on 13 years as a nurse and 3 years as a hairstylist. You dont always get the tip you should when you bent over backwards to please someone when cutting or coloring their hair. People complain about alot of things and if their speaking about their hair they will tell you all their problems. Like nursing you really need to understand people and have a ton of patience. This year Im going bk to nursing full time and doing hair on the side. Hair is something you should start right out of high school or close to that. I am phyiscally fit but over 40 you would not know that by looking at me but my body knows it. Very demanding job. Sometimes standing for 7 hours straight with maybe if you can 15min break. YOur back and arms get a workout. Again I am also Personl Trainer it is a lot on body. Stick with Nursing for the long haul; hair I feel you can burn out quickly.

You are so right and your the first person I have heard from on this forum that is truly realistic. You can do hair on the side when you are older,however,like you ,high school is the best time to start.

I dont agree with that at all. I have been in the hairdressing industy for over a decade, and the best hairdressers I know are in their 40's, and they did not start out in the world of hairdressing until there 30's. They are very successful and are the leaders in their field. If you have a passion for any carreer you can make it work for you. Do your research and make informed choices and go with what works best for you. You should not let your age determine what you what to do with your life.
By the way, hairdressing is in no way as stressful as being a nurse. They are not the same at all. I think people underestimate how stressful hairdressers day can be.... but it is not even on the same level as a nurse.

It depends on where you work. Hairstyling can very stressful.The busier the salon the more stressful it can be.No one said that older hairstylists cannot be as good as younger hairstylists.Over all it is best to start this job when young ,for opportunity reasons ,it is easierand you last longer that is id you are determined to make it in the Industry.

Sassiemama in Phoenix, Arizona said: I have been toggling back between going to beauty school or becoming a nurse. Im in my thirties, and have 3 children. Nursing seems so demanding and very long shifts...but great pay and lots of stability! Doing hair, on the other hand would be fun and Im good at it. although I don't do cuts, just styling and up-do's. Im at a point in my life where we need to bring in more income and Im ready to start a career after being home raising kids. What should I do? My husband supports either one as long as Im happy and can stick with it.

Go for nursing! No question in my opinion. Nursing is much more stable and respected. You will make a lot more money as a nurse.

I agree.

Well Being a nurse and hairstylist. They have stress in different areas. Yes depending on where you work has alot to do with the hair industry. Personally I still believe for me doing hair was fun in the beginning but Im ready to go bk to nursing finanially its better. Yes you can mk some big bucks with hair; but again depending on age and location thats a key!

Your absolutely right.

sassiemama in Tucson, Arizona said: Beauty school...$20K,1 year, no guarantee on income out of school.
Nursing school...$40K for 2 years, around $55K a year to start, 3 12hour days a week. Will always have a decent income wherever I go!

School will be a challenge either way but Nursin school seems like the better route for me!

Thanks to all who responded, I will keep you posted!

Hey Sassiemama, What if you could make money working from home would you be interested if so let me know. We train and everything.

I say you should stick to nursing its more stabilty and you are helping ill and elderly people get better, also in this economy its hard for hairstylist money is slow and there is a lot of competition you not going to get up and get a job and get about 20 or more clients a day(believe me you will need that many or more to help survive in this economy) i say stick with nursing great benefits money i understand there will be tiring days, exhusted, but think about the good you are providing these ill and elderly patients. I'm in college now taking my prereqs and im going to get my bsn.......Good Luck with the career path you choose!

I say you should stick to nursing its more stabilty and you are helping ill and elderly people get better, also in this economy its hard for hairstylist money is slow and there is a lot of competition you not going to get up and get a job and get about 20 or more clients a day(believe me you will need that many or more to help survive in this economy) i say stick with nursing great benefits money i understand there will be tiring days, exhusted, but think about the good you are providing these ill and elderly patients. I'm in college now taking my prereqs and im going to get my bsn.......Good Luck with the career path you choose!

My parents want me to attend nursing school but i really always was interested in going to cosmetology school im stuck with not knowing what to do i dont wanna upset them but i need to follow my heart i rather work my ass off doing something i love than being miserable, follow your passion

I have been stuck in between going to school for Cosmetology an Nursing. My father really want me to become a nurse for job security, but what about happiness? I am 21. I'm a Certified Medical Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant going on three years. I think people should seriously work as a Nurse assistant before going to nursing school. Working in the nursing homes is no joke. I have been cursed out, spit at, had patients throw they BM at me, and even beat on multiple times not to mention family members that think they family member is the only patient you have when you have 10-15 patients a day. While all this is going on you can't do or say none back to patients or family members without losing your license and job. Don't get me wrong, but I enjoy helping and taking care of people, I just don't think I can take care of people that way much longer. I'm young in my back hurt every night I get off due to me lifting and pulling on patients for hours, and not having co-workers help with someone who is dead weight at 150-220lbs. My sister(LPN)and Aunt(RN)are nurses and don't like it. They just say the money is good and its a job. Even some of the nurses I work with say they wouldn't chose nursing again. Cosmetologist I know here aren't hurting by the economy my friend just bought her a 2010 Cadillac Escalade, and said she brought in 67k last year. I have checked out Paul Mitchell School here for Cosmetology, and I start in about 2wks. I am so excited because its some I decided on my own, and I can create my own schedule. Good luck to you!

i'd like to remind people right now that there is NO SHORTAGE IN NURSING. I have talked to people who have been looking for a RN job for 2+ yrs (IN NY/NJ). It is very very hard to get an entry level position as a RN, it is just as hard to gain experience as a volunteer because everyone is flying to healthcare careers for stability, but IMO, just as there was a housing bubble, there will be a healthcare bubble. A lot of doctors, dentists call me all the time asking when I will come in. I'm healthy and have no health problems so if I dont have to go, I wont.
BTW it is also very competitive to be a nurse. 3.5 GPA and above or else dont even bother. Without a BA degree in nursing, forget it, there are plenty of people with a BA and years and years of experience who can get the job. Also, they hire people from the phillipines and africa who will work for half the price.
If you want to be a hairdresser, practive cutting hair, do your arms get tired? do you get tired of doing it? do you think out of the box? are you creative? do you LOVE it?

I'm a medical social worker with a master's degree and I've worked in the medical field with MANY nurses in many different settings for over 15 years now. What I can say is that most (if not all) of the nurses I've spoken to have told me that the nursing profession is much different today than it was years ago. You can make good money in certain settings, but you will have to work HARD, put up with a LOT of crap from doctors, patients and their families, learn to cope with VERY stressful situations, etc, etc. There is a reason that the medical profession is one of the highest at risk for substance abuse. And there is a reason that all of the nurses I've worked with over the years left their higher-paying jobs for the less stressful, lower-paying (yet, more fulfilling) jobs I met them in.

Another important thing to know as you're pondering your options is that people, on average, make a career change between three and ten times over their lifetime. This is true for me, as well. I've gone from customer service, to real estate, to social work....and I've completed pre-nursing course and am currently enrolled in cosmetology school. There are things I love about each of these professions, and things about each of them that I hate. Side note: I agree with "aaarista in New York" (posted above) - in this economy there really isn't a shortage of nurses, a lot of employers are now requiring a BA degree and the average minimum GPA for admitted students is 3.5 (because it's much more competitive now).

Regardless of what anyone says here (including me) you should do whatever you feel like doing today. You can always change your mind later. Most other people do throughout their lifetime - and that's okay.

I'm 25 and have been a nurse for 4 years. I'm starting school next month for my BSN (another year program) and then enrolling in Nurse Practitioner school. The work is exhausting, I have back, leg, & feet pain everyday. It is also extremely rewarding!! Good luck in your choices ladies!

Hi everyone! I am in the same predicament. I am 37 years old and a mother of 4. I am torn between nursing and barber college. After reading this thread, I am leaning more towards barber college. I am so happy I found this thread, so much wonderful advice and words of wisdom!

hello, I went to school for Business Accounting and I found it very boring. I would sit in my accounting class and watch youtube videos on how to do braids and other styles. After school I realized it was hard for me to find a job in accounting because my heart was not in it, all my interview answers were memorized and didnt sound like I was passionate about accounting and wanted the job. Right now, I am going to follow my passion and I am planning to go to hair school in 2 months and I am very excited. I do my sisters hair every day and I love it, everytime I do people's hair I feel excitment. I am 21 and I do owe money for my education from previous years but I believe I will be very successful as long as I am passionate about what I am doing.