Quit Job to go to Cosmetology School?

happy married mommy of two in Billings, Montana said: I couldnt help but feel a little insulted at moani greer's comments, and how she lumped single mothers in with partiers and strippers and uneducated people. With all due respect, Not everyone who is a single mother comes from that background!Some families are broken by untimely deaths (from military service, health problems etc). To pass judgement that quick is not only wrong but just mean! Dont forget you are in a business where polite, friendly, and yes empathetic, services are crutial. So just think before you talk, and if you cant do that, then the next time you have a thought...just let it go. And all you single mothers out there I know it is not easy, I was raised in a single mother home. I just want you to know though that you are all heros in my book! God bless you for making such a sacrifice. Remember Jesus loves you! and your babies do to!Shine bright for them.

Firstly I'm sorry if my comment offended you or anyone else. I am a hard-working single mother. I was also raised by a successful and hardworking single-mother. This reference was not to any of "these kinds of single mothers."

DO NOT GO TO COSMETOLOGY INSTITUTE OF FLORIDA in boca raton.
this school and owner is a scam. see reviews below.
www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/cosmetology-institute-of-florida-c260142.html#comments

Wow, there are a lot of negative comments on here. I will just say this- Cosmetology is NOT for everyone. If you are meant to do it you will know. I am a little over half done with school and I have been in love with it since day one. It's hard to picture doing anything else. I'm not doing this to get rich or have an easy job. I'm doing it because it's in my blood. I work at a desk job and have never felt natural here. I couldn't even imagine working in an office my whole life. Some people go to Cosmo school because they think it's easy or don't have any other option. Those people will not be happy with their careers no matter what. Every job can take a toll on your body. What about construction workers? Or do you think it's better to get fat at a desk job and have a heart attack? There are Pro's and Con's to every job but if your heart is telling you Cosmetology I think you have to listen or you could regret it later.

I have applied to Cosmetology School, but have not yet enrolled. I am a 25 year-old graphic artist/embroiderer at a screen printing company. I have my BA in Fashion Design, but after a terrible experience freelancing (I absolutely loved the work, but my payments were sent months late in the form of hot checks), I am too afraid to continue in the fashion industry. My graphic artist job is awesome in many ways. I make $10/hr, my bosses are wonderful people, and the graphic design work is so much fun. On the other hand, I am not the main graphic artist, so I only receive about 24 hours a week (which means I bring home about $150/wk) in work (mainly embroidery). I hate doing embroidery, but I am the only one who knows how to use the software and the machine.

I think it is possible for me to spend the 60wks in cosmetology school while still doing my embroidery work after hours, but would I ever be able to pay off a $18,000 loan? I could live very comfortably in my town if I made $300/wk.

i am 45 and i want to quit my job and go back to school full time I am so sick of the rut I am in. There has to be more to my life than sitting in a cubicle staring a carpeted walls all day, no windows, very depressing. I want to go to school to be an esthetician and makeup artist . I am scared of incurring student loans to live on while i go for 4 months but, I'm scared if i don't do it now, I will never do it and keep being unhappy in the same boring dead end jobs I have been doing for the past 30 years!!!!

powder in Byron Center, Michigan said: I don't want to sound negative but I quit my job and went to cosmo school took out a loan for $10,000 to go and got all a's and got my license and a job at regis for three months then got let go because I had trouble with some cuts and color some compaints.  This is very discouraging and I don't know if I can do this for work.  I'm am sitting home with no job and a school loan scared to go into this field.  I will have to pay it with some other work maybe.

BUT YOU ARE SITTING AT HOME BY CHOICE! YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO INTO SOME OTHER ESTABLISHMENT TO DO WHAT YOU HAVE A LICENSE TO DO. YOU ARE YOUR OWN BOSS! DON'T GIVE UP THAT QUICK THAT IS INSANE! YOU TOOK OUT A $10,000 loan for goodness sake GET YOUR MONIES WORTH OUT OF IT! WOW SERIOUSLY YOU LET A RETAIL SALON CHAIN DISCOURAGE YOU FROM WHAT YOU COULD POSSIBLY BE VERY GOOD AT? MARKET AND PROMOTE YOUR SELF! SERIOUSLY SMH YOU GAVE UP TOO QUICK

LuvChocolate in San Jose, California said: PLEASE READ....I NEED ADVICE....Hi everyone I am a 33 year old mother that has wanted to be a cosmetologist since I was a small girl who had her bedroom salon for friends (oops), not to mention I had the best looking barbies around lol. But seriously I had about 7 months left of cosmo school when I was in an auto accident and had to have back surgery then 4 weeks after the operation I was hit by a drunk driver who was actually killed in the accident...................... I still have back pain but am much better and really wanting to go back part time to finish. I have a husband who has a fairly good salary, not to mention large settlements coming from the two insurance companies from the two men that hit me. The point being is I want this so can my back with stand this part time???? Any thoughts or advice would be great. Thank you.

Here are my thoughts.. 1 YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND BODY AND SOUL INTO. 2. THE BODY IS AN AMAZING SELF HEALER 3. POSITIVE THOUGHTS CREATE POSITIVE RESULTS 4 IF YOUR BACK IS NOT AT ITS STRONGEST THEN YOU NEED TO EITHER GET PHYSICAL THERAPY OR TAKE YOGA TO STRENGTHEN AND STRETCH THAT AREA 5. DO WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO CHICA DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE REST!! GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED

kruser3 in Castle Rock, Colorado said: I have been a stylist for 14+ years and I am dying to get out! I went to cosmo school while I was in high school (a program my high school offered through the local vocational school) I graduated from cosmo school and high school at 17 and immediately went to work. At first I loved my job and felt that I was a step ahead of my high school friends...I was 17 and already making a living in my career while they were just starting to study for theirs. By year 4 I was starting to show signs of burn out! Now 10 years later my high school friends are now dr.s and lawyers and making God knows how much more than me. I realize money is not everything but what about time? I now have a husband and 3 kids that I rarely get to spend weekends with...thats a given if you go into this field. Your weekends are toast! Not to mention the toll it takes on your body. Im 32 and often go home feeling like an old woman with my sore back

here is my problem with your complaining oops i meant comment You started out at 17 which is awesome but the problem is you didn't have a mentor to teach you and guide you on not getting burned out in 4 years. I mean seriously you were 21 and burned out? that means you were working harder and not smarter and that is often what happens to people in this industry. you have to work smart. you have to have great business since as well. The only reason that your school friends make more money than you is because you didn't have good business since. Why on earth did you not try to be a platform artist after feeling burned out at 21, or hair care line? Or maybe even created classes where people paid you to teach them? Sorry chica but you were not thinking and unfortunately you did not seek out or have a successful mentor. smh

I am trying to decide myself though.. some of these comments are interesting to say the least. But, every one is entitled to their opinion. Here is my dilemma. I have been working a job for 2 years now out of necessity. But now i am not sure if that necessity was really fear. Anyway, I am trying to decide if I should start my own natural hair studio while i attend Cosmetology school so that i can still have a source of income in the process of getting my license.I really love hair because it is art. I am a supervisor in my field and am actually paid ok but i swear to you some days i feel like i can't breathe and that I am missing out on life in general. I am in an office setting for 9 hours a day and then another hour to get home. Does my plan of action sound feasible to you guys or do i need to just chill out? lol Side note: i won't leave my 9-5 until after my clientele has built up enough to do so. I think i have answered my own question here lol

Sweet ga. brown in Atlanta, Georgia said:

wow! I'm not sure how to respond to this negative response. I'm almost certain that you do not know me or my situation so for you to say that I did not have a mentor or good business sense is not only presumptuous but wrong. I was simply putting my two sense in to this discussion. I make a descent (but not Dr. like) living co-owning a successful salon but if I could go back to 17 and make a different choice you can bet your ass I would do it. Although I am damn good at what I do...I can truthfully say that Cosmetology is NOT for everyone! The turn over rate in this field is astounding for that very reason....do your research! And for Gods sake don't presume to know peoples situations...it makes you look stupid!

Fair enough. I was only responding to what I read. Your comment said that you got burned out after 4 years. My Opinion to that "On a public forum" was that you should not have gotten burned out so quickly and so young. That is an opinion and we are all entitled to our opinion. Now as far as me being stupid, you are entitled to your opinion, but this forum was to encourage a lady who wanted to go to cosmetology school. Yours and so many other post were discouraging because of the magnitude of negativity in your statement. You are definitely entitled to your opinion and I meant no personal harm to you concerning my opinion. I hope that your business continues to flourish but be mindful of what we say to others when they are in a moment of confusion. At that time is when we need to be encouraged and given positive feed back not negativity even if it is your own personal experience.. you said yourself the cosmetology industry is not for everyone and you being burned out so early could justify your own statement.. so just be mindful of that. thanks for your feed back... and don't forget to make it a great day!

AND BY THE WAY.. THE BELOW QUOTE WAS THE BEGINNING OF THIS FORUM AND SO MANY PEOPLE INCLUDING YOURSELF SAID THINGS THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HER DILEMMA... THAT IS THE ONLY REASON I RESPONDED BACK TO YOU AND OTHERS IT WAS NOT PERSONAL....

Hi,

I'm 27 years old, and currently work a boring desk job. I make a decent salary, which holds me back from leaving. I have an MBA and BS in Finance, and run a part time event planning business.

Ever since I realized just how boring offices are, I've wanted to go to cosmetology school. I always thought it would fun to run a salon.

However, I'm also considering just getting a makeup artist certification, which I can use in conjunction with event planning.

So would it be stupid at this point in the game to quit my job and go to cosmetology school? I'm nervous about having an income, and adding further to student loans (at $50k now). Has anyone else done this?

I appreciate all feedback!! Thank you ahead of time!

Linda Gregg in Monument, Colorado said: I am so glad I saw your posting. I am 46 and struggling with the same question. Am I too old? I have always wanted to do hair, I have been cutting and styling hair for friends and family for 20+ years. I love it! I know I would be really great at it and I am really tired of going to an office. I was recently laid off and trying to find a new job is overwhelming. I know that I am facing a pay cut to get back in the job market so decided for the remainder of my working life I should do what I really love.

I'm 46 (male) and deciding that it's not too late become a fantastic stylist, since I'm so miserable at my current desk job. I want to hear from those 38 or older about their experience or decisions in changing careers. Hey, we only live once! (I start evening classes in May 2011 @ Paul Mitchell)

tngirl in Murfreesboro, Tennessee said: I'm in the same situation as many of you. I quit my job in banking this september to pursue my dream of working in a upscale salon and obtaining my cosmetology lisence. I'm sorta gong back and forth because I know that I will pay about 16,000 to got to school, and I want to know it is the right move. I was in banking for 15 years, and though I did not like it. It was a security for me, and all I ever knew. I really want something fun, and exciting.

Please let me know how your situation turned out, I would be very interested as I am also going back and forth trying to decide and have had a career in banking but too have always wanted to do cosmetology.

three weeks left and I am so excited :) I luv it just like I knew I would

Dot in Sacramento, California said: Hi,

I'm 27 years old, and currently work a boring desk job. I make a decent salary, which holds me back from leaving. I have an MBA and BS in Finance, and run a part time event planning business.

Ever since I realized just how boring offices are, I've wanted to go to cosmetology school. I always thought it would fun to run a salon.

However, I'm also considering just getting a makeup artist certification, which I can use in conjunction with event planning.

So would it be stupid at this point in the game to quit my job and go to cosmetology school? I'm nervous about having an income, and adding further to student loans (at $50k now). Has anyone else done this?

I appreciate all feedback!! Thank you ahead of time!

I would like to know the outcome of your decision! Please share!! Thanks,
LB

Hi All

I've just stumbled across this site and thought I would add my 2 cents' worth...

In particular, to Keith and all the over-21s!!!

I'm 48 and will be starting Cosmetology next month - and I cannot wait. My background is legal, completely and utterly boring - should have done something creative many many moons ago but there we are, at least I'm doing it now.

I realize I'll be training with a whole load of people much younger than I am but, I am fit, healthy, look good for my age (if I do say so myself - because I 'look after myself') and would give many youngsters a run for their money.

I'm also creative with an extrovert personality - I think those qualities, together with my determination and ability to communicate in a positive way with others, will play a major factor in my success.

Finally, I can relate to so many of you here (stuck in offices and dead jobs) - I hated mine for 'decades' and am sooo pleased to be free from those shackles...

Wishing all of you here the very best...

From Excited Liberated 'Young' 48

Good for you "Young 48"!! I just turned 47 and now at my 5th month with Paul Mitchell School. I absolutely LOVE IT! There are several students in their 30s/40s and 2 of them are over 50. Once you get going, you'll see that age isn't (never was) a factor. I get along great with my evening classmates. When do you start?

Keith said: Good for you "Young 48"!! I just turned 47 and now at my 5th month with Paul Mitchell School. I absolutely LOVE IT! There are several students in their 30s/40s and 2 of them are over 50. Once you get going, you'll see that age isn't (never was) a factor. I get along great with my evening classmates. When do you start?

Good to hear more 30s and 40s like us Keith - also the over 50s - how fab is that! Glad you're really enjoying the course - I start mine 15 Nov all being well. BTW, I 'love' Paul Mitchell products - I used them many years ago and they are really nice to use and not OTT pricey... Keep up the good work!

lorrib9 in Benton, Arkansas said: i am 45 and i want to quit my job and go back to school full time I am so sick of the rut I am in. There has to be more to my life than sitting in a cubicle staring a carpeted walls all day, no windows, very depressing. I want to go to school to be an esthetician and makeup artist . I am scared of incurring student loans to live on while i go for 4 months but, I'm scared if i don't do it now, I will never do it and keep being unhappy in the same boring dead end jobs I have been doing for the past 30 years!!!!

I'd consider night school, especially for esthetician. In this economy I would be very very hesitant to quit a job! It will take you twice as long to complete, but at least you will have an income and can maybe work weekends to be sure its still your dream job once you have passed your board and are actually working in a salon.

I finished college with a B.S. in marketing. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. I worked in a salon while attending school and just really appreciated the work environment. Upon completion I worked in the Silicon Valley in sales and was really not liking my job. I decided to go to beauty school and open my own salon. At first it was hard building a clientele but I really enjoyed the few clients I had when I first started. Over time with persistance I was able to start building my client list and make enough money to open a salon and get married.
You need to have goals and work your way towards your goals, it is easy to give up. I know lots of people that have been in the industry for over 20 years, and we all love what we do. I still enjoy going to work and being creative and making money. My first haircuts were only $14 now I charge $50, not a lot but enough to keep me busy. It is better to charge $50 per haircut and be busy making money than $90 per haircut and stare at the walls. I made good money working sales for other companies but I am making more now as a stylist and I am happy on top of that. Again, I still love going to work.

I'm 18 years old and I was going to go to school next fall to be a paralegal.. then I thought about how borning that would be and decided I needed to do something I'd enjoy, rather than just something to make money. Of course my family doesnt approve of it but I just want to be happy with what I will be doing for the rest if my life!!!

Hi, Just wanted to say I am a paralegal and worked for 10 years. I always thought hair would be fun and keep me interested but was disapointed by the student loan and the job industry where you can only earn money at a barber type shop because most of the jobs we want are booth rental or commision and you need a clientel. You have to pay booth rental. Not an easy endeaver when there is no income. Im tired of barber type shops. Not very creative. My legs hurt now because I stand all the time and the hours are 9am-9pm and sat and sun.

Keep in mind that the people making money as a stylist today are the exception not the rule. Its not impossible, but its not likely that most people entering the field will be making over 25K annually in the next 3 to 5 years.

And yes, its 70% salesmanship and 30% skills. You need to sell services and product to really make good money.

I just finished a 2 year apprenticeship at a top salon NYC. It was backbreaking, low paying, intense work. I scraped on by on my salary. I just got on the floor as a colorist, and earn about $1000 a week after taxes now. My salary is only going to go up... This is not only in NY, I have friends who've apprenticed at the top salons in their area also. With private clients I earn about $100 an hour. I started this new career 2 years ago at almost 27 after corporate life.

Thats great, but anecdotal. If you look at the salary bar at the top of the hairstylist forums you'll see the average salary for hairstylists... I believe that is based on BLS stats, and those dont lie.

And thats 24K a year.

WOW ! I am up at 1:00 am wondering am I making the right decision by going to cosmetology school in January at the age of 33. I am a single mom who has worked as a customer service rep since 1998 and I want to take a letter opener and gouge my eyes out as I sit at my cubicle every day at work. It is draining, unrewarding and I am lucky to make the 28k I do every year. I want more freedom, ownership and most importantly I want to LOVE what I do. I would love to work in a shop daily and be in charge of my salary. I understand that in the beginning it may be a little slow but I'd rather invest in my own future than one of my boss and his family. My ultimate goal is to open a shop in Atlanta, GA where I will be moving as soon as I finish because there are way more opportunities there than in Michigan. This thread was like a breath of fresh air especially the comments from Keith and Jessey ! I wish you all MUCH success and pray we all find happiness outside of the dreaded walls of our cubicles :-)

Hi I moved south from Michigan after cosmetology school. I was bored of office work as paralegal. I now know doing hair is a temporary thing. Not very reliable and VERY TIRING. Would rather have a better job sitting down. Not trying to please people every second of the day.

cosmogirl2107 in Mankato, Minnesota said: QUESTION!!!
ok so i went to cosmetology school in mankato mn. Well the stupid owner withdrew me because i had to many medical notes! i was so upset cuz i only had three 2 1/2-3 months left and she did that. Well she told me to come back in a few months, which i did. Rules chaged supposely and she said i have to be taken as a transfer student and pay over 8,000 dollars to come back! I thought that was bull!!!! Well, now i am going to school for dental assisting and got 2-3 years left...after i am done i want to finish cosmetology.. BUT NOT RETURN TO THE SCHOOL I WENT TO!!! ATTN NEVER GO TO COSMETOLOGY TRAINING CENTER!! i want to go to a different school(rather give a different school money than CTC.) ANYWAYS, i was wondering do i have to start ALL over when i go back or do i have to do the 40 hour refresher course than start off where i left off? please help!! because i do want to finish after i am done with dental school.

DId you end up getting your license? If not, then you'll have to finish your hours. Check out Southeast Tech (in Winona) they have a FANTASTIC program...and VERY affordable.

I own and operate my own salon and I have agree with what others in the industry have said. It's a great field but just like every other job or career path there are pros and cons. Yes, you will stand on your feet for 50+ hours a week. Yes, people treat you like you are their therapist. It's not always about being creative, it's about listening to what people want and then creating that. It's a tough industry but also a great one. If you really are thinking of making a career change, I would call a few salons in your area and see if you can shadow some of the stylists for a day to see what it's really like.

southcarolina08 in Greenville, South Carolina said: Hi I moved south from Michigan after cosmetology school. I was bored of office work as paralegal. I now know doing hair is a temporary thing. Not very reliable and VERY TIRING. Would rather have a better job sitting down. Not trying to please people every second of the day.

Hello. Did you go to school in Michigan and if so where did you go and how long did it take ? Also how long have you been doing hair ? I want to also do work as a MUA as well, that's truly my desire. I figure I'd go to cosmetology school for hair and then market myself as a stylist in Atlanta. I know a few friends in the industry and they say Atlanta is a good market.

Also does anyone know if I can start school here in Michigan and then transfer to a school in Georgia in say August without a big hassle ? I really want to move the end of summer but I want to start school while I am here just to get most of my hours out of the way.

I went in Portage Mi to Empire beauty school was (chic university) took me 11 months because I never missed a day. Been doing hair for almost 4 years. If you transfor schools first call both schools and see what you have to do so there are no suprises then everything will go smoothly. Different states have different requirements for hours, schools and Licensing. Remember there usually is no hourly pay. You have to sit and wait for custumers to come to you and return. Very competitive according to skill level and talent. I work in a place where we only do haircuts. cant make it in boothrental need a regular paycheck. Its tiring and stressfull to do everyday. Im going to have to go to something else eventually.

Lerie in Fort Worth, Texas said: I have actually decided to attend The Salon Professional Academy (Redken school)....after visiting the school, it felt like I belong there. I just went to all the schools and visited just to get a feel. You can also get services done, just to see how the enviorment is.

I am 28 years old and I recently lost my job and have always wanted to be a hairstylists. I never took the opportunity so now I am. I start Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy next month and I am overly excited. I am curious about the new law concerning wages. In NJ there was a change from the usual booth rentals and I am wondering how stylists get paid now.

Jessey in Palmdale, California said: Hi All

I've just stumbled across this site and thought I would add my 2 cents' worth...

In particular, to Keith and all the over-21s!!!

I'm 48 and will be starting Cosmetology next month - and I cannot wait. My background is legal, completely and utterly boring - should have done something creative many many moons ago but there we are, at least I'm doing it now.

I realize I'll be training with a whole load of people much younger than I am but, I am fit, healthy, look good for my age (if I do say so myself - because I 'look after myself') and would give many youngsters a run for their money.

I'm also creative with an extrovert personality - I think those qualities, together with my determination and ability to communicate in a positive way with others, will play a major factor in my success.

Finally, I can relate to so many of you here (stuck in offices and dead jobs) - I hated mine for 'decades' and am sooo pleased to be free from those shackles...

Wishing all of you here the very best...

From Excited Liberated 'Young' 48

I am sure you will do great. Positive attitude and life experience make clients comfortable when they sit down to do their hair besides all that you will be expert salesperson with your background. How are you doing at school so far? good luck!

Keith in Charleston, South Carolina said: I'm 46 (male) and deciding that it's not too late become a fantastic stylist, since I'm so miserable at my current desk job. I want to hear from those 38 or older about their experience or decisions in changing careers. Hey, we only live once! (I start evening classes in May 2011 @ Paul Mitchell)

Did you finish cosmetology school? Are you enjoying doing hair? It's never too late to fight for something we believe.

its fun but too tiring and booth rental takes forever no paycheck. I would keep your job or find new one.

PLEASE READ: I'M LOOKING FOR YOUR STORIES!!

Hello everyone - I am a journalist for Columbia News Service (the student wire service at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism that goes out on the NYTimes wire) and I'm researching a story about people who decide to go to cosmetology school after earning their bachelor's degree/having a career/working in an office. I would LOVE to get some of your stories about whether you've done this or thought about it, why you made that decision, and what the results were.

Please email me at sarahharvey23@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,
Sarah

Gil in Morgan Hill, California said: I finished college with a B.S. in marketing. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. I worked in a salon while attending school and just really appreciated the work environment. Upon completion I worked in the Silicon Valley in sales and was really not liking my job. I decided to go to beauty school and open my own salon. At first it was hard building a clientele but I really enjoyed the few clients I had when I first started. Over time with persistance I was able to start building my client list and make enough money to open a salon and get married.
You need to have goals and work your way towards your goals, it is easy to give up. I know lots of people that have been in the industry for over 20 years, and we all love what we do. I still enjoy going to work and being creative and making money. My first haircuts were only $14 now I charge $50, not a lot but enough to keep me busy. It is better to charge $50 per haircut and be busy making money than $90 per haircut and stare at the walls. I made good money working sales for other companies but I am making more now as a stylist and I am happy on top of that. Again, I still love going to work.

Gil, this is a great story and I would love to hear more. I am a reporter for Columbia News Service at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in NYC, working on a story about people who attended four-year colleges/spent some time in the workforce before deciding to pursue cosmetology. If you're interested in helping me out, please email me at sarahharvey23@gmail.com.

I think you should go for it! Follow your dreams

loza in Pompano Beach, Florida said: Does anyone know which is the best scholl to go to in Broward county or on Boca Raton Fl? Also, about how much will tuition be? Any info would be greatly appreciated....thanks!!!

any where from 12500 to 18000, asm beauty world is 12500, empire is 17000, aveda is 18000 and most other schools are, i am in broward county myself and looking into, most schools have loans to help pay

Dot in Sacramento, California said: Hi,

I'm 27 years old, and currently work a boring desk job. I make a decent salary, which holds me back from leaving. I have an MBA and BS in Finance, and run a part time event planning business.

Ever since I realized just how boring offices are, I've wanted to go to cosmetology school. I always thought it would fun to run a salon.

However, I'm also considering just getting a makeup artist certification, which I can use in conjunction with event planning.

So would it be stupid at this point in the game to quit my job and go to cosmetology school? I'm nervous about having an income, and adding further to student loans (at $50k now). Has anyone else done this?

I appreciate all feedback!! Thank you ahead of time!

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm thats not informationnnn on what ii need

Wow this is crazy, I am 27.. here's the quick of my story, Ive always been creative, even went to fashion school and I still dabble in that, but I kept getting pulled back into bartending were I make lots of money, fast and easy. I had enough, love my regulars but I need to be passionate about what I do, and frankly getting people tipsy, babysitting after grown adults, making sure they dont drink and drive, or cry, or start fights is just not rewarding on a personal level. Like I said, I want to be passionate about my career, and I've always loved hair So today at age 27 I QUIT MY BARTENDING JOB and I am going to hair school. I too dont want to be 50 and regretting that I didn't follow my dream... SO thank you for this motivation, I hope you have done well for yourself, I'll check back in 10 years when I have my own salon and give an update!!

J.G

I have dipped my toes in every career field imaginable and I always come back to the fact that I want to be a cosmetologist. Hair, makeup, nails, skin, colour all of it has always been the stuff I love the most in my life and I start school in sixteen days! While everyone is worried about the economy I think you all should do the research on it. The cosmetology field continued to grow during the recession and is expected to grow another 20 percent in the next ten years! I love doing hair and wouldn't choose any other career field!