Tag Archives: Career & Jobs

Cosmetologist Careers: Employment Outlook

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Cosmetology is an exciting field in growing demand. This is good news for anyone wishing to enter into a career in cosmetology.

You may be asking yourself some of these questions:

What sort of careers are out there for cosmetologists?

Who is hiring?

Will I be able to find a job?

Is their room for advancement?

What kind of money can I expect to make?

This article will answer these questions and more.

“… overall employment of barbers, cosmetologists and other personal appearance workers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations,” states the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment Outlook for Cosmetologist Careers

Employment will likely vary depending on which cosmetologist career you enter into, but in general, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects:

  • “… employment as a hair stylist or cosmetologist is expected to grow at least 20% by 2018.”
  • “… this growth will primarily come from an increasing population, which will lead to greater demand for basic hair services.”

Advancement Opportunities for Cosmetologists

Earnings can be expected to increase along with in-demand cosmetology skills and hands-on salon experience. There truly is something for everyone. There are options for growth for many cosmetologist career fields, including:

  • Salon management
  • Salon ownership
  • Service or product sales
  • Image consulting
  • Teaching in a cosmetology school

Earnings for a Career in Cosmetology in Colorado

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries can be expected to vary depending on area of expertise, level of employment, location and size of the salon, tips, bonuses, service commissions and number of hours worked. Many cosmetologists can also earn commissions on salon the products they are able to sell to their clients.

Earning stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor

Mean Annual Salary Potential Earnings

• $12.74/hr • Up to $19.97/hr

• $26,510/yr • As much as $41,540/yr

Top Factors Determining Cosmetologist Career Salaries

  • Size and location of the salon
  • Hours worked
  • Level of skill and experience
  • Area of expertise (Hair/Nails/Makeup/Skin)
  • Tipping habits of clients
  • Competition from other salons
  • The cosmetologist’s ability to bring in and maintain regular clients

Summary

Now that you have the facts, you can go into your new career in cosmetology with confidence. You now know what to expect and what you can do to get the most out of your new career as a professional cosmetologist. Find a Cosmetology school today and make it official!

Entrepreneurs – Now that You Are Pursuing a ‘Portfolio Career,’ How Do You Handle It Productively?

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How do I handle a “Portfolio Career” – having many different careers? What are my suggested approaches to starting, organizing, handling time management and other concerns? In this article, I share some of the “how’s” that have worked for me. These are beliefs, tools and ideas that I use. However, just remember that each person is unique and will have different ways of approaching the exciting life style of having a “Portfolio Career.”

Beliefs:

1. It takes courage and a willingness to risk to make positive changes. It is usually some form of FEAR that keeps us from pursuing our passions. List some fears that may be holding you back.

2. “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” I feel strongly – and it has always worked for me – that when we need to know something or someone, or have picked an area of interest, the right person with the appropriate message will appear. What do you need or want to learn?

3. Speaking of learning, I feel that to stay vital and excited about our lives and our careers, we should practice continual learning through books, tapes, classes, seminars and exposure to stimulating events, exhibits, etc. What learning “action steps” will you take in the future?

Tools:

1. Organize in a way that works for you. I use a PDA (Palm Pilot), many file folders, post-it notes, an excellent contact manager (ACT), financial program (QuickBooks), e-mail, and my computer. What saves me is keeping caught up – on phone calls, filing, putting things where they belong, planning, doing many things at the same time, yet devoting an intensity to all I do. What works for you – or could work for you?

2. Join Professional Organizations. For every career imaginable, there is an association or organization with members who have something to do with that career. The resources are boundless. You share ideas, tricks of the trade, networking for opportunities, friends, associates, and give and receive more than you can imagine. A terrific organization that helps everyone is Toastmasters International. To get a listing of clubs in your area, visit their website. Visit several clubs to get an idea of the flavor and strength (each is a little different).

3. Put together a “Visual Portfolio” of your “Portfolio Career” as it grows and expands. This will serve as a selling tool for adding new professions and/or finding new clients. Keep testimonials, photos, articles, honors, awards, a list of achievements and an up-to-date resume (I use a functional resume as opposed to a chronological resume, but it is also acceptable to use a combination of the two).

4. Time Management: I use the “Put First Things First” system proposed by Stephen R. Covey in his incredible book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. This remarkable book will help you in all areas relating to your life, your relationships and your “Portfolio Career.” In addition, because most people who embrace the idea and style of a “Portfolio Career” are creative types, another excellent book about time is Time Management for Unmanageable People by Ann McGee-Cooper with Duane Trammell.

Final Thoughts: A “Portfolio Career” isn’t for everyone, but if it appeals to you, go for it! I can guarantee that each day will be exciting and new, filled with joy. Just remember to persevere, believe you can do it and don’t listen to the WB’s (Wet Blankets).