Follow Your Dreams to Beauty School

(Photo by Sarah E. Harvey/CNS)

In this economy it’s not the easiest thing to leave a stable job and follow your passion, but according to an article written by Columbia University Journalism student, Sarah Harvey, people are doing just that. One of the interviewees claims that half of her beauty school classmates have left four-year degrees or stable careers to pursue the life of a cosmetologist.

It may sound crazy to industry outsiders, but as Harvey’s article points out, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook predicts a 20% increase in cosmetology positions by 2018. In addition to being a virtually recession-proof industry, many cosmetologists do it for reasons beyond job stability – namely passion.

Unlike medical and law school, most people who go to beauty school have been doing it for their friends and family, or even as a side gig, for a long time. It’s only when they realize it’s what they’ve always wanted to do that they make the leap and sign up for cosmetology school.

A Hair Design Institute student, Kristin Rizzi, was featured. According to the article, she attends the Hair Design Institute part time while also managing a facial and waxing salon.

One of the interviewees said, “There is nothing more important than doing something you love. After all, if you are doing something you love you never have to work a day in your life.”

We couldn’t agree more. Read the full article here.