Finding a recession-proof career: 10 Reasons to Pursue a Cosmetology Career
Despite being in a difficult economy, Americans are still putting money into the 60 billion dollar cosmetology industry; it seems the desire to look good and feel good will never be quenched. As one salon owner informs us, "We have seen an increase in the demand for luxury services such as facials and massages." Now that the economy is in disarray, people seem to still be willing to spend money to take better care of themselves. While people may not be spending money on big ticket items like vacations, new houses, or cars, they seem quite willing to spend money on various beauty services, from highlights to spending a day at the spa.
Beauty professionals are still in high demand, even though other jobs are scarce in many fields. More than a million and a half U.S. men and women work in the beauty industry, with a high demand for skilled cosmetologists, especially in California where almost 70 percent of salon operators say they are unable to find qualified applicants to hire. This results in jobs being available immediately for skilled salon professionals.
With talks of large layoffs and with the economy being problematic, you might ask: Where can I go to find security in these shaky times? It has been proven that the cosmetology industry survives even when the economy is failing.
Here are the top 10 reasons to start a recession-proof cosmetology career:
1 Constant Demand: The need for estheticians, manicurists and stylists, just like the need for doctors and teachers, is not going away. California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia are the fastest growing states for beauty professionals; they continually enjoy faster growth than the Midwest and Northeast. There will be a more sustained demand in cities and suburbs than in rural areas.
2 Growth of Spas: More people today are indulging in the luxury of spas. For those wishing to become beauty professionals, job opportunities keep growing, particularly because of the popularity of full-service day spas.
3 Greening of Beauty: The "green" trend has made great strides, and it isn't just about fluorescent light bulbs and recycling. It's becoming a secure career option. Interest in green beauty and fashion will mean an increase in demand for skilled, licensed professional beauticians that are trained in natural and alternative treatments.
4 Ultra-luxury is Alive: Many Cosmetologists work with wealthy people like movie stars, CEOs, philanthropists, oil magnates, and more. A wealthy person is not affected by the recession, and keeps spending a lot of money to look beautiful, stay healthy, and feel good.
5 Multi-faceted Career: By becoming a cosmetologist, you will receive a whole set of skills from hair styling to manicures and pedicures, facial treatments, etc. There are many different sources that provide revenues, providing security for the spa or salon owner and his employees.
6 Baby Boomer Clientele: Aging baby boomers, a group of nearly 80 million Americans born from the end of WWII until the passing of Civil Rights reforms in 1964, are willing and able to afford treatment that gets them closer to the fountain of youth. Boomers are not aging like their parents did, and they want their appearance to reflect their energy and vitality. You will even find beauty services offered at nursing homes.
7 International Opportunities: Other countries may be doing well even when the U.S. economy is struggling. With world-wide hospitality companies expanding overseas, there are more and more employment opportunities in spas, hotels, and other facilities outside of the United States.
8 Government Ties: More secure positions are found in the public sector, where layoffs are occurring at a lower rate than in the private sector. You will find plenty of service personnel seeking salon services if your salon is located by an airbase, government contracting firm, or other government facility.
9 Stress Reducer: Stress is the cause of many illnesses, so a spa visit may be in your best interest, not only for comfort but health as well. No matter whether people treat themselves to a calming massage or body rejuvenation, beauty care can mean a lot in these troubled times
10 Occupational Outlook: The United States Department of Labor projects that the job market for estheticians will continue its rapid expansion through 2016. Regardless of the economy, you will enjoy a secure job for years.