Decided this wasn't for me

ILoveHealthCare · May 5, 2014

Ok, is there a question here?

SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS · May 5, 2014

Ok, better to figure it out before spending time and tuition money.

Mulan · May 5, 2014

Good luck!

What are you planning on doing instead?

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · May 5, 2014

Good for you.

Cora_Ann · May 6, 2014

Good luck!
What are you planning on doing instead?

i'm going to cosmetology school. I always wanted to and I am going to continue working in home health while going to school. I have become VERY attached to some of my clients and that will be the hardest part about leaving. But I just don't see myself pursuing health care any further.

LaloM · May 6, 2014

I wouldnt suggest it. Im a cosmetologist and have been for about 4 years. It has its good days and it has its bad days just like any field of work. But let me just tell you the downsides of it. Its not secure. When you are in school they tell you all the money potential but what they dont tell you is that, when you go out into the "real world", you are forced to work at a chain salon, here in texas its 7.25 an hour and most places wont give you more than 30 hours a week. Since you have no set clientele, you wont make it as booth rental, or commission to make a living, so you have to work hourly for years till you get enough clientele to even consider making the switch. And when you do make the switch, you have to quit and find a different salon to work in, and good luck making all of your clientele follow you. Im not telling you not to do it, but im just saying what you will expect. I would think on it long and hard.

LaloM · May 6, 2014

As a current cosmo, if you have any questions let me know. Im currently trying to get into the local nursing program.

Cora_Ann · May 6, 2014

I wouldnt suggest it. Im a cosmetologist and have been for about 4 years. It has its good days and it has its bad days just like any field of work. But let me just tell you the downsides of it. Its not secure. When you are in school they tell you all the money potential but what they dont tell you is that, when you go out into the "real world", you are forced to work at a chain salon, here in texas its 7.25 an hour and most places wont give you more than 30 hours a week. Since you have no set clientele, you wont make it as booth rental, or commission to make a living, so you have to work hourly for years till you get enough clientele to even consider making the switch. And when you do make the switch, you have to quit and find a different salon to work in, and good luck making all of your clientele follow you. Im not telling you not to do it, but im just saying what you will expect. I would think on it long and hard.

I wouldn't be so sure that nursing will guarantee you job security either. The nursing field has become very saturated and there is an inflation when it comes to degrees. In my area, San Antonio, a major hospital is MSN preferred and that seems to becoming the trend. I don't see myself spending 4+ years in school. Plus all your prerequisites need an A, do to how competitive the programs are. I applaud people for putting in so much work, but I do not have the time, money, nor drive to do it.

I am aware to the ups and downs of being a cosmetologist, but it's something I am willing to put the work into.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · May 6, 2014

I got into state nursing school with a B. You do not have to have straight A's in your prerequisites to get into nursing school.That being said, you are correct that nursing is not as stable as it used to be, but there are a lot more job opportunities, flexibility, and room for advancement unlike cosmetology.I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose.

Cora_Ann · May 6, 2014

Maybe not in your neck of the woods. But from what I understand everything is so competitive a B can get you on the waiting list. And I had taken my prerequisites 5 years ago in another state. I had to do some real soul searching on whether I wanted to take the time to repeat everything, I even considered a for profit school, but decided against it.