Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Christina on July 6, 2013 at 1:46pm

Hi Christine,

Thank you so much for that very interesting post. You raise many good points!

As for real estate being low overhead, boy do I WISH that were the case. In fact, I spend $4000 per month on internet marketing programs (no exaggeration) plus my broker gets desk fees of $700 per month AND the broker gets 10% off the top of all my commissions. Those expenses do not include any MLS quarterly fees, national dues, postcard mailings, client gifts, client entertainment, other printing charges etc. etc.  People have no idea how very high the overhead is for real estate professionals. I have to make 2 sales per month to cover my nut - anything over that is profit.  There are some agents who scratch out a tiny living with much lower overhead but their volume is doubtful.

Suffice it to say I am quite accustomed to paying for my own health care along with my overhead to run my real estate practice. I kind of view a solo esthetics studio or booth as "a practice" kind of like a CPA has a practice, a lawyer has a practice. To me, a practice is a practice - the key is getting clients in the door regardless of what your type of business is. I have helped other Realtors learn how to build a practice and I have also helped physicians build their practices (doctors have surprisingly little business/marketing training). For me, I have a LOT of business skills - particularly business development skills. I am just looking for a new trade and one I would honestly enjoy.

I imagine you are positively correct that esthetics has its own form of stress and nothing is totally stress free. Yes, I have contemplated other careers but the number one most important thing for me is something that affords me a flexible schedule. I don't mind long hours. I don't mind weekends or evenings (I've done that for over a decade). I just want to be able to set my schedule and have the ability to work or not work as I need to and not be chained to a corporate office every day like a prisoner.

I suspect you are probably right...many go into the field and never get to do esthetics work because their business development skills are lacking. It takes many years to develop those types of skills and some people are better at that than others. I see it every day in real estate. I think the statistic is something like 85% of licensed agents won't make it 5 years in the business. It is so true. I've seen it time and again. Perhaps esthetics is like that too?  Again you raise excellent points, all of which I will truly digest and consider. You are very kind to share your insights and I really appreciate it immensely :) :) Given what I have shared, what do you think? Am I still unrealitic?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on July 6, 2013 at 2:04pm

Interesting points about the costs associated with doing business as a real estate agent.  I stand corrected.

I think given what you have said, you are not unrealistic.  However, I think the reality check will come when you realize that once your book is full (usually 2 years, give or take, for an amazing esthetician with a flair for gaining referrals), you've spent time investing and growing and you quite literally are out of ways to make money in the industry without significantly changing your business model and job description.  For me, that point was when I realized that I HAD to expand, bite off more overhead, become an employer, undertake other entrepreneurial projects, etc.  I think the entrepreneurial mind does not permit us to hold still in situations where you've plateaued your income and influence, which is why I still feel that real estate or other high-level sales positions might ultimately be best for you.  The "flexible schedule" thing is also a bit of a pipe dream - with the dramatic income cut, you will be chained to your treatment table, but in a different way.  There's a reason you hear so many entrepreneurs say "my boss is a slavedriver."

Still, I would never discourage anyone who felt that they would truly love to do the work of an esthetician...  Again, planning to be self-employed in this field is very different than planning to work for spas (the two highest-earning estheticians I have known have worked for people, and one of them is my employee now), but can be immensely rewarding for the right personality type.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Christina on July 6, 2013 at 2:16pm

Christine, thank you again. Clearly you know exactly what you are talking about. I respect your opinion and look forward to getting to know you better via this forum. You are absolutely correct about entrepreneurs having difficulty tempering their ambitions. In fact, this dilemma has been something I've contemplated in this career change process. I think your input is invaluable and I may, with your permission, contact you in the future with questions or advice. I absolutely respect what you have to say (I googled your website - what a fabulous website by the way) and I really appreciate you taking the time to communicate with me.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on July 6, 2013 at 2:24pm

Thank you!  My website is actually undergoing updates as we speak, so hopefully you caught it at a pretty moment ;)

My cautions are the same as I would extend to anyone contemplating entering this industry.  Once in the industry, my advice would be very different, of course.

The most important thing for prospective estheticians to keep in mind is the value of the profession.  So many people spend a bunch of money to train, set up a room, and attempt to compete on price, which hurts us all.  They inevitably are closed within a year, but the damage lingers for us in the profession.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Christina on July 8, 2013 at 6:52pm

The website looked great to me. Also, would love to speak with you by phone at some point Christine because you have accomplished what I hope to do and I'd love to get some further insights from you if you are receptive.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dawn C on August 10, 2013 at 10:23pm

Christina its kinda scary in a career change when you are unsure of finances. I started back to school last yJan. My first time being back in a classroom in 30 years. I did 1200 hours of cosmetology the went right into another 600 hours of skincare. Graduated with honors in skincare and got a job right away. Building a clientele takes time
I have been working as both since the end of April. Its definitely good to keep a steady income while you build clients and credibility with them. Im 48 and definitely needed a career change into a field I have always loved. Im not making big bucks yet but im a lot more satisfied and relaxed doing what I love to do.

Go do what you have a passion for and remember that you need to take time out for yourself too. Dont run yourself into the ground working because it can burn you out fast. Learn and be the best you can be.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page