Embracing Change: My Career Switch from Hairdresser to Nurse at 34
At 34, I made a bold move: I transitioned from a successful 15-year career as a hairdresser to pursue nursing. This decision wasn’t made lightly, but let me tell you, it was a lot more than just wanting to trade scissors for scrubs!
The Challenges of Being a Hairdresser
After spending over a decade in the beauty industry, I experienced both the highs and lows. On one hand, I loved connecting with clients and helping them feel fabulous. On the other, the rising costs of products began to weigh heavily on my business. Seriously, have you seen the price of hair care products lately? If they keep going up, I might have to start offering “DIY haircuts” just to afford my own supplies!
Burnout also started to creep in. Long hours on my feet, mixed with the emotional demands of my job, began to take a toll. I found myself feeling exhausted and unfulfilled, yearning for something more meaningful. I started to think maybe I was meant to do something that involved fewer highlights and more health checks.
A Passion for Wellness
During my time as a hairdresser, I developed a growing passion for wellness. I dove into holistic health practices, nutrition, and fitness—not just for myself but also to share with my clients. I loved guiding them on their wellness journeys, often while trying to convince them that “big hair” isn’t a food group.
As my passion for wellness grew, it became clear that I wanted a career that aligned more closely with my interests. Nursing stood out as a field that embraced these values and offered the stability I craved—no more worrying if my income would dip every time a new hair trend emerged!
Making the Switch
Choosing to become a nurse felt like the right move, especially in an ever-changing job market. Healthcare is relatively recession-proof, which means I could finally stop stressing over whether my next paycheck would come from my hair-raising skills or my not-so-great karaoke performances at the salon holiday parties.
Of course, going back to school after years in the workforce required commitment and hard work. But my background in hairdressing gave me invaluable skills in communication and empathy—essential traits in nursing. If I could listen to someone vent about their split ends, I could definitely handle a patient’s concerns!
The Road Ahead
Now, as I embark on this new journey, I feel energized and excited. I’m pursuing a career that not only fulfills my passion for wellness but also allows me to positively impact others. The knowledge I’ve gained through my own health journey, combined with my training in nursing, equips me to guide others as they navigate their paths to better health.
So, if you’re considering a career switch or feeling burnt out in your current role, remember: it’s never too late to make a change. And hey, if I can go from offering hair tips to health tips, you can definitely find your own path.
Let’s embrace our journeys together and support each other in pursuing what truly matters—preferably with a little humor along the way!
