As more Gen Z enters the workforce, their career choices will differ slightly from those of previous generations.
According to the Intuit Credit Karma Harris Poll report, “78 percent of Americans notice an increased interest among young people in blue-collar jobs.” And, “50% of Gen Zers not currently working in trades plan to switch to trades, more than double the 23% of Americans overall.”
Many people take university entrance exams, decide that it’s not for them, and go into trade. So were hairstylists Laney Brinkerhoff and Megan Robertson.
“Getting my hair done was never part of my plan. I wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse, so I went to[Utah Valley University]for about a year and a half, but I dropped out and started my own life. I really didn’t know what to do,” Brinkerhoff told the Deseret News. “So I was torn between going to hair school, becoming a flight attendant, or getting a job as an ultrasound technician.”
When Robertson was a child, she didn’t think about hairstyling as a career either. She had heard stereotypes and prejudices about trade work, especially beauty. She attended college for two years and earned an associate’s degree before ultimately deciding to change paths.
“Cosmetology school, or trade school, always seemed like an option for high school dropouts,” Robertson says. “So I always had this idea in college that it wasn’t going to be a good enough career.”
What’s more, role models like Jesse Gatiquala, co-owner of JZ Styles, where Mr. Robertson and Mr. Brinkerhoff currently work, have inspired people to “build such successful careers and do what they love about working in the trades.” He added that he was able to understand that “I can do things.” I think that had a big influence on my decision. ”
According to the Gitnux 2024 report, the salon industry’s global revenue is $128 billion, with $58.2 billion in the U.S. alone.
“There’s always going to be someone who needs their hair done,” Robertson says. “If you think about it, everyone is a customer or has the potential to become a customer. So if we recognize that this industry isn’t going away anytime soon, and we put in the effort, we can reap the benefits. You can see.
Hairstylist Megan Robertson works on Bry Kelsch’s hair on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at JZ Styles in Pleasant Grove. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Find fulfillment in your career
It’s safe to assume that most people want to dedicate their time to a career that they enjoy and find purpose in. Still, just over half of Americans (51%) are truly satisfied with their jobs. The main reason for this is the lack of opportunities for advancement. Or pay.
“There are more opportunities in this field than anyone realizes,” Robertson told the Deseret News. “Financial security, the ability to work the hours you want, and technically be your own boss. Ignore what you’ve heard about trade and hair schools and give them a try.”
“Many people always have the idea of owning their own business, but don’t realize they can do it with a career in the trades.”
The Harris Poll reports that a majority of Americans (64%) believe that taking on student loan debt is not worth the investment in a college education. And more than three-quarters (77%) feel that the idea that college is necessary for career success is outdated.
The time and cost of graduating from a vocational school can also be significantly reduced compared to traditional university, making it even more appealing for those on the fence.
Brinkerhoff and Robertson went to school part-time so they could work, which meant they graduated in 15 months instead of the usual nine. Now at the beginning of her career and with a growing clientele, Brinkerhoff said her accomplished skill set goes far beyond what she can do with a comb and hairdryer.
“It’s a job where you meet people every day,” Brinkerhoff said, emphasizing the social skills needed to strengthen relationships with customers. “I love people, so meeting new people who become friends is very rewarding.”
Brinkerhoff recently worked on a client’s wedding hair, and she emphasized the stress of having confidence in her skills while getting her hair done correctly.
“When I turned her around and showed her the finished look, she got teary-eyed and was like, ‘Oh my god, I love it so much,'” she recalled. “All of these opportunities with clients are worth it.”
“There are many opportunities for personal and professional growth as a hairstylist,” she added. “It can feel very entrepreneurial at times, so there’s the stress of building a clientele to be successful, but that’s also part of the benefit of working commercially.”
Hairstylists Megan Robertson and Laney Brinckerhoff at JZ Styles in Pleasant Grove on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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