Becoming a beauty therapist at age 31?

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Desi-17

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Jan 12, 2020
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Hello!
I have subscribed here only today. I am really looking forward for receiving feedback regarding one of the most difficult choice of my life.
When I was young I wanted to become a beauty therapist... but at that time my mom convinced me to go to uni, and so I did. Short story long, I followed uni and I got a job which is not making happy, I am experiencing panic attack and I can't sleep properly. I will have this contract until 2021 after that I will be free FINALLY, and I am thinking to follow what I really love and make me happy but I am scared. I am scared to start the school for becoming beauty therapist because is a big big investment (I can't afford to do the one year full time school) for only one day a week (plus the train). I am scared that after the school I will be too old (and withouth a experience) to get a job. Moreover, I am planning to move in France and I am scared there to do not find jobs as well because the qualification system maybe is different.

Sorry for the mistakes...
And thank you for your feedback, positive or negative I am here just for help :)

thanks!
xxx
 
First problem is that you will not be too old at 31 years of age. There are plenty of beauty therapists on this forum that started much later in life than you will be.
Second problem could be your nerves being delicate. You should seek the help from your doctor to maybe have CBT for your panic attacks and lack of sleep. Are your nerves bad because you are in a job that you hate or is it a rough patch in your life? Many people have been in your situation and you will get better., you just need a little helping hand that's all.

Third problem. I know that my sister -she lives in France was able to perform beauty therapy- but not holistic therapies as they must be performed by a doctor over there.

I don't think your problem about being qualified is an issue. What is apparent is that the French system for being self employed in france is way more difficult than here in the UK ; Unless you can get to work in a salon overthere. You french must be good too, but I am guessing English is not your mother tongue?

You have got some research to do , but also consider the area of Fance you will be working in as there may be subtle differences between the regions.

Cidesco would be the most obvious international qualification in beauty that you could gain.
So think about that too! Your life is your life and you must choose your future based on your route to happiness and fulfilment so I wish you the best of luck in your venture.
 
Thank you for your prompt reply. I really appreciate. :):):):)
I have already asked help for my panic attacks and is getting better...slowly. Yes, I have realised that I don't like what I do but I can't afford to quit right now and change... but I must finish this chapter. I don't want to carry on with a career that I don't like and I don't want.
Regarding my mother language, you are right. But I got both certifications for English and French and I speak daily in English and french (boyfriend :)))) , so no problems for that point of view.

My big concern is the fact that the age could be a a negative factor in my employment since in my native country it is.


Thank you :):):)
 
I would doubt the age factor in France is an issue. Most older clients like the more mature therapist , you just have to know your target market will not be 20 somethings.
Concentrate on being well trained, in whatever way you can do it to suit your pocket and lifestyle. Also lucky for you that you are having a daily opportunity to speak french. Not many french villages and towns do speak English so it is a must.
Which part of france are you hoping to live in?
 
Hello!
I have subscribed here only today. I am really looking forward for receiving feedback regarding one of the most difficult choice of my life.
When I was young I wanted to become a beauty therapist... but at that time my mom convinced me to go to uni, and so I did. Short story long, I followed uni and I got a job which is not making happy, I am experiencing panic attack and I can't sleep properly. I will have this contract until 2021 after that I will be free FINALLY, and I am thinking to follow what I really love and make me happy but I am scared. I am scared to start the school for becoming beauty therapist because is a big big investment (I can't afford to do the one year full time school) for only one day a week (plus the train). I am scared that after the school I will be too old (and withouth a experience) to get a job. Moreover, I am planning to move in France and I am scared there to do not find jobs as well because the qualification system maybe is different.

Sorry for the mistakes...
And thank you for your feedback, positive or negative I am here just for help :)

thanks!
xxx
Hi there,
Sound a bit similar to what I did.
I retrained as a beauty therapist age 23, a bit younger at the time.
I did level 2 in one year and level 3 over 2 years. I am French so I passed in France. I came to the uk in 2005 and there wasn’t any issue with my certificates.
Long story short I did train as a cook also but always came back to beauty, I never regretted it. You can start at any age. I would recommend to do an apprenticeship or placement as you will need experience while you qualify.
I didn’t have a job when I came to the UK but I was lucky to find a job in a salon soon after I arrived. Maybe you could work in a salon in the UK first and then move to France, I am not 100% sure if your certificate would be valid in France, u might have to have it translated.
All the best, don’t hesitate to ask me any more questions if you want.
 
Hello,
Being a beauty Therapist is very nice job. Especially when your clients are happy with your skills. I don't think is a stressful job (can be some times ofcourse) but i think an office job is much more boring and stressful.
I will only advise you the negatives for being a beautician (my opinion)
- Get ready to work every weekends, bank holidays and don't even think about get any Christmas or Easter holidays. Sometimes not even summer holidays.
- Get ready to work long hours and finish job late
- Prepare yourself for low (very low) salary

I hope this helps
Good luck
 
Your age is not a problem, I am 42 and training level 2 beauty therapist. I am scared of what people might think of me, being an older person learning a new career. I am doing 1 year part-time (1 day a week) I am setting up an at-home beauty room, and will continue with my studies going onto level 3 massage. My end goal is to qualify in Jennifer Young, they specialise in being able to do treatments on people who are going or who have gone through chemotherapy & radiotherapy. All this training will take me at least 3 years, so by the end, I'll be almost 45years when fully trained xx
 
Thank you so much for your answers. It helps a lot.

RosieR
We were thinking to move to the south... my dream will be Antibes...but we are looking around Montpellier-Lyon-Toulouse as well. As soon as possible I will be less busy with the current job I will start the courses. :)

louna78

Merci beaucoup :) I thought the same actually, to do the level 2 in UK and working a bit here and then move in France for the BP there. But I honestly love the programme at a school in Edinburgh and I am not still sure about what will be the best solution. I think doing the BP in France could help, get in touch with some saloon. I will see... Thank you so much :)

Rafaella
Thank you for your honesty. I am not doing office work, however actually I am working in the weekend, I am rarely taking holidays and I am standing for long hours. I don't mind to work hard, I want just to be happy and wake me up in a different mood... I honestly did not know about the low salary ( I am aware the experience is important) and I am not expecting 3000 pounds the first year or the second year ... but I think I could reach a normal salary after a while.

P11XYP

I did not know about this training.. all the best and thanks :)
 

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