Flexible Career?

Long story short: I'm an American who lived in France and Brazil. Along the way I got my B.A in Poli Sci and my M.A in International Relations.

Academia is not for me. I can fake it, but I genuinely hated it. I would've dropped out, but it was too late to back out so - c'est la vie.

I'm 33 years old a pregnant with my first child. We could afford me being a SAHM, but both of us think it'd be healthier for me to have a part time job. This isn't possible in the field i trained for. I need flexible hours and some control over my own schedule. Money is nice but its not my motivation here.

I have an opportunity to go to cosmetology school for an extremely discounted rate. I have always wanted to do this since I was a kid, but instead was strongly pushed towards being the first in my family to complete a B.A. I loved my education but it led to lots of student loans and few opportunities.

I've been dyeing hair for 15 years for myself and others (I worked at Sally Beauty Supply in high school). Bleach, vivids, root touch ups, highlights - I loved it so much that I've tried it all. My absolute favorite thing to do is find the perfect color to liven up someone's complexion. I've also done makeup for theater productions, men's haircuts and nails for friends. My lifetime hobby of painting seems to really help me with understanding aesthetics.

Obviously I've got a lot to learn! Cosmetology school doesn't seem any more demanding than my other degrees, but I could be wrong.

Is this industry really "dead" as some comments seem to imply? (With the amount I spend at salons that's hard for me to believe 😅) but I truly have no idea! I'd like to hear from some professionals, especially those over 30 and/or parents. Thanks!