I recently came across someone on the Internet urging people to e-mail him if they wanted to get rid of continuing education requirements. I was horrified. Not learn anymore? Ever? Let me tell you right off the bat, I am a part-time educator for a manufacturer and get paid to teach so there is no surprise to know which side I’m on. I have been a licensed managing cosmetologist for 10 years. I am constantly learning in this business. I learn from teaching and from clients. I learn online. There is new technology coming out all the time. Companies are spending millions of dollars on research and development to make sure of that. I am constantly striving to be master of my field. I am also dedicated to “raising the bar” to encourage every nail technician out there to be better at her chosen field. Learn new things, open your mind to change, never lose the wonder of this business. If this person feels he is done learning, then I suggest he get out while he knows everything. I appreciate a grassroots effort in any shape or form; however; this particular grassroots effort might be better spent building a tier system of education not unlike other professions that require higher degrees in order to advance. I don’t know what the answer is, but I do know we cannot afford to stop learning.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.