Do What You Like, Like What You Do

Within a week of starting nail school I knew nails was all I ever wanted to do. And nails is all I have done since having that revelation.

I’ve known a lot of people who went into the beauty industry for the same reason I initially did (to pay the bills during college). Of course, there are people who actually do work their way through college and go on to careers they would rather pursue. There are those who go into the industry after the kids start school, or move away, just to give them something to do. Some are looking for some social interaction or a little money of their own. People go into this field for all kinds of reasons.

But what confuses me is when I find myself among seasoned colleagues with years of experience and oodles of talent who confess this isn’t what they want to do. That this isn’t what they ever really wanted to do. That they didn’t intend to stay in the business.

For starters, I have never been able to wrap my head around the “sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to” concept and my high school dean can attest to my refusal to accept such a dreary and defeated philosophy. I’m more of a “do what you like, like what you do” kinda gal. So I don’t really get why you wouldn’t enroll in college and pursue a career you actually WANT. At least at some point. How do you do hair or nails for 30 years — with talent and a loyal clientele and making sweet money — when that’s not what you wanted? And you never went after what you did want?

It saddens me greatly.

Don’t get me wrong. I know how easy it is to go with the flow and find yourself downstream and way past where you left the car.

For instance, the other nail tech at Attitudes (yes, girl, I am talking about YOU!) wants to be a psychologist. She’s about to turn 22. She got her license right out of high school and has already been doing nails for almost four years. This girl has skillz too. Like she was meant for nails, but she wants to be a psychologist. You think she’s enrolled in classes at the local community college? Not yet.

I give her a hard time. I think she ought to do nails. But if that’s not what she wants then she needs to get her butt in gear. Maybe telling the world she’s slacking on enrolling in college will motivate her.

Personally, I just can’t imagine not wanting to be a nail tech when you grow up.