Is being an esthetician worth it? 4 Risks and Challenges of Being an Esthetician

Many new beauty enthusiasts want to know: Is being an esthetician worth it? What are the realities of an esthetician career?

In truth, there are lots of benefits of being an esthetician. For example:

• A growing job market.
• The opportunity to help clients feel confident.
• A love of skincare.
• Flexible scheduling.

But for those who really want to know what being an esthetician is like, we need to address both sides.There are risks and challenges that come with being an esthetician, too. Knowing the cons of the profession can help you decide if esthetics is right for you. And if you’re already in the business, knowing the negatives can help you have realistic expectations.

Here are four risks and challenges of being an esthetician:

1. You’re dependent on the economy.

When clients are doing well, they’re more likely to treat themselves. But when they’re struggling financially, beauty treatments and other luxuries are some of the first things to go. 

In the life of an esthetician, how much work you have can be directly tied to how the economy is doing. If the economy takes a turn for the worse, or if people are just worried about potential inflation or recession, your business can take a turn, too.

2. You may need to work nights and weekends.

When people ask, “What are some challenges estheticians face? Why do estheticians quit?” Someone with more experience will probably warn them about this challenge of being an esthetician: long days.

At your old desk job, you may be used to working nine to five. But as an esthetician, people rely on you to be available outside of normal business hours, writes Evergreen Beauty College. If you work for someone else’s salon or spa, you’re even more subject to inconvenient or irregular hours, says Indeed’s Career Guide. 

3. Advancement in career isn’t linear.

Lots of professions come with predictable advancement. Work for “x” amount of time and you can expect “y” salary increase. Get this certification, and you can expect a promotion. But working as an esthetician means career advancement isn’t so linear, argues Indeed in the article mentioned earlier.

Most estheticians stay in their roles for their whole career. That’s why estheticians should study advanced topics and treatments. If you develop new skills, you may be able to charge more or transfer to a related field. There’s also the opportunity to become a manager at your current spa or run your own business. But each of these brass rings necessitates additional work and dedication on your part.

4. You’re likely to deal with unhappy clients.

Lots of professions come with predictable advancement. Work for “x” amount of time and you can expect “y” salary increase. Get this certification, and you can expect a promotion. But working as an esthetician means career advancement isn’t so linear, argues Indeed in the article mentioned earlier.

Most estheticians stay in their roles for their whole career. That’s why estheticians should study advanced topics and treatments. If you develop new skills, you may be able to charge more or transfer to a related field. There’s also the opportunity to become a manager at your current spa or run your own business. But each of these brass rings necessitates additional work and dedication on your part.

Don’t face the challenges of being an esthetician on your own.

Such disappointments are no fun for you or your clients. And if a complaint  turns litigious, that puts even more emotional and financial stress on you.

The next time an angry client calls, let their complaint be no skin off your back. With WellnessPro Insurance, you get peace of mind and protection regardless of whether or not you’re at fault. We’ll protect you and your business against accusations of bad beauty services and treatments.

Click here to learn more about our esthetician coverage.