In the last few days, I've been reading a lot about the so-called "burnout" effect, i.e. the condition of us, employees in the beauty business, which very often "washes us out".
Is there anyone who has been in this job for more than 2 years and hasn't felt like sitting down and crying at least once? From misery, from pain, depression, sadness... you name it, I've got it. Go ahead and give a thumbs up in the comments, so we can see you, if you actually exist.
First, let's be clear, these are temporary states. Don't be afraid, don't actually hate your job, because there is no better job. You just need a little time and rest and the world will be beautiful again.
As a lash technician, I've been through various situations and states. From waking up in the morning and being excited about a wonderful work day, filled until dark, to waking up and until the last second thinking about possible illnesses that would save you from going to work.
Neither is good. These are all extreme situations where you don't really have any balance in your life, and they result in extreme overload and fatigue, and the inability to perform normal life functions.
A stiff sitting position all day, the occasional trip to the toilet, the occasional snack if you remember because your vision is already blurry. Nervousness, because in all of this you still have to respond to 550 messages and reschedule a few appointments, because someone didn't show up on time, someone didn't show up or call, someone had something come up at work, which means that along with the tweezers (or a file), you need to have another hand in which to hold your sacred diary (because, take everything from us, but the diary is the bible).
Then you remember that you're not done yet, and someone has to pick up the child from kindergarten. So you nervously call again, type, look for someone to step in.
The end of your shift is approaching, someone asks you to bring it in, just for one repair...that 15 minutes, that's a snap, you're in the salon anyway, right?
So, in fear of losing the client, you agree to that, so let's go for 15 minutes (which somehow always turn into 30, by some miracle😳)
You lock the lounge, you fly upside down with all your belongings in your hands...cell phone, chargers, laptop, backpack, dirty towels, the cold food you bring to your child if they're hungry... WAIT, CHILD?!!!!
Ah, yes...someone picked it up, I just have to remember who, because my head is empty and I'm tired. I can't feel my arms or legs, I'm hungry and I just want to go home, take a bath and go to bed.
You pick up the child, come home, turn on the light, because, of course, it's dark, you've been sitting around all day again, peeing.
And you're trying not to be nervous and tired, but it's not working.
You sit down and look at tomorrow's schedule and think, God forbid someone cancels, because you won't cancel anyone yourself, and you need that hour just to run to the bank to get some papers or to the doctor to get a referral for all the pain that's been bothering you for months.
If you recognize yourself...I get you!
Not to mention when someone asks you for advice about eyelashes or nails, asks what style, color, length you recommend. And you just roll your eyes (to yourself of course🙄) and think to yourself "Let me take it off... who cares.. you'll get what I do to you".
This is a wake-up call!!!!
We do this job because we love it. Because we love working with people. We love applying makeup to those eyelashes and nails and working wonders. We love that every client is special and that they are beautiful and happy when they leave the salon.
I know you know what I'm talking about.
But I don't know if you know that you can help yourself.
And only YOU.
Yourself.
Not me, nor anyone else.
First, it's time for a break!
It's time for a little long vacation or sick leave, whatever you call it.
Let your clients know that you are going on vacation, and let them know as soon as possible that they will need to take care of their eyelashes/nails while you are away.
If you have colleagues that you can recommend, of course, that's called good customer service, that's caring for clients. You didn't just put the key in the door and leave, you made an effort to help them find an adequate person. Dear clients, if you're reading, appreciate this, because this is no one's duty.
When you finally go on vacation, switch off...answer work-related messages when you feel like it. Whether it will be in the evening or in 5 days, it's your decision, but don't beat yourself up about it.
Make a schedule in advance AND STICK TO THAT SCHEDULE!!!!
If you have set a day off, then don't include "emergencies" on that day.
THAT DAY DOESN'T EXIST IN YOUR CALENDAR. IT'S LIKE SUNDAY. OR LIKE CHRISTMAS.
In any case, it's crossed out with a black marker so you wouldn't think of coming in and dealing with some "emergency" situation.
Everyone should understand that a cracked nail and a fallen eyelash are not emergencies. An emergency is a broken arm or an eye infection. You put a band-aid on your nail, mascara on your eyelashes, and move on. We should all use our own time a little better, and at the same time appreciate other people's time. Then the world would be a much better place (that's another topic for discussion...)
When you get enough rest, your head will be clearer and you will realize that such excessive exhaustion of your body did not result in anything special.
For example, did you earn an extra million, so you went on vacation to Bali or Hawaii? Probably not.
You're vacationing in the same, overpriced apartment on our beautiful Adriatic, maybe you have a slightly better view or you ate at a better restaurant... but you could have saved that much if you had worked less and actually cooked lunch, instead of ordering a ready-made (much more expensive) meal (that you never ate)🤷
Don't think I'm judging...first of all, I don't cook (at least not often), but so many times I've wished I could be home and smell the aroma of stewed onions, instead of being in the salon from 8am to 8pm.
Organize your work wisely!
What does that mean?
1. A schedule that you must adhere to, which includes normal working hours
2. Prices that reflect the quality of work, abilities and knowledge you offer in your service. If you need to raise the price so that you finally start making money, then do it. We don't work to work and survive. We work to live. So why not to the fullest and without stress.
3. Client education, rules and instructions that they should follow. Every salon has its own clients, depending on their wishes and capabilities, so don't worry, your clients will come to you. The way you radiate is the way you attract.
4. Time for yourself, friends, family. Talking to people who know nothing about eyelashes and nails is a kind of therapy, and try not to talk about work in public, it only increases your stress and frustration.
5. Treat yourself to a treatment. Nails, eyelashes, massage, waxing...present what you do, the way it should be. We like ourselves better with makeup on, fresh, with beautiful nails, so why would we walk around in long leggings and torn nails? You deserve to spend some of your earnings on yourself, don't forget that.
6. Don't keep your frustrations inside.
If you have a problem with a colleague, resolve it privately. If you have a problem with a client, try to resolve it, and if that doesn't work, simply transfer it to someone else.
If you are constantly dissatisfied, then you probably have some problem with yourself, and the best person to help you with this is someone close to you, a friend, husband, mom, dad... someone who knows you.
Don't be shy about talking...that's how 80% of problems are solved.
Overload is manifested by constant worry. To the extent that you worry about things that actually have no indication that they will happen yet.
If someone doesn't point out a problem to you, and you don't understand it yourself, it will be very difficult for you. Not only for you, but also for those around you.
7. Go to a training or congress from time to time. Let someone inspire you with their lecture. Learn something new that you will be happy to offer to your clients and break up the monotony a little.
8.And finally!
Get rid of the negative.
Some people go to the gym, some people go running, some people go talking, some people go watching some stupid series...
Be happy with what you do. Be happy with having so many clients (what if no one wants to come to you?)
Be happy that you are earning a living for yourself and your family with your own hands.
Think about new jobs and expanding your business.
If you feel that you can no longer physically keep up with a certain pace, slow down. Give yourself time to think calmly and new ideas will surely come.
If you want to do something else, it's never too late.
If you want to become an educator, it's never too late.
If you don't want to be tired and hate your job, start with yourself and don't blame others!!!
Only you decide!!!
I wish you all to never experience "burnout" again and to remember it just by reading this text.
Xx
Martin
🌹To everyone who managed to read this text to the end, congratulations and thank you!🌹
And that's why I'm giving you a 15% discount on the entire Kallos collection on our webshop.
The discount is valid until Sunday (cannot be combined with other discounts), and use it by entering the code BURNOUT at the end of your order.😄
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A thousand "Why?"
THE glue! 🤬