i need help deciding what to do. im currently studying a diploma of beauty therapy. i enjoy learning it but i wouldnt say beauty is for me. im not the type of person to go out and spend loads of money on beauty products. i now am thinking about doing a cert 3 in early childhood education and care. i have young kids of my own so i am probably crazy, but i have always loved kids and enjoy helping them. question is do i bother with my diploma being that im over half way and study childcare or do i continue with both. in the end i need something that will guarantee me a job and ill add not nights or weekends.
10 Replies
What appealed to you about the beauty therapy diploma in the first place?
I'm assuming you've already paid for your study, is it worth just sticking it out and at least giving it a shot?
You could always finish your BT diploma, work part time in that industry and study your cert 3 in childhood education online at the same time. Then you end up with 2 qualifications and you're bringing in some income while you do so!
I used to work in childcare, it is a very physically and mentally demanding job. I actually had to leave the industry due to burn out. Not trying to put you off but I've just seen so many people underestimate the nature of that industry.
i was desperate to study something that would get me a job. not that im passionate about it. i pay as i go for my studying.
im wanting to do the cert 3 now as i can get it funded, if i wait to study it once i qualify BT then ill need to pay full fees.
what made you burn out if i can ask?
Different commenter. I worked in secondary education and the burnout is real. Dealing with children/adolescents can be very emotionally, mentally and physically draining. Think about those times when your own child is driving you up the wall and you just need a time out. Think about when you are at the point where you lose your shit at your own child because you're so fed up... You CANNOT do that as a professional. You need to be100% on the ball at all times and more with not just one but 30+ of them. You will hear and learn things so disturbing that you'll wish was never conceivable.
On the flip side of this, it is incredibly rewarding. Knowing and seeing you have made a difference in these young people's life definitely makes it worth it. I loved my job and loved the kids but I was at a point where I needed a break for my own emotional sanity and I wanted to devote that energy towards my own children fir the time being
If you don’t love beauty, then it’s not for you. Childcare is always an option, but you do need to be aware of burn out. Caring at home and at work with the same demographic can lead to career stress and burnout.
Here’s what Id recommend; start your cert 3 in childcare. See if it’s for you. It’s got Career options such as working OOSH hours, or going further and doing teaching, or eventually gaining qualifications to teach adults (lol, yes it’s an option)
I hear people say all the time “yeah but I don’t want to be a teacher”
Guess what… that’s exactly what a GOOD childcare person is. So think about the future, not about the now.
What do you want to be doing in 20 years time ? Then work towards that.
i think any job if there is no proper work life balance then its easy to burn out. beauty can take its toll physically as well...im already suffering with pains in my shoulders, and i havent even started working.
all i know is in 20 yrs my kids will be all grown up and i will want a rewarding job that i can say im proud of what i have achieved
Well, In that case… don’t study anything until you find your passion as you could be taking spots from people who genuinely want to work in those Industry’s.
I think you need to stop studying and just start working in fields you’ve got interest in, at least that way you can see if you like the field before committing to the study.
If pain is a chronic thing for you, then I’m really not sure childcare would fit either.
Maybe focus on supporting your family for a while instead.
I will say dont finish something so specific if youre not interested. Its a waste of time, effort, money and your life where you could be going the right direction.
Sure, if its broad, like a degree, different advice as its worth having just for having.
One benefit I see of beauty is that you can specialise waxing, nails, makeup, brows etc and can work from home.
Not sure about childcare but as a teacher there is so much behind the scenes work out of school hours. I imagine beauty is the easier one to do the shift and switch off from.
qualified beauty therapist here.
hate it.
I did mine years ago. cattist industry.
if I had my time again, I'd have definitely done something else. I use none of it.
Do what you are more passionate about.
Finish your course. You’re over half way done already and it’s always better to have extra options to fall back on.