Dealing With Part Time Staff

Are you a full- or part-time stylist? Does it make a difference in how you present yourself to your clients and your fellow co-workers? BTC BFF Robert Brooks seems to think so. He recently reached out on our Facebook page with this question:  “I’m fed up with my current salon situation, I work with people that view doing hair as “part-time” while they do the family thing, and work becomes a place to come hang with stylists and compare child horror stories. I want to start something new after the holidays… but I’m not sure if I should risk going to work at another salon or go to a salon boutique suite. I would love to hear what everyone else thinks I should do.”  So we reached out to our more than 370,000 Facebook fans and here’s what they had to say!

“Remember Robert, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. You still have to water it and cut it…my salon isn’t perfect by far. Anywhere you go, you will find that something or someone will annoy you. Even owning your own salon you will find annoyance with co-workers and clients. If you leave a place you’ve been at and go somewhere else—you will most likely lose 50-percent of your clientele. But it’s your choice in this matter.”
Wendy Mitchell-Weinheimer

“There is no harm in doing the “family thing!” Hair is my career and I love every minute of it—but my family will always come first.”
Ashley McDonald

“For your information, I work 3 days a week and have three kids—and I run circles around some of the full time staff!  I’m motivated, artistic and very creative.  Having a family doesn’t mean I can’t make it happen .”
Maria Russo Ingrassia

“I’m a busy stylist and have a clientele that like to have privacy when getting their hair done. I also was tired of the gossip and theft in the salon and wanted to be alone. I rented a spot and built out my own space.”
Robert Tagatz

“What is wrong with someone who divides their time between being a stylist and a parent? I am THANKFUL that I work in an industry that allows me to be flexible and work around my daughter’s time. And the fact that I am a part-time mom doesn’t make me any less of a committed stylist.”
Julie Spack

“I have been a part-time hairdresser for about 15 years now. I didn’t want to leave my children with other people to raise them so between my husband’s schedule and my own, we did what we could. I have had some extremely loyal customers that will work with my schedule no matter what and I have lost many. It doesn’t mean I don’t take my profession seriously. It means for now my family comes first.”
Alexandria Soto Wisniewski

“Move on…go where you can develop your talents and creativity. You and your clients will appreciate it.”
Vicky DeFelice

“Why are you basing what you do off of other people’s lifestyles? You can be your best self no matter where you work! Hard work always pays off!”
Kelli DuPrey

“Due to the fact that our business is primarily female staffed…it goes with the territory. Women are able to integrate this amazing profession into their lives and create some sense of “balance.” It’s not easy…but incredibly wonderful!”
Gloria Perperas

“Just because someone works part-time does not mean they lack passion or are not serious! That is a major part of this profession; everyone is their own boss and can work their own hours! How does being around other full timers make the atmosphere better for you? Full timers can lack passion as well! Maybe change the way you’re thinking and stop looking down on others around you. Who knows, you may start enjoying yourself more.”
Heidi Joy Rodriguez

“Owning a salon is like ADULT DAYCARE. Reconnect with the passion of your craft, that’s where you will be happiest. Also turn down the noise in your head!”
Eric Cylc

“I’m not sure why people who choose to have children are often so offended by those who don’t. We all tend to seek out groups we have more in common with to work or hang out with. You have to do what is right for you, and thank God! You’re a hairdresser, so you can! Suite salons offer solace…but you will still have to look through your window at people you didn’t choose to work with. Renting a chair also means you are a business owner, a corporation of one. In either of those you can be happy and find great success. Or find a community salon where various schedules and points of view are affirmed, where education is a priority (because your guests can’t come first if you can’t take care of them), and where your management and the bulk of your team are as concerned about growing you as you are. Change is always a gamble, but it’s the one thing you can count on. You sound like a great fit for a Summit Salon! GOOD LUCK!”
Jackson Tester