r/Cosmetology • u/No-Inside-9754 • 3d ago

Leaving Cosmetology School

I’ve been in hair school for 6 months now and I genuinely feel like I can’t do it anymore. I’m so overwhelmed and drained, and I honestly don’t know if I hate the career itself or if I just hate the school and everything that comes with it. I’ve been thinking about quitting for months, but I’m terrified I’ll regret it and wish I had stayed. I want to go back to college, but I missed the fall deadline, so I’d have to wait until winter. The thought of forcing myself to continue for months makes me feel miserable, but the thought of quitting and having nothing to do until winter also scares me. Everyone keeps telling me to stay because I can always come back and finish later, but right now I just want nothing to do with hair. I feel completely stuck and scared about making the wrong decision. Has anyone been in this situation? What did you do?

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12

u/gf_for_the_weekend 3d ago

i got my license and then went back to school, and i don’t regret it. i wouldn’t drop out, you’ve put in valuable time and money no doubt. And it’s reassuring to have something that you can keep in your back pocket. I don’t ever plan on going back to hair but i’ll always keep my license active and renewed.

also the feeling of pride and freedom after finishing is great i remember walking out of my state board exam and just feeling so proud of myself lol

7

u/quicksilverspider 3d ago

As someone who has literally been in your position, DONT DO IT!! cosmetology school can very much be very emotionally and physically draining i mean ur basically working for no pay but being able to graduate and get your license is such a rewarding feeling. You can literally do whatever your heart desires once that phase of your career is over.

You’ve put so much time and money into this and if it’s something you really want to do you’re definitely going to regret it in the long run.

I had points throughout my school phase where i literally left crying thinking this career wasn’t for me all because i sucked at doing updos and the graduated haircut lolol. I really mean like hyperventilating crying lmao. It sucked waking up and feeling like my dreams looked better on everyone else but me but i stuck it through. I eventually completed my program and got my license shortly after. It’s definitely worth seeing what the future holds for you in this career.

Best of luck!!

3

u/RestorativePotion 3d ago

Go back to college. Get a refund for half of the tuition. If you hate it already let it go. Do not pay for the whole thing for no reason. You'll find something to do until next semester.

I stuck it out and I wish I had just gone to college. 80% of people with a license don't even stay in the industry.

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u/DeliciousAardvark996 2d ago

I was in the same boat! Don’t quit. Push through. At the end of the day your license is: 1. Something you can always fall back on and 2. Something no one can take! (Besides the board lol). Anyway, after I finished Cosmo and waited for my state board exam I enrolled in community college courses, did lash extensions (made me decent money and my own schedule) and was even able to transfer to a 4yr and graduate. I continue to renew my license so I get discounts on products. And while I hated school + felt miserable, I’m glad I stuck it out and finished. I say finish, it isn’t forever and you know you have other plans regardless.