5 Reasons Young People are Choosing Barbering as a Lifelong Career
Why do Barbers always seem to be having such a good time at work? From sharing interesting stories about life to helping men find their own unique style—the career is social, creative and remarkably stable. Barbers with an entrepreneurial spirit may even find themselves able to open their own barber shop or salon.
While it does take specialized training to develop your skills as a Barber, it is possible to go from the classroom to the barber shop floor in just over a year. Is Barbering right for you?
1. Barbering is a Career with a Social Life
Does the thought of staring at a computer without social interaction for hours leave you feeling nauseated? A dull, gray cubicle for 8 hours a day is not for everyone. The good news is that Barbering is far from your typical, “keep to yourself” type of job. In fact, socializing pays off in this relationship-based career. Good conversation is important—It helps to keep your clients comfortable and happy, which leads to more appointments and even referrals.
Many Barbers set their own schedules, so finding time for family and friends is usually not an issue. And often, Barbers and Cosmetologists find that the relationships they build with co-workers and clients make for a dynamic new social circle.
2. Barbering is a Career for Creative People
Has anyone ever referred to you as a creative person? While the technical skills involved in Barbering can be learned during a short-term career training program, a creative mind will set you apart from your peers.
Your client will sometimes give you only a rough idea of what they want done with their hair, so your attention to detail and sense of style will be necessary to get the job done. Barbers often say they enjoy when a client comes in and asks for something wild and different. Using both imagination and skill is key to helping them pull off their new look.
3. Barbers are Always In-Demand
It’s a great time to get in the Barbering game. With the career expected to grow at a rate of 13% through 2026, barber shops and salons are clamoring to hire trained Barbers with hands-on training and on-the-job experience. In fact, many career colleges and vocational schools are struggling to meet the job market’s demand, so they’ve begun to offer shorter Barber training programs than ever before.
As a Barber, you’ll never be starved for work—Because regardless of the status of the economy, men will always covet a great haircut.
4. Barbering Lets You to be Your Own Boss:
While most Barbers get their start working in someone else’s shop, it’s common to see experienced Barbers branch out and start their own business. In fact, 72% of Barbers in the US describe themselves as self-employed. All you need is the right career training, your tools, and a solid set of clients.
What’s more, being your own boss as a Barber doesn’t come with the same pitfalls of starting other types of businesses; You don’t need to invest in a physical work location to get started working for yourself. As a traveling or freelance Barber, you’ll find opportunities in fashion events, photo shoots or even film and TV. Few other trades offer as many opportunities to start your own successful business by yourself.
5. Barbers have the Stability to Travel
When you think of careers that allow for travel, Barbering may not be the first that comes to mind. But the truth is, haircuts, shaves and other skilled men’s grooming services are needed everywhere.
Countless barber shops and salons abroad offer temporary guest positions to talented, creative Barbers. These positions can range from days to months, but how long you choose to stay is up to you. A barbering license can increase your chances of obtaining a work visa in another country, so it’s important to start your Barbering journey with training from an accredited, reputable career college.
Become a Barber in Colorado in 13 Short Months
If you’re creative, love working with people, and ready to find independence—don’t let anything hold you back from getting started as a Barber. With the right career training, you’re the perfect candidate to become a skilled, confident Barber in just over a year.
Our helpful advisors can help you decide if you’re ready to make the transition to a new career as a Barber. Contact IBMC College at 866-273-6442 to schedule a no-pressure tour of your campus’ salon floor in Fort Collins, Greeley or Longmont today.
