Far too many hairdressers change jobs without thinking of the long term ramifications of their decision. In today’s tough and uncertain economy, changing jobs can be risky especially with our current competitive business climate. When times get tough, you may want to jump ship, but be careful. It may be the biggest mistake of your career.
If you’re thinking about jumping ship, I do hope that these few tips will help you think clearly before you make a major decision regarding job change.
Consider the following:
How Were You Recruited – If you were sent a flyer or email by another salon owner in the hopes that you jump ship with a following to their salon, be careful! What they are really telling you is that they are depending on you to bring a clientele to help make their business a success. This is clearly unethical and a sign of dishonesty. Don’t place your trust in people that want to steal you away from where you work.
Why do You Want to Change Jobs? – Clearly define why you are unhappy before you jump ship. Is it because you’re not busy enough? Not earning enough? Is the new owner offering higher commissions or booth rental options? Is your perception that you’re a victim of poor management? Is there a negative salon environment? Do you allow yourself to be drawn into salon gossip and pettiness? Do you feel there is a lack of communication between you and the owner? Have you asked your boss how you can improve? I suggest you seek a private meeting with the owner and try to resolve your concerns before you make your decision.
Will Your Customers Follow You? – Some may, but keep in mind many astute salon owners have resources to keep your client’s loyal to their salon by offering incentives and rewards. Your customers have many resources and price ranges to choose from as well. No matter what, when you leave your present job you will lose customers. Every time you change jobs, you will lose a certain percentage of a clientele.
Honesty and a Code of Ethics – Your coworkers are also affected whenever turnover occurs in the salon. When you leave you become their competitor. How can we raise prices with a constant merry go round of staff turnover? Your actions affect the livelihoods of not only your co-workers, but our entire profession. Honesty and a code of ethics is the only way to grow your career or business.
Conspiring to Leave in the Back Room – Collecting addresses and phone numbers is just unethical. If you feel your new job is a step forward, I’m sure your new boss will help you build a new clientele. If you owned a salon would you want your staff do the same to you?
Don’t Burn the Bridges Behind You – If you leave on good terms, your owner may welcome you back if your new job does not measure up to your expectations. Moreover, you may need job references in the future. If you have a history of going from salon to salon many owners will not hire you. So if you’re going to jump ship, also make sure to let the captain know!
As a salon owner myself, I never prevented a hairdresser from leaving my salon if they truly thought a move was in their best interests. Many times if they had left on good terms, admitted they made a mistake, and asked if they could come back, I let them come back as part of my team. We all make mistakes from time to time.
Before you make your decision to jump ship, communicate with your owner and try to work out a solution to find solutions why you are unhappy. I have yet to meet a salon owner who wants to see any of his staff members fail. You may not feel you have the perfect boss at times, but then you may not be the perfect employee at times.
There will be instances where job change will be warranted; many salon owners do not take the time to learn how to lead and improve staff performance. Excellence does start at the top and if a ship is sinking, then you gotta jump! However, even then be sure to always leave on good terms. For more information, I urge you to read my article: “Avoid the Grass is Greener Syndrome”
Salon owners, if you want to learn how to keep your staff from jumping ship, it will be one of my topics at my upcoming Las Vegas 2 Day Seminar July 9-10. Follow the link and read all about what you’ll learn and receive from the seminar. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your seat as soon as possible.