It’s hard to be excited about the potential career opportunities I am going to have once I graduate from esthetic school because I am so busy right now with my current full-time job, going to class and maintaining a social life with my family and friends. I think school coming to an end here in about three months has really put the pressure on. We have a big spa project to do where we design our own spa and figure out how much it would cost to open it, we have to interview the owner of a spa, finish putting together our binders, complete our flash cards and vocabulary assignments, and some other small assignments. On top of all that, we have to prepare for our practical exams.
For these, we do a basic back treatment and then a spa facial. We also have to do an eyebrow wax in 15 minutes, and a makeup application with individual eyelashes. Although I have practiced all of these things and know how to do them, I am still pretty nervous. There are also five school board tests that we have to pass before we graduate, and we have to do one more bone-muscle-nerve test, as well.
I remember right before I graduated college I felt really overwhelmed like this, too. It’s not a good feeling. I am hoping to do some serious studying after I complete my clock hours while waiting to take the state exam in December. I just feel like I haven’t gotten a chance to REALLY concentrate on my book because I’ve been so busy. I want to relax and enjoy these next few months of school. Any advice on how to stay calm during this busy time? I feel like I should be excited and not so stressed. I am getting closer to doing what I want to do!
July 14th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Well, first of all, let me assure you that based upon what you have said about the requirements of your esthetician school, you are getting a great start to your esthetician career. Lucky you!
It can be hard to see past your current studies and get a good look at the exciting career that awaits you, the REAL world of esthetics. If you can possibly get yourself to a trade show near you, or look through some of our trade magazines (like Skin Inc, of course), or find an esthetician message board, you will find a whole new exciting world outside of estie school. You will be energized and motivated and school will easily fly by for you.
Good luck!
July 14th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Hi Collien, It is no doubt a full schedule for you right now. Keeping your excitement about your future career is very important, in giving you the push to reach your ultimate goal. But you must priortise, if you are truly serious about succeeding in your school work, which is vital in reaching your future goals, then you must sahre this with family and friends, and buckle down with getting your school work done. They should understand your postion. If not you must question, who has to ultimately be responsible for your living? Once you accomplish your goal with school, the rewarding feeling is great! Good Luck!
July 14th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
You will do fine,as long as you are comfortable with the basics and study. The school wants you to pass and as long as you pay your tuition and show up for class and make an effort with studying. You just concentrate on the State boards and if your heart is truly in esthetics you will forgo your social calendar until you are finished school. You can do it! It is the most rewarding career ever!
July 15th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Focus on us that have done it and are now in one of the most rewarding careers one can have.
For everything in life there is a trade off. Be sure to take some quality time for yourself. If nothing else, get a massage from time to time. Think you can’t afford it? Then find a massage school. They are looking for bodies to de-stress.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Oh my! I can totally relate as it wasn’t long ago I was in the same situation. Honestly, I think the anxiety is more about the career change, and how real it is now becoming and the other concerns are secondary. It is scary! Right now… but just breath. You’ll be fine. The spa project will turn out fine. You’ll pass your test. Just don’t lose yourself in all the hub bub. You have to make sure, that through all the stress, you stay healthy; Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually. If you are balanced, everything will work itself out.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
The lasts months of school are yes very stressfull. When i was completing school i had a full-time job at night when i got out of school, so studying for me was very limited. What i did was when i was at school all i did was study when we were slow. With the practical exams youll be fine, you have done them before just breathe it will come natural. I believe the more stressed that you are the harder you try, just remember to make sure that your not stressing yourself out to much. The hardest part hasnt even come yet, your not looking for a job yet!!!
July 15th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Hi Colleen,
I’m reminded of that Goethe quote about mountains moving, etc. once one takes a stand. (Forgive me for not knowing exactly how it goes.)
Ella’s recommendation to take care of yourself is a good one. I would also say to be alert when you are leaving your house to take the state board exam. I saw a woman get turned away during registration for the practical exam because she didn’t have the proper paperwork as outlined in the instructions. She was terribly disappointed. Allow yourself plenty of time to pack your kits and lay out your clothes in advance of test day. Keep your day as stress-free as possible, and you’ll most likely breeze right through it.
Your objective, “I want to relax and enjoy these next few months of school. Any advice on how to stay calm during this busy time? I feel like I should be excited and not so stressed.” Maybe that’s the key for you is to relax and enjoy yourself (and practice gratitude), THEN you will experience your situation as exciting instead of stressful? You’re probably familiar with stress-reduction techniques that work for you personally. Meditation is good for me, as well as exercise, particularly yoga, and having fun. I think it’s really great that you took the opportunity to use this blog.
Best of luck to you, and remember to set your sights on the ultimate goal. Start getting a real clear picture of the working situation you would most enjoy, and continue to flesh it out and let it crystallize in the coming months, because it is easy to flounder if you don’t have a dream past getting your license and certification.
Let the good times roll!
July 15th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
breath deeply as soon as you are feeling stressed..(start w/ 3x deep breaths, & build up your capacity to hold the breath,then release it)
take a ten minute walk in the morning & at night w/ no phones,no company unless its a dog..
this
July 20th, 2008 at 9:31 am
sorry if this sounds a bit harsh but if this amazing career path is what you really want focus, focus, focus turn down some of those dinner invitations and study. You won’t regret it!
Donna Lee
September 5th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Being prepared and visualizing your success will help. That “butterfly” feeling will not go away until it’s all said and done. It’s good in a way, it means your alive and striving to better yourself and provide good service. It means you have passion and you care what your next step in life is.
Keep the spa project simple, it’s not a “Business Plan”. Think in small business terms. Use various salon/spa distributor info to get the numbers and just break everything down in it’s particular area of the business (furniture, tools of trade, disposables, etc). Don’t forget the cost of an attorney, accountant, office supplies, rent expense, utility expense, salary expense, etc when calculating your simulated start-up costs. Online research will help or just making random phone calls. When you let them know your a student people are more likely to assist. It looks harder than what it is but you can put something simple together in a day of research.
Just remember, it’s hard when your finished with school as well. It will take you a while to build your clientele and perfect your craft. So don’t burn bridges until you have your feet on the ground.
Keep striving for success!
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