Wow my advice sure has changed over the years. Previously my advice would have been all for it, but honestly I dont know anymore if I would advise it.
One thing I will say, is I have distinct empathy with all transpersons in the US right now. You all are being demonized unfairly and many are outright in hiding. This is one of the reasons I wouldnt advise taking up electrology right now. An electrologist is usuallly visible in the community in order to be successful. I dont know that it’s adviseable to be a visible transperson in any USstate at the moment , even in a progressive one like California. I feel it could be a risk for you.
As a transperson however, you will have undoubtedly noticed the high percentage of people somewhat on the autism spectrum amoung transfolks. It also tends to often be misidentified as ad/hd and often , depression and anxiety. . I’m not saying this is you, but having both worked with and for transpeople the majority of my professional career, I can tell you thatit is true in my case, and also in the case of a good chunk of my clientele as well. Many dont realize it, some are aware, and it can be to varying extent. One of the other fields aside from electrology such people tend to be drawn to? Tech. In Droves. If you do do identify with any of that, I would caution against becoming an electrologist, for a number of reasons. People on the autism spectrum tend to be somewhat socially awkward. When dealing with customers , this can become crippling. It’s worse if you miss cues from your clientele making you seem oblivious to their feedback. If this is an area you are challenged by, you might not want to become an electrologist. It becomes much more problematic if indeed the spectrum is a concern, becaause as electrologists we can get quite busy and almost too popular, causing us to be overworked and stressed as we try to do everything. This honestly, leads to anxiety attacks and depression. I speak from experience on this. For those who dont know, I have 3 children, all on the spectrum as am I.
On the posative note, it’s possible to make a good living doing electrology. Most of us work for ourselves whichis good if you are the type that doesnt do well with bosses over you. This puts us in control of much of our lives. It’s also possible to work from home if you are used to that and set up for it. Learning to market yourself can be a challenge, but those active in the community or in social networking can get word out pretty effectively if your try. There’s always people needing hair removal, laser cant treat some hair, and there are those who know that we can do what others only promise to. Expect though to work hard just to make ends meet. I very rarely excede 6 hours of electrolysis in a given day, but I’m often working, 10 hours or more to accomplish that Be realistic about how much you WANT towork. tasks.Late lients, or justgreetingthe customer, all take time. And asthe business owner, it always falls on you… You always need time for alll the fill in tasks like upkeeping charts, disinfection and sterilizing implements, and a host of other things. Clients also book when the time you have available meets their ability toget to you. Expect to work a lot of saturdays and early evenings to make ends meet.
How is the situation in Canada?