Moving Forward in Strength
This information does not substitute professional advice from a lawyer or CPA
Cosmetologists United wants to support you with how to cope with a sudden change in employment or lay off. Here we provide a break down of how to move forward and dust yourself off from a shocking and traumatizing experience.
“What do I do?”
BREATH Deeply. DO NOT PANIC. YOU GOT THIS!
The first essential tip is to remember that FEAR and PANIC are normal reactions, however, remember not to let them rule your decisions or actions. You have every right to vent and express your disappointment, anger and frustration but use that as a way to let off some steam so you can prepare to power forward. No one faults you for having these feelings but its what you DO with them that will have you looking back in a year or so with pride that you PERSEVERED. Remember to treat yourself well by getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water, and eating antioxidant foods that help you process stress and emotional toxins.Allow yourself to grieve the loss of your choice of employment and ARM yourself with the knowledge to build an even more solid future for yourself. Talk to your friends, family and as many clients as you can to let them know you are currently “circling the wagons” and that you will need their support as you ready a transition into a new salon environment or job/business opportunity.
Instead of shutting down emotionally, take this period of time as a test.
Will you survive? OF COURSE YOU WILL!
GATHER DOCUMENTATION
If you do not have any of your pay-stubs – use your online banking to look at how much $ you deposited from your former employer over the last year. The company that laid you off informed you via a letter and it will be important to keep that for your documentation as well.
“Unemployment benefits partially replace your regular earnings and help you meet expenses while you look for another job. They are not based on financial need. While receiving benefits, it’s your responsibility to get back to work as quickly as you can.”
APPLY HERE: https://secure.esd.wa.gov/home/
WA State Unemployment Handbook: https://esdorchardstorage.blob.core.windows.net/esdwa/Default/ESDWAGOV/Unemployment/ESD-Handbook-for-Unemployed-Workers.pdf
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS
Now that you are a “free agent” who gets to select their next salon opportunity- remember that you may not have solid employment but your unique personality and individual skills are your MAJOR ASSET.
Start readying your resume if you do not have one already.
The key points to highlight and detail are your:
- education (cosmetology school and dates of attendance/when licensed)
- your experience through previous employment (dates, locations, title and brief job description)
- special skills or specialties you excel in (Ex: balayage, barber fades etc.)
- your CONTACT INFO and/or SOCIAL MEDIA (usually provided at the top of a resume)
See examples of resumes and get resume help:
- https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/hair-stylist-resume-example
- https://www.livecareer.com/resumes/examples/salon-spa-fitness/hair-stylist
- https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/hair-stylist-resume-sample
We Recommend: Using Google Drive / Docs since it is free with a gmail account up to 25gb.
ESTABLISH OR REFRESH SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook and Instagram are the best FREE ways to make sure people can find you until you find a new hair home. Make a business page that is publicly searchable on either or BOTH. Put your full name in the description if you cannot get your name for a handle. You can list your home address until you find your new hair home. (NOTE: We do not recommend doing hair in an unlicensed location or in your home for $. Please know the inherent risk to your safety or being investigated by Dept of Cosmetology,)
Make an announcement that is PUBLIC to alert friends, clients and family that you are currently without a hair home and that you NEED THEM to refer you to salons that are reputable for employment or booth rental. Try and find clients you want to follow you and contact them directly via email or social media. Recommendations: Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, Google Calendar, Canva (create images and logos), Square POS and Appointments (if setting up self employment)
EMPLOYMENT VS. BOOTH RENTAL? KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Do not let panic or fear make you feel RUSHED. Use your head and approach every conversation with CONFIDENCE, CALM and KNOWLEDGE.
– A full W2 employee has their federal and state taxes taken out by the employer and they tell you a schedule, set prices, can have you sign an employee handbook and they give you a regular paycheck/paystub. Also know that COMMISSION ONLY salons are illegal.
***You MUST be paid minimum wage or commission, whatever is higher according to FLSA.
– A “booth renter” is an independent contractor who is a SMALL BUSINESS who sets their own schedule, prices and signs a rental term contract detailing payment parameters and amenities.
– THERE IS NO SUCH THING as a “1099 employee.” If the salon has a receptionist who takes client payment to a general salon account from which you get doles out $ and you are told you are not an employee this is MISCLASSIFICATION and you can report this salon for it through an anonymous IRS SS8 form if you are inside this situation.
NOTE: IF YOU BECOME AN EMPLOYEE AGAIN YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SIGN A NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT IN WA STATE. They are illegal under $100k compensation as of Jan 1, 2020.
RESOURCES: https://www.thisuglybeautybusiness.com/2017/01/know-your-rights-in-salon-employee.html
Booth Rental Tips
If you have determined that employment is not your jam we have some tips and best practices to setting up for booth rental in WA state.
Once you have decided on booth rent—-this process can take 5-7 weeks.
- Determine a salon you wish to lease from.
- Obtain proper licenses.
- Obtain a rental term contract with a salon space owner.
Resources provided to those inside of Cosmetologists of WA United.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST!
Become a COSMETOLOGISTS OF WA UNITED ADVOCATE with us!