Hairdresser / Barber

You'll cut, color, and style hair while listening to people's life stories, relationship drama, and unsolicited opinions. It's part artist, part therapist, part small business owner. You'll stand all day, your hands will ache, and you'll develop strong feelings about which shampoo brands are lying to people. But you'll also make people feel genuinely good about themselves, and that never gets old.

What you'll actually do

• 01Cut, trim, and style hair based on client requests
• 02Color, highlight, and chemically treat hair
• 03Shampoo, condition, and blow-dry
• 04Consult with clients on styles that work for their hair type
• 05Sanitize tools and maintain a clean workstation
• 06Build a client book of regulars who'll follow you to any shop (that's your real paycheck)
• 07Listen to stories you didn't ask for but somehow can't stop hearing

Career Path

Where this role sits in the bigger picture — and where it can take you.