Ask Amy: Hairstylist wonders if she’s 'worth it'
Dear Amy: I am a (female) hairstylist and own my small business.
I love my profession and am proud of what I have accomplished.
Inevitably when I am with others, my profession will come up in conversation.
Oftentimes the people around me will start talking about their hairstylist and begin complaining about how expensive the services are.
I hate this.
I feel immediately defensive. I know how hard I work. I wish they understood that it’s not an “easy” job.
I am on my feet for six to 10 hours a day. The overhead for rent, taxes, and products is high.
I’m sure people don’t understand these things, but I also don’t want to have to explain why I need to charge what I do every time I’m in mixed company.
I feel like my income is being talked about in front of me, and people are saying that I’m not worth it.
I don’t know any other professions that might have to deal with this. How should respond when this comes up (again and again)?
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