Whether you are starting your career as a skin care provider or going solo and starting a new business, the mindset we all share is one of motivation, determination, and drive. We all strive for success – whatever our individual definition of that may be. Skin care professionals are not afraid of hard work. Early mornings, late evenings, fully packed schedules, and skipping lunches and breaks are habits oftentimes perceived as success. Our thoughts may be, “I’m booked,” “I’m in demand,” “this is what I've been working for,” and “I can’t stop this train now!” After operating at that maximum level for a while, many of us inevitably reach the point of burnout.

RECOGNIZING BURNOUT

It can look different for each person, but some commonalities include diminishing motivation, anxiety, insomnia, exhaustion, procrastination, and frequent illness. When burnout sets in, it can lead to frustration, as these symptoms detract from working towards life and business goals. Additionally, it can be hard to kick burnout because the mental and physical exhaustion makes it difficult to enjoy activities outside of work. So, even when one goes out of their way to plan activities to make themselves feel better, they are too tired to truly enjoy them. 

Some habits that can contribute to burnout include not asking for help when it is needed, giving all your energy to others and not reserving any for yourself, the need for constant productivity and improvement, putting too much pressure on yourself, and not setting aside time for hobbies and activities that bring you happiness and relaxation.

Alisha Shumake is a licensed aesthetician of 15 years and owner of The More You Glow in Detroit, Michigan. She obtained a degree in small business management and has worked in a variety of different roles in the aesthetics industry such as sales, salons, and medical spas. Shumake decided to take the step into entrepreneurship in 2020, opening The More You Glow. In addition to providing corrective and age management-based treatments, she also strives to educate clients in product knowledge and the latest in treatment advancements to accomplish their skin care goals.