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8 • Fitness, Personal Care Services & Education Chapter 1 covers hairstylists and barbers. If hair interests you—if you like to look at pictures of hairstyles and spend hours coloring and styling your own and your friends’ hair, or if you just like to see people looking neat and trimmed, then this career might be right for you. There are lots of opportunities available in all types of barbershops and salons, and if you become an expert stylist or colorist you can make a great income. You’ll have to get a license and probably spend a couple of years learning your skills, but then you’ll be in a growing field where you will meet new people every day. Be ready for competition, though; hair stylist Jet Rhys says of the field, “It’s a big industry. You have to be up on your people skills and you have to look sharp.” If you like to spend your time in spas, then definitely check out Chapter 2, which discusses cosmetologists, skin-care specialists, makeup artists, manicurists, and other pro- fessionals who spend most of their time touching up and beautifying their clients. The word “cosmetology” can be a little confusing because it can actually cover a wide range of specialties, including hair styling, facials, massage, manicures, makeup, and other spa treatments. Some cosmetologists even end up in laser centers, zapping unwanted hair and wrinkles. If this field interests you, you should read Chapter 1 as well, because there are a lot of similarities between the two career areas. Like hair stylists, cosmetologists have to go to school and get licensed. The training is fastest if you pick just one specialty, such as manicures and pedicures, but you’ll make more money if you can provide multiple services. Many cosmetologists specialize in several areas. Are you an exercise fanatic? Do you spend all your free time in the gym? Do you have a daily yoga practice? Are you a black belt in karate? If so, turn to Chapter 3, which covers ca- reers including fitness instructor, personal trainer, martial arts instructor, and yoga teacher. If you go into the exercise field, you’ll get to spend lots of your time engaged in your favorite form of exercise; you’ll have to keep in shape for your clients! During your working hours, you’ll help clients exercise, either one-on-one or in a group class. You’ll watch their form so that they get maximum benefit without hurting themselves. Every body has a unique build and different exercise needs, which is part of the attraction of the field to many practition- ers. For example, yoga instructor Paula Lynch says, “There are so many different body types, some students have injuries or disabilities, and even some able-bodied students have more energy or mental blocks. It keeps me learning about the practice in new ways, learning how to apply the asana [pose] practice to specific students’ needs.” To improve in this profession and to keep up with trends, you’ll go to seminars and workshops. This field is especially beneficial for anyone who wants to work evenings and weekends or who might want to work part time.