Simple Employment Advice: Work Hard

**Employment Advice with Ask the Pro Stylist & Kim Kardashian**

Hello gorgeous! Kim Kardashian has struck a nerve. Yes, it was last year, but I love her thoughts because it explains recent workplace occurrences of my own. As such, it’s time to switch gears with Ask the Pro Stylist and offer some employment, instead of beauty advice. I felt for some time the salon industry was losing professionalism. Since the pandemic, it appears this sentiment is also the view of many employers, supervisors and management in all industries. What is going on?

The Tea Synopsis

According to Kardashian, last year’s declaration of the workforce quickly became a “soundbite,” and was “taken out of context.” Additionally, she notes of the comment; “get your fucking ass up and work,” which went viral, wasn’t a “blanket statement towards women.” Kardashian was explaining the hard work behind being a reality TV star and the difficulty in finding reliable employees.

Don’t dismiss the last line. I remember watching an interview years ago with Destiny’s Child describing the detailed steps necessary into looking beautiful to perform. From nutrition, to exercise, to wardrobe, to hair and makeup; to look camera ready requires hours. And yes, that is hard work.

Ask the Pro Stylist’s Reaction to the Current Workforce

Being a leader, I tend to agree with Kim. However, I will go as far to say it is not generational. I believe it is the values a family imparts. I do not believe that Boomers or my Gen-X generation work harder or own a stronger work ethic than Millennials or Gen-Z. My sons fall in both latter categories and I dare you to declare they are not hard workers. The boys take after their parents who not only work hard, but love what they do and instill the sentiment.

Additionally, as of late, I witness employees of all 4 generations phone it in, make excuses, use up PTO, demand more time because they “deserve it,” and take it regardless of the consequences, set poor examples for other staff members and students, cause co-workers to pick up their slack, effect the entire work force with negativity, have poor attendance, are tardy and full of entitlement. It has truly been a mind-boggling experience. Again, why? What is going on?

Recent Studies

Quietly Quitting: The trend refers to employees doing “just what they must,” or as above, “phoning it in.” According to the Investopedia.com article, some employers are responding with “quiet firing.” Nevertheless, it is a noticeable trend I witness first-hand.

Pandemic Trauma/Mental Health Challenges: There is a rise in mental health awareness and mental health challenges can cause a worker’s performance to suffer. As such, employers are actively addressing concerns along with implementing noticeable changes in the workplace.

Hybrid Flexibility: The pandemic created a workforce that enjoys working from home, regardless of Elon Musk’s thoughts. While not official collected data, in my conversations with prospective cosmetology students, 90% want to own their own business. My answer to them, is if all of you in this room want to be your own boss, who will work for you in 10 years? Work for someone else, learn the ropes and see how difficult it is to run your own business. Owning and operating require more time than an 8-hour shift. Then, put your knowledge into opening something of your own.

Don’t Lose the Work Hard Ethic

Not all agree with Kim Kardashian, the studies, or my experience. It’s OK to respectfully disagree. However, I am going to search for hard-workers who still look to go that extra mile, dress for success and do it with a smile.

Happy Styling!
Following Kim Kardashian’s employment advice, I do get my effin ass up and work. As a result, I respect all who do the same. Keep it up, but don’t forget to maintain a work/life balance and take care of yourself. Please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com with any job offers because I am currently #opentowork. Until then, happy styling!