Salon Drama

Dear Will,

I've debated on if I should send you this email or not.  I normally don't like to put my business out there but I really can't figure this one out on my own. 

I am a hair dresser and work for a chain salon.  When I chose to work for this company I made the decision because it pays commission and the company provides all of the products and supplies.  All other salon in town offer booth rental where I would have to pay rent to use the space, supply all products, and pay my own advertising.  Because I am new to town and don't have a clientele to support me I chose to go with the chain salon.  Since joining the team the company has made changes. Prices have been lowered and the criteria to earn commission has been raised resulting in me, and several other hair dressers, making minimum wage.  As you know, minimum wage is not enough to support m family.

I have been offered another job, not doing hair, that offers a steady income. Although, not enough to support m family but a great deal more than I make now.  Do I take the new job and leave a job that I absolutely love doing or keep doing what I love and hope for the best?

Please help.

CB

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Dear CB,

As I always say, you must follow your heart.  Obviously, you can't hear what your heart is trying to tell you so here is my opinion.

You have to do what's best for you and your family.  Often parents have to put their dreams on the back burner and do things they don't want to in order to provide for their families.  If it were me, I'd take the other job with the steady paycheck.  Once your finances have become more stable you may be in a position where you can return to the cosmetology industry.  I'm not sure the ages of your children and if there is another parent or family member who can help take care of the children, but maybe for a while working two jobs might be an option.  But first and foremost,  you have to do what's best for you and your family.  

Roommate from Hell

Dear Will,

I have been living in my apartment for almost three years now. About six months ago I decided to get a roommate to share the expenses.  In the beginning everything was great.  We worked separate schedules so we really didn't see each other very much.  Now, I am working a different shift and we are home together a lot.  He always has his tv or music turned up really loud and has friends over all the time drinking and basically having parties. I don't know these people.  I'm not even comfortable in my own home anymore. How should I handle this?

Devin

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Dear Devin,

Being uncomfortable in your own home is never a good thing.  Have you talked to him?  If not, that's the first thing you should do.  Tell him how you feel.  Ask him to respect your space just as you respect his.  Ask him to turn the tv and music down, at least when you're home.  As for him having friends over, as long as he is paying rent he does have the right to have friends over unless there is a clause in the lease agreement stating limitations as to the hours he can have visitors.  Which brings up another question, is he on a lease? If not, and he's not willing to cooperate you may need to discuss other living arrangements.  But communication is a must.

Wll