Expert advice for hairdressers taking a career break to travel
Published
03rd Mar 2013
by rachael
Hairdressing is one relatively few industries that provides those working in it with the opportunity to travel the world to boost their career, but if you're thinking of taking some time out to do your own thing we've got the expert advice you need.
Legal expert David Wright says:
"Career breaks can be for all sorts of reason--it might be educational, it might be for travel; it might just be a prolonged holiday.
"There are no specific employment laws regarding career breaks but often larger businesses put a specific policy in place. If you have such a policy, then rule number one is to make sure it is clearly written and unambiguous and that you adhere to it so staff can't claim they have been discriminated against by not being allowed a career break.
"Some employers take the view that staff need to resign and then contact them on their return to see if re-engagement is possible. However, it might be you are keen to retain the stylist and agreeing on a career break is preferable to losing them - it can be important for an employee to have an official career break to retain their continuous service."
"Here are the important details that you should agree on before someone embarks on a career break:
- Confirming when the break will start;
- Confirming when the employee will return -- this might be general in terms of the latest date they will be back by;
- Agreeing that the period is unpaid and the employee doesn't accrue holidays;
- That the employee will confirm their intention to return XX weeks before the date (this is important as you might have to release a temp or start rebooking clients);
- Are you effectively going to hold the job with the same terms and conditions and pay, or simply agree to provide a position?
- Make sure the agreement is in writing and that they sign their part of the agreement;
"Remember that it isn't unusual for the ground rules to change, particularly if you are informed that the return might be delayed. Your agreement should make it clear that a failure to return from a career break would be viewed as potentially gross misconduct. You wouldn't automatically dismiss someone but you would have to use your normal disciplinary procedure."
Stuart Bane, previously of D&J Ambrose in Pinner, Middlesex is currently undertaking a career break to see the world - we caught up with him in Australia to find out what his plans are.
Why did you decide to take a career break?
I decided to take a career break at probably the pinnacle of my career as although things were amazing at the salon and with Wella, I didn't think that I was progressing as a person.
I figured that have a lot of years to work and travel has always been a passion.
What are you doing with your time away from the UK?
My time away from the UK is hopefully going to be a reflection of what's important and what isn't... It's a bit of a reality check for me as a person to make sure that I don't sweat the small stuff too much!
Why did you decide to go to Australia?
Australia was actually a secondary option. My initial idea was just to do India for three months but as I could still apply for a Working Holiday Visa and a friend of mine had moved here, I thought I would do a bit of a round the world trip and fit in Australia and South East Asia too.
How long are you planning to stay abroad?
The plan was a year, but I'll be surprised if I'm home in 18 months...
How do people respond to you being a British hairdresser, with UK hairdressing widely considered the best in the world?
I'm fortunate that I have an extensive CV so I've had nothing but praise so far and I think I have probably had it easier than most - although as yet I am undecided my career path!
Have you noticed any differences between global hair trends and British style?
At the moment, Aussies are all about colour... There is a trend for guys and girls that sees temporary colours being used whereas in the UK we were starting to see a lean towards more natural/commercial hair. It's also interesting as a colourist to consider condition out here. Hair takes a real beating from the sun so even professional hair colour will see maximum fade.
After researching salons out here, I have to say that Australian hairdressing is as inspirational as the UK, where we may be starting to play it safe a bit in comparison.
Has being abroad fired your imagination in new ways?
I have never been inspired so much. Travelling the West Coast I have seen so many natural amazing things that conjure up so many colour combinations and crazy ideas. Sometimes you need to step away from hair to see what's possible.
What are you planning to do when you come back?
I'm fortunate that I have the possibility of returning to my position within D&J Ambrose, although I know they have some amazing colourists holding the fort. Ultimately, who knows? I have some amazing friends and contacts within the industry so anything is possible... I'll certainly be up for grabs - although I have a lot of tree hugging to do before then....!
