How to Balance Your Day Job and Your Makeup Career - QC Makeup Academy

Creating a balance between your day job and personal life is hard enough, but things can get even more challenging when you add your makeup career into the mix.

You may be keeping your day job for the extra cash flow or because you enjoy the work you do—regardless of the reason, here are some tips and tricks to make sure your makeup career doesn’t suffer.

Work Hard

This is probably the most obvious of them all, but juggling two jobs will require a lot of time and dedication. For this reason, it’s important to put 110% into everything you do and get the job done right the first time around.

Young makeup artist career while balancing a day job

Manage Your Time

If you’re anything like us, you already feel as if there aren’t enough hours in the day, and growing your side business will only add more to your plate. It is essential to use your time wisely and put every last precious hour of the day to good use.

Since you’ll have a lot on the go, it may be helpful to plan your day in advance. Allot a specific amount of time to each task and try to stick to your schedule as best you can. There are some free apps such as SetMore which makes scheduling a pain-free process.

Set Boundaries

Learn to balance a day job and your makeup career

You shouldn’t be working on your makeup career while at your day job and vice-versa (unless you’re on your break). This means that you shouldn’t be printing bridal makeup promo flyers using your day job’s printer or tying up their lines trying to schedule a meeting with a client. It is also a good idea to get separate business cards and contact info—handing potential makeup clients an auto-insurance business card might be a little confusing to them!

Prioritize

Decide what needs to be done immediately and what can wait. Start each day by creating a to-do list with the most important tasks at the top and cross off what you have accomplished as you go. Be willing to adapt, as you may have to update or re-prioritize your list as new tasks come in. Also, by using a calendar to mark down deadlines, you’ll be sure that none creep up and surprise you!

Full Disclosure

Make sure to let management know that you are actively pursuing a career in the makeup industry. Juggling two jobs may be an issue if your day job and your makeup career are similar—you may be considered the competition! You can also check your day job’s contract to determine if there are any clauses that would restrict your makeup career.

By being completely transparent with your employer, you don’t have to keep your makeup job a secret and feel like you’re going behind you employer’s back. This provides an opening for you to grow your makeup career. You can let your co-workers know about your services (as long as it’s not during business hours), which is a fantastic networking opportunity.

Make Time to Relax

how to relax after working as a makeup artist

If you’re going to work hard, you better make sure to play hard too! It’s important to make time for yourself, whether it’s binge watching Netflix or working out, you need that little break. Taking a step back from work lets you clear your mind so you’ll be more productive and focused when you return.

You don’t need to choose between the two; by following these 6 simple steps, you will allow both careers to flourish!

After pouring in all that hard work, be sure you can spot the 5 Signs Your Makeup Career is Taking Off.

Author Amanda Thompson

More posts by Amanda Thompson

Join the discussion 5 Comments

  • Amy Gelsomino says:

    I love this article. It definitely hits the heart for me because I love doing what I do. I love how it explains how to manage work and time together because at the beginning thats not easy. But one day at a time and one step at a time we will all get there!

  • CHARLOTTE KNIGHT says:

    Wow, great article. Extremely helpful as I am just starting out.

  • kirra walters says:

    i love this blog post because i feel like i helps me alot with my life. i have a day job but also my makeup career and i feel like its so important to be able to juggle the both and do everything to your full ability

  • Mahtab says:

    Best makeup school ever❤️ Thankful

  • Leslie Mendez says:

    Being a full time employee, student and trying to get your makeup career started is nothing easy, but QC makes everything go smoothly, I love being part of this amazing family, they’re always there to help and support me!!

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