Slice of Life: ‘People think that a beautician’s job is easy’

Chennai

I am a native of Puducherry but was born and brought up in Chennai. I could study only till Class 10 and did not pursue academics further because of personal issues. I was married off at a young age and had to take up family responsibilities. I have two children and my husband is currently in Dubai. I stay with my parents and my children in Puzhal. I tried for various jobs but because of a lack of qualification, I could not get the jobs I was looking for. I later took training in a beautician’s course and started freelancing to earn for myself and support my family financially. Many a time, people expect things beyond reality from a beautician but do not follow what we say. Even when it comes to the payment, they are reluctant to pay the amount we ask and think that our job is very easy. There are these everyday problems I face as a beautician but I don’t want to give up because I want to take all efforts to make sure that my children study well. I would support my children to take up their respective career choices. I like rural life when compared to the busy lifestyle in the city and this is why I don’t feel comfortable. However, our city is full of heritage and history and should be preserved well, but it has been compromised at the cost of development.