Can You Work While Attending Beauty or Barbering School in San Diego?

A Realistic Guide for Students in San Diego

Yes, you can work while attending beauty or barbering school, and many students in San Diego do. Day and evening program options can help make it possible for students to manage work, school, and personal responsibilities while preparing for a professional license.

One of the most common concerns prospective students have is whether managing a job and school will feel overwhelming. In reality, many students have shown they are able to successfully handle both commitments.  Attending evening programs allows them to work during the day.

At Paul Mitchell The School San Diego, many Future Professionals in cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering work part-time, support families, or transition careers while completing their training. Many Future Professionals find that with the right schedule and support, they can manage both with and school successfully.

*Individual experiences vary based on schedule, workload, and personal circumstances.

If you are considering beauty or barbering school but wondering how practical it is to have a job, here is what you might discover.

How Do Beauty and Barbering School Schedules Work in California?

Programs in cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering in California are designed to help students complete the hours required for state licensing while building real-world skills. Training is structured, but many students choose day or evening schedules that allow them to continue working while attending school.

When researching schools, one factor students consider is whether schedule options fit their lifestyle, financial goals, and timeline. The ability to choose a day or evening program often determines whether training feels manageable alongside other responsibilities.

At Paul Mitchell The School San Diego, students in cosmetology, esthetics, and barbering can choose between schedules designed to support different routines and commitments.

What Schedule Options Are Available at Paul Mitchell The School San Diego?

Students can attend either a full-time day program or a part-time evening program, depending on their goals and availability.

Day Full-Time Schedule
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Approximately 35 hours per week
Many students choose this option to treat school like a full-time job and complete their program as efficiently as possible.

Evening Part-Time Schedule
Monday–Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Approximately 20 hours per week
Our evening part-time schedule is often chosen by students who work during the day, have family responsibilities, or are transitioning from another career.

For many students researching beauty and barbering schools in San Diego, schedule flexibility is an important factor when deciding where to enroll. Structured evening programs make it possible to continue working while training for a professional license.

*Schedules are subject to change and may vary by program start date and enrollment levels.

What Jobs Do Students Often Work While in School?

Many students choose jobs that offer flexible hours or are connected to the beauty and service industries. Some work as salon assistants, receptionists, or in retail and cosmetics, while others work in hospitality, restaurants, or front desk roles at gyms and spas.

These types of positions help students build communication skills, professionalism, and confidence. These qualities are essential when working with clients in cosmetology, esthetics, or barbering.

What Does a Realistic Weekly Schedule Look Like?

One of the biggest concerns students have shared is whether managing both work and school will feel overwhelming. The reality is that it requires planning, but many students are able to maintain routines that include both work and school responsibilities.

A typical week might include attending school during the day or evening, working part-time hours during the week or on weekends, and setting aside at least one day to rest and recharge.

Students who succeed often keep a consistent routine, communicate clearly with employers about their availability, and stay organized with assignments and kit preparation.

What Skills Can Students Build While Working and Studying?

Managing school and work can develop skills that are incredibly valuable in the beauty and barbering industry. Students can strengthen their time management, professional communication, reliability, and ability to stay organized under pressure.

These are the same skills that help stylists, estheticians, and barbers build loyal clientele and long-term careers. Many graduates say that learning to manage their time during school gave them the confidence to succeed once they entered the industry.

Why Do Many Students Choose Careers in Cosmetology, Esthetics, or Barbering?

For many people, beauty or barbering school is not just another educational program. It is a step toward a career that offers creativity, and long-term flexibility.

Licensed professionals go on to work in salons, spas, or barbershops, specialize in services such as color, skincare, grooming, or extensions, work weddings and events, build independent businesses, or grow personal brands and social media careers.

One of the biggest reasons students choose these careers is the ability to potentially create schedules that support their lifestyle over time.

*Career paths and work schedules vary widely based on employer, location, licensure, and individual business choices.

Why Does School Environment Matter?

A supportive learning environment can make a major difference when managing multiple responsibilities. Students often say that having encouraging instructors, hands-on training, and a collaborative culture helps them stay motivated and confident throughout their education.

Is It Possible to Work While Attending Beauty or Barbering School?

Yes. Many students do it every year. The key factors are choosing a schedule that fits your daily routine, setting realistic work hours, and staying consistent.

Many students discover that the discipline they build during school becomes one of their greatest strengths in their careers.

Yes—this section is a great place to sound more human and address the real concerns students actually have (money, time, stress, lifestyle). Here’s a more engaging version based on what prospective students genuinely worry about and search:

Beauty School and Working: Questions Students Ask Most

Can I work while going to beauty or barbering school?
Yes, and many students do. Some work part-time, others adjust their schedules, and many choose evening programs so they can keep working while training.

*Student schedules and outcomes vary widely based on personal circumstances, program pace, and outside commitments.

Will I have any free time, or is school overwhelming?
Training is structured and busy, but most students still make time for family, friends, and personal commitments. The key is building a routine and staying organized.

What kind of jobs work best while you’re in school?
Flexible jobs in retail, hospitality, salons, or customer service tend to work well. Positions with adjustable schedules or evening shifts make balancing school much easier.

Is evening beauty school a good option if I work during the day?
For many students, yes. Evening schedules are designed to help people continue working while progressing through their training.

How many hours do students usually work while in school?
It varies, but many students work around 15–25 hours per week. Some work more, especially once they’ve adjusted to the pace of training.

Is it hard to keep up with school if you’re working too?
It can take some adjustment at first, but students who stay organized, plan their time, and keep a consistent schedule usually find a rhythm quickly.

Do I need any experience before enrolling?
Not at all. Programs are designed for beginners, all learning styles, and teach everything step by step, from technical skills and sanitation to working with real clients.

How long does beauty or barbering school take in California?
The timeline depends on the program and the schedule you choose. Full-time students typically finish sooner, while evening students move at a pace that allows them to continue working.

*Program length is based on the scheduled hours in your enrollment agreement. Actual completion time may vary depending on individual attendance, school holidays, and any unforeseen closures.

Do most students work while they’re in school, or am I the only one worried about this?
You’re definitely not alone. Many students balance jobs, family responsibilities, or career changes while attending school.

What’s the secret to balancing it all? The students who thrive usually keep a steady routine, communicate with employers about their schedule, get enough rest, and stay focused on their long-term goals.

Thinking About Starting Beauty or Barbering School in San Diego?

The best way to understand what schedule fits your life best is to visit our campus, meet our instructors, and talk through your goals. 

Experiencing our campus in person helps many students picture their future and understand how training can fit into their daily lives.

Come Visit Us: Book A Campus Tour