Cutting a career path
HAIRDRESSER and beautician Geraldine Moodley stumbled upon her business by chance.
When she matriculated in 2011, her plan was to work and study law part-time. She found a job at a salon in Reservoir Hills and worked as an assistant.
“I started doing simple things like sweeping the cut hair off the floor, cleaning the salon, washing hair and preparing customers for their treatments. I loved what I did and used to watch tutorials on YouTube on how to cut hair, do nails and other beauty treatments.”
Her employer, she said, presented her with an opportunity to do a course in hair and beauty, provided she repay the tuition money.
“I was overwhelmed at this offer and grabbed it with both hands. I did well in the course and later became a hairdresser and beautician,” said the 24-year-old.
In December 2015, Moodley decided to start her own salon, Gerry’s Xquisite, from her home in Reservoir Hills.
“I was nervous and scared to open a business but I believed in my abilities and took that leap of faith. I saved to buy equipment and by January (2016), I opened the salon and had an influx of clients.”
For Moodley, this was the best thing she had ever done.
“Since opening, I bought my own car and am studying human resource management through Damelin College. I also support my family and am preparing for my wedding in December.”
She advises matriculants who are now deciding on what career paths to follow to consider opening their own businesses, if they believe in their skills and talent. HOME based businesses are a growing trend as more families are being hit hard financially due to South Africa’s erratic economy.
With the soaring costs of food, electricity, fuel and running a home on just one income becoming increasingly challenging, for many finding a job has become like locating a needle in a haystack.
According to Statistics South Africa, the third quarter of 2017 showed a decline of 31 000 jobs.
With the new batch of matriculants entering the job market, these numbers are set to soar.
Financial adviser Sanjith Hanumann said many people have taken up home based businesses, including making and selling food and dressmaking, to supplement their income.
“It is not only unemployed people who are doing these businesses but it is also people, who have normal jobs and who run these businesses after hours to supplement their income.
“Yearly, employees receive between 3 to 6% increases in their salaries and this is not enough when you compare the increasing fuel prices and electricity tariffs.”
Hanumann said home based businesses have created their own niche market, providing for the middle and upper class, who don’t have the time to make their own food or do their own alterations.
“Matriculants need to research the job market before entering it and they need to weigh their options, given the erratic economic situation. Starting a business, provided they have the skill and know how, is also a good option to explore.”
The executive director of the Free Market Foundation, Leon Louw, said the country’s unemployment rate was so catastrophic that a state of emergency should be declared.
“Most unemployed people receive no welfare in SA. Global unemployment averages 6% and SA averages nearly 40%. That’s more than 9 million people with families.
“At that level, SA is rated among the world’s worst reprobates, which usually are war zones and countries with demented despots.”
Louw said unemployment in the worst province, Northern Cape, was 44%.
“Most youths aged 20 to 24 are unemployed. Young women endure 55% unemployment. Most unemployed youths have never had a job. Without a state of emergency, they may never be employed.”