Actually, estheticians are a up and coming profession. You can work in plastic surgeons offices, spas, hair salons, resorts, and even some "dental" spas are offering teeth whitening and facials. So poo on your family, kidding. It will be hard at first but if you continue to get additional training and some companies have on the job training, insurance, ect. you cannot go wrong. WHat other career, not job, career can you achieve the freedom to travel, make your own schedule, have the unlimited earning potential, it all comes down to you and what you put into this field is what you get in return. The beauty industry, massage, ect are the ONLY field with a license to touch besides Dr's and nurses. You have so much potential it is not even funny in this field. But you must love people, and have a great work ethic, patience, preserverence, and with you question it sounds like you have the potential. So I say don't worry about others. I put traditional college on hold for a year when I was outta high school to do this to cntinue to pay for my education in Marketing. I have been doin this for 10 years and have never had the need to finish my degree. I have owned my own salon, been in management for other companies, worked on commision, traveled, learned, right now I am going with the company I owned to teach classes at local beauty schools about the imortance of retail, how to classes, I am and have done things in the field I NEVER thought possible. So google the income for esthitiacians for youre family and go for it already!!!

Thanks for all the advice and "pep" talk. I know peoples' attitudes will change when the dough starts comin' in. I have no doubt this is a growing field and a great time to make the transition. But you know how people are, especially men, and older ones at tht. They are just comfortable with the predictable. Yawn. I also like the freedom it can offer.
Thanks again and I may post some more questions later.