The Great Un-Grooming
I’m a groomer trying to move back into office work (sales/admin background), but after 50+ job apps, I’m wondering if “dog groomer” is turning employers off. Anyone made the switch back to corporate? Would love any tips.
Dear Pivot Queen,
Oh honey, welcome back to the land of itchy jumpers, passive-aggressive fridge notes and fluorescent lighting. Sounds like you’re swapping dog hair for HR memos. Let Auntie Barb fluff up that resume and your spirits, because grooming gave you more than just clipper calluses.
You’ve handled clients with teeth, schedules with no wiggle room, and humans more high-maintenance than their dogs. That’s logistics, resilience and customer service all rolled into one freshly shampooed, slightly damp package.
Now, here’s the rub. Corporate types don’t always get grooming. They see “dog groomer” and think TikTok videos and squeaky toys, not small business know-how and crisis control. So your job? Translate it. Drop the grooming jargon and go full LinkedIn:
Managed a high-volume appointment schedule under pressure
Delivered consistent client satisfaction with over 80 percent return rate
Ran the daily ops of a busy service-based business
And don’t you dare leave grooming off your CV. Reframe it. It’s your entrepreneurial era. Your hands-on customer service bootcamp. Your lesson in managing chaos with grace and a lint roller.
Feeling weird about “going back” is perfectly normal. You’re not failing, darling. You’re pivoting. And anyone who thinks groomers can’t handle pressure has clearly never been left alone with a matted oodle and a 2-hour window.
Now go land that job. And take a cushion for your desk chair. Your backside will thank you.
Barb-bye!
