When we say things like, “these things are to be expected from the industry,” we’re making excuses for inexcusable practices. Exploitation of any kind should not “be expected” anywhere. That said, based on how you spelled “labor” (With a “u”), I’m guessing you’re outside the US, where treatment of educators and workers in general tends to be better. So, I wouldn’t say that things have changed (since laws outside the US and the treatment of industry workers, especially by corporate employers, has always been better than it has here), I would say that your experience likely isn’t comparable to what US educators are accustomed to.

Wow that was eye opening .thank you

That’s entirely true. In speaking with UK technicians in particular (where the laws regarding worker classification and labor exploitation are extremely strict in comparison to those in the US), I’ve noticed their situation is far better than what US techs are likely to experience.

I am paid directly by the student for my classes.
We set our own classes as often as we want to run them, but ssq take all bookings, do all admin and produce certificates.
I have the right to cancel a class if there isn’t enough students booked on.
We each have our own areas, and most of us have own own academies and students come to us.
The education is written and constantly updated by the education team.
In the uk we can teach beginners, and we have the pleasure of taking them through to masters level so the education and mentoring side is really valued by our distributor.

I must admit, the thought of being an independent educator has crossed my mind, but I am known for being out spoken, and if I feel that something needs to be said, I will say it.
My salon is my main focus right now, i want it to be my legacy, but educating and mentoring comes naturally to me, I feel blessed to be in the position of being part of a passionate team that supports me as an educator and puts me in a position of advanced knowledge.
And after reading your post and lots of the comments, I realise that outside of the uk in particular, things are very different

It looks like I am the rare one here. I had an exceptional experience as a brand ambassador.

In the late 90’s, I was introduced to G M Collin. In 2000, I joined a team of amazing industry professionals, that allowed me to not only grow as an educator but also enjoy travel, attend celebrity functions as well as develope relationships that are still going strong, 19 yrs later !

This company took me under their wing, gave me all the tools for success and paid me very well to have a great time introducing their products to other professionals.

I stayed with them for over 10 yrs and still have the utmost respect for the company and those people I know still working there.

Not all brand ambassadors will have this chance but it is possible

Schwarzkopf is an awesome brand (my preferred lightener, actually), so it’s nice to hear they do it right. 🙂

Aside from this article, Jaime and I wrote one here that you might find helpful.