Success Despite Disability

In the course of my life I was always considered an outsider by my peers, by my family, by strangers. I always received strange looks from people. I have a neurological disorder called Tourette syndrome. While most would think this to be a disability, I make this an ability. I could easily collect money from the government because my disorder is a handicap according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. I do not, though. I am from a school of thought that believes it is not good to take charity. I work very hard for what I have in life.

I bring this up because in the last couple decades I have worked hard to not only be a good barber, but to be an awesome barber. I have made mistakes throughout my life, as many people do. My parents coaxed me to go to college because I am very erudite. I was a bit of a slacker, though. I wanted to be an artist, but I did not want to be poor and live down the shore hawking my paintings of lighthouses so I could afford eating Ramen noodles and cat food. I chose to be a barber because barbering is an ephemeral art. It is constantly changing, and it is only good enough until the next haircut.

My parents and family and friends tried to persuade me not to be a barber. Looking back, I think it was because they wanted to spare me any mocking or ridicule I may have received because I have Tourette syndrome. I never cared much for what other people thought, anyway. I always marched to the beat of my own drum, so to speak. I made sure in the last couple decades to not only be "A" barber, but I strived to be "THE" barber. I faced adversity and ridicule my whole life. I became a leader in my industry. I am now an award-winning barber -- voted best of Philadelphia two years in a row now.

I learned how to please men with my expertise as a barber. I am very meticulous and very detail oriented. This is why my business does so well. I can be rude and cantankerous at times, but for the most part I am a kind gentleman. I look past the fact that I have a neurological disorder. I exude confidence. It is apparent in my work, as I mentioned in a previous paragraph. I have always been a bit of a slacker, a dreamer of sorts. Being a barber is a great job -- no, a career -- for a slacker like myself. One does not need to put out a lot of effort to do the job as a barber. One must learn and perfect the trade, but other than the long hours standing on your feet, it is a great career for a slacker.

I spend my days doing an art that is dying. I converse with people all day. I meet people I perhaps would not have the setting to interact with otherwise. I discuss things from politics to local happenings to just meaningless babble. When I am not cutting hair, I read or keep myself busy with other hobbies. I have people with hugely varied backgrounds coming into my barber shop. I have met celebrities and politicians and CEOs of corporations. I have dealt with musicians and bankers and investment brokers. We cater to a lot of corporate people. A good majority of our business is law enforcement professionals. We have more than 35 state police that patronize our shop. We cater to the very young and the very old. We are people pleasers and we strive to provide an awesome service to even the most discerning individuals. We please the very hard to please.

Being a business owner, I know that we can not please everyone. Sometimes the language is a bit vulgar and the topics are a bit on the raucous and racy side, but you must know your audience. We never use vulgarity around the ladies or children. Rest assured, though, we are a barber shop. It is a place for men to gather and tell crude jokes and act like buffoons and to discuss "man" things. The barber shop is the last civic forum for men in America. My barber shop is not like most, but more like others than many may think. I always tell people if they are easily offended, perhaps they should go to a salon. A barber shop in America is not for every man.

There is a large faction of men that do not realize the importance of a barber shop. Many men still go to women and overpay for haircuts. I hear the same stories from men who finally make their way to us; these disillusioned men think they will have a chance to take these young girls at the salon on a date. Sadly, I inform these young men that the girl in the salon is flirty because that is our nature as professionals in our industry. Most times the folks in the salon are trying to generate a healthy tip.

Most men do not know a good haircut until they receive one. There are a lot of misconceptions people have about barbers. We are professionals. We are well educated in our field. We are authorities on style because as we all know style is eternal; fashion fades away. We are not only men who cut hair, we play psychologist, relationship counselor, friend, investment broker and financial analyst. We offer rides and support to those in need. On more than one occasion I have been called upon to bail people out of jail, and was even asked to give rides from bars because men were too intoxicated to drive.

I bring all this up because I have made it my mission in life, despite my neurological disorder, to be a very good barber. People, mostly customers of mine, tell me how their friends ask how I am able to cut hair and use a straight razor with my face and neck twitching and in spasms. Almost all reply that I do it very well despite all that. I wrote this in the hope of helping someone else who may have a disability or low self esteem who might have an urge to pursue a career in life. Never let people make you feel as though you can not do any job or career because of your disability.

This barber with Tourette syndrome has become like most other people with Tourette syndrome -- a leader in my field. There are many celebrities and people the world over in the past and present who were leaders in their field of expertise despite having a neurological disorder. Grab life by the horns and give whatever you do all of your ability. Be passionate and take pride in your work, and you will be very successful in life. Find something to do in life that you would wake up for every day and do for free, and then figure out a way to make money at it.

Never let people's misconceptions or preconceived notions get in the way of your growth and success. Anyone, anywhere can do and be anything they want to be. This slacker who is writing this blog became a very successful barber and leader in his field because of hard work, determination and passion for art. Instead of relying on charity from the government, pull yourself up and make a difference in the life of someone. You can do anything. All you need is a dream and the will to power. Motivation is key to a successful life. Make your dreams reality.