Pros
I actually really love working for this company. I've working in multiple locations in several states, and what I've learned that can make or break the job is management. I've been part of salons where the management (salon included) has been terrible, -!: I've worked in salons where management was (is) amazing. My advice: if you're good (and passionate) at what you do, but you don't like your environment, change stores and transfer. It varies greatly. The day-to-day stressors are the same (dealing with picky clients or those who don't know what they want), but it makes ALL the difference to work with a team who supports you. Honestly, being "corporate" isn't that bad...your expectations are laid out for you, and they aren't unmanageable. In private salons, you work longer hours, for less commission, zero PTO, and god forbid you injure a dog on your watch (or even if the pet parent claims you did)--those medical bills come out of your pay. No thanks. I love my PTO, I love my clients, I really love my managers. Finding a good fit at PetSmart is a lot easier than finding a good fit elsewhere, so long as you are both an animal person and a people person.
Cons
The clients tend to look down on you because you work for a corporation. Can't tell you how many times I've been asked, "So what do you REALLY want to do?" Me: "Excuse me, the most important thing I learned in college, earning a double-major on the Dean's List was do something you love...do you want nail grinding or teeth brushing today?"
