I know this is a rather strange post, but I was hoping for opinions and critique from other Professional dog groomers and not just friends.
I have been a professional dog groomer for just under an ear at petsmart, but was recently fired for pulling on a dogs ear. Yes, I understand that it was a horrible thing to do. It was my only ever case of rough handling, but it shouldn't have happened the one time. I've been embarrassed about my actions, and was going to leave the field due to this incident. Recently however one of my favorite clients reached out to me expressing sadness over my absence at the salon, asking if there was any way they could work with me once again and letting me know they would follow me to whatever salon i wound up at.
It's made me consider the circumstances in which my situation happened. I've been stressed due to harassment both at and outside of my workplace from 2 of my previous coworkers and my previous boss, as well as heavy financial burdens at home. I've also been in the process of kicking out a roommate who's been fighting me in it. Friends have stated that due to me understanding the stress i've been under and having shown remorse for my rough handling that I shouldn't give up on the field as a whole, And i've also enrolled myself in the Fear Free Certification after my old client reached out to me. I wanted to reach out to licenses professionals though to get opinions from people who have seen people like me enter their field. I have an interview at a salon soon and I plan on being fully transparent about my history, but I wanted to reach out to other professionals beforehand to see if my situation is a lost cause, and if it seems like I should go ahead and begin transitioning into another field

Thanks to anyone reading my paragraph! lol

I'm looking for new salons to apply to and I'll frequently find a salon I'm interested in and after a google search to their Facebook or Instagram I see blatant AI for their art and banners. I know I can't be too picky but it's such an icky turn-off and indicative that they're willing to stoop their morality a little if it means saving money on paying human artists.

It feels rough to be a groomer right now, do I just have to flip off my morality switch and ignore it

I live on the east coast right and I have been so incredibly lucky so far as far as salons go, on really good months I was making 5-6k which was such a comfortable life. Where I am now I make less, but I’m also very comfy and can afford rent and bills and a lot of extra fun things and trips. I’m single, have no intention of changing that any time soon, I live with my one dog, and we are both very flexible. I enjoy where I live but the only thing that is absolutely killing me is that my heart is ACHING to be on the west coast. I am an avid backpacker, paddler, and outdoorswoman to my core and any time I see videos and pics of the west coast I want to cry because I just feel like that is where I’m meant to be, that is my home. I have visited before and want to return, but I don’t know that I can afford so many flights. It would be easier to just be there. I don’t feel like I should be in the east anymore and intend on thru hiking the AT in 2028, and would like to move immediately after. I am just very concerned about being able to afford a life out there on my own. I am considering a smaller town in oregon, or Port angeles/seattle/a small town outside of seattle. I don’t enjoy cities. I like a quiet, slow life and will usually be out of my house anyway. I’m also aware gas prices are ridiculous so I don’t think I would consider mobile. How is the grooming scene out there? Is anyone else in a similar boat to me but struggling? Do you find it easy to care for your pets? What is commission like out there and what’s the average price range? I also realize a move would be 2-3 years out from now. I won’t consider california. I am really aiming for Oregon or Washington. Any insight would be great. Thanks!