At 63, Phil Yates has achieved what many can only dream of: finding a new lease on life in an industry unrelated to his decades-long career in software marketing. The remarkable story of this former marketing executive-turned-barber is a testament to the changing face of work and the quest for meaning and purpose in our latter years.
Yates' decision to pursue barbering at 60 was not taken lightly. He had no prior experience cutting hair, but with the support of his family – particularly his father, who encouraged him to take the leap – he enrolled in a full-time Level 4 barbering certification course. This was no easy feat, especially given that he found himself among much younger students.
Upon completing his training, Yates secured a trial position at Hava & Co, a high-end barbershop in Auckland, and has since become an integral part of the team. He describes his current profession as bringing him immense inner happiness, which he attributes to the instant gratification he receives from finishing each client's 'project' multiple times a day.
As 'the rocking barber', Yates is known for his distinctive pompadour hairstyle and passion for rockabilly music. In addition to cutting hair, he curates playlists for his clients and hosts an internet radio show called 'Grits and Grease'. His love of the 1950s era is reflected in his ownership of a vintage jukebox.