"The Barber Who Refused to Wake Up (Literally)"

The Barber Who Refused to Wake Up

"The Barber Who Refused to Wake Up (Literally)"

It’s been eight years since we started Rogue & Beyond. In that time, we’ve worked with many different individuals—each with their own strengths, quirks, and personalities. But if you ask me, the hardest part of running a business isn't the competition, the rent, or even the economy. It’s managing people.

The reality is: not everyone understands what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Some come in thinking they can bend the system, challenge structure, and twist policies to suit their moods. But here’s the truth—they should be adapting to the system, not fighting it. That’s how any healthy business survives.

There’s a toxic mindset I’ve seen far too often, especially in this part of the world: the belief that the company needs them more than they need the company. That they’re irreplaceable. Let me make it clear, no one is irreplaceable. Talent might get you in the door, but discipline, respect, and consistency are what keep you in the room.

We’ve seen shops crumble because they had no structure—places that ran more like playgrounds than businesses. No rules. No standards. Just ego. And eventually, the entire culture collapses.

We recently let go of someone who embodied that mindset. From the moment he joined, he was consistently late, not once or twice, but more than 15 times a month, every month, for two straight years. We gave verbal warnings, had multiple sit-downs, and even adjusted his commission and leave requests to try and support him. He promised change. It never came.

We bent. We gave second chances. We made exceptions. And still, no effort, no accountability. Just entitlement.

What in the right mind of someone who knows he’s in the wrong, but still tries to point the finger at the company? Instead of waking up earlier, taking responsibility, and owning his actions, he went to make a complaint. That’s not just wild, it’s delusional.

It’s crazy when you think about it. The company has been very, very lenient, we gave him space to grow, provided him with a platform, gave him clients to build a name. But none of that mattered. His ego couldn’t accept correction. His pride blocked progress.

Sometimes the company is too kind and too lenient, and that kindness gets taken for granted. The employee starts to think they can step over the boss. They always claim they work hard, but most of the time, it’s just the bare minimum, nothing beyond their basic job scope. They want the rewards, but not the responsibility. The truth is simple: you work hard for your own future, not just for the company. And if you stay consistent, the company will recognise it, reward you, and build with you. But doing something once or twice doesn’t count. It’s about showing up every day, bringing effort and attitude consistently, not occasionally.

This kind of staff will never grow. Why? Because of ego. Because he thinks he’s always right. Because he’s selfish. Ungrateful. He doesn’t realise, it’s his own decision to be late every single day. No one forced him. No one sabotaged him. You can wake up just 15 minutes earlier and solve the problem. But instead, every day, he chose not to. Always blaming someone. Always pointing fingers. Never looking in the mirror.

And that’s exactly why he’ll stay stuck. That’s why he’ll never grow. Because until you can take ownership of your actions, you’ll stay exactly where you are, bitter, defensive, and stunted.

At Rogue & Beyond, we won’t compromise our standards to feed someone’s ego. We’re here to build a team—not babysit superstars who only show up when it suits them.

This is a craft. This is a culture. And this is a company that stands on discipline, respect, and integrity.

You can be good at cutting hair. But if your attitude stinks, you’ve already failed.

— Rogue & Beyond

This is The Journal & Beyond. Not just cuts. Real thoughts.