The Morte Girls are often asked by young people (and some not so young) about how to forge a career in funeral service and what it’s like. We explain that the hours are long, that most of us work nights, weekends, and holidays, and that the pay is generally little more than adequate. Additionally, the workday can often be stressful, with the unpredictability and the ever-present sense of urgency. On some days, being a funeral director is a thankless job, while on others, it is gratifying. And in the spirit of full disclosure, we also tell them something many others do not: opportunities are few and far between.
In the context of New York City, where we are based, the funeral service industry is undergoing significant changes. Funeral homes are either closing down or being acquired and consolidated by large corporations. The value of the property often surpasses that of the business. Some neighborhoods are left with only one or two funeral homes, while others have none. This shift in the industry landscape does not bode well for aspiring funeral service professionals. When we completed our training at American Academy — McAllister Institute, we had a long list of funeral homes to approach for apprenticeships. Today, that list would be considerably shorter.
Another potential hurdle in the job market is the proposed change in New York State’s licensing regulations. The state is considering allowing non-licensed individuals to handle removals. We, as experienced professionals, view this as a significant mistake. Allowing unlicensed individuals to perform tasks that require a license undermines the professionalism of our industry. Moreover, it further diminishes the already limited job opportunities in the field.
So, before paying the steep tuition required by today’s mortuary schools (we’ve heard our former school charges approximately $40,000), do your homework. Go to your local (and not so local) funeral homes and ask about the job market. Funeral directors will tell you what the schools may not.
We’d like to see the dedicated, hardworking next generation achieve their career goals. We hope they will do that with open eyes and complete knowledge of what they’re up against.
You can read more about the American Academy-McAllister Institute in the link below.
The Morte Girls 