Did you ever feel panicky about your career choice

[Catlick]

I'm a student, a wife and a mother of two. I truly believe that I was made for this. I love it and I have so many ideas for the future about what type of MT I want to be. Most of the time I am truly excited and thrilled about my future!

But occasionally I read things that scare me to death! I recently read that Massage Envy is moving in to my area. At least several of them!! I know the pay is very low. I fear that every other establishment will be lowering their pay for MT's too because of this if they find out they can get away with it. I did not go into this for the money but I do have to put food on the table. Just my going to school has been a huge scarifice for my family.

I would love to have my own practice someday. Another thing I am excited about is that a hospital near me seems to have an oncology massage team. I'd love to do that! An experienced MT in my area has her own practice and has made a couple comments to me about coming to work with her when I am done with school. That sounds like a great way to get started. I would be crushed if I had to end up working for a chain.

But maybe I'm just worrying about nothing but I would hate for massage therapy to change for the worst in my area befoere I even get a chance to get out there working.

Sigh...... Maybe just a few words of encouragment would help!?

 

[chzbrgr]

I am sure you will do great! Don't worry about the ME's of the world. Just focus on getting yourself, good, honest, regular, clients.

I worried when took the leap to becoming self-employed (not an IC, but completely on my own), it was scary, but I did it and now I couldn't be happier. I am a new Mom and I am so thankful that I can work limited hours and still hang out with my son.

I for one feel that there are enough "bodies" in the world to keep us all very busy. I don't tend to get caught up in what other therapists are charging or doing in my area. Yes, I want to keep my prices competitive, but I also know that my work speaks volumes and I trust that will keep me going with work.

The confidence and experience will come. Give it your all and you will receive a lot in return. Failure isn't an option, right!?

 

[bob-chan]

dont look back

Making career changes is not easy but you have already completed the hardest step which is making the decision of change. People always fear the unknown and would choose safety over risk.

Massage Envy is not all that I live in Boca Raton Fl and we have a few and its basically a revolving door. I actually applied to see how their system works but its terrible the owners have no idea about modalities, to them is just a money generator and the MT get paid squat.

I know for a fact that "your work" will speak for it self.


Is like comparing Dennys to Ruths Chris Steak House.
Getting started is not easy but IT CAN be done many have and are successful.

You only get out of it what you put in it. You have to apply research into your brochures, e.g 90% of my clients have improved ROM, SLEEPING Disorders, etc you name it.

You must BRAG about what your hands can do, you have to have confidence, remember when you touch someone you automatically reflect how you feel, people can sense that.

I started an I.T. company with $500 8 years later I closed shop because I no longer wanted to deal with peoples computer problems. Now I'm in School to become a LMT and I will apply all the previous experiences.

Its easy to say Im Self Employed but those who are know the ups and downs but thats what keeps you movin and sharp.

My advice keep your head up, one track mind and remember your too far in the game now to start acting scared.

always visualize your goals

Good luck

 

[Sunil]

Did you ever feel panicky about your career choice

I'm a student, a wife and a mother of two. I truly believe that I was made for this. I love it and I have so many ideas for the future about what type of MT I want to be. Most of the time I am truly excited and thrilled about my future!

But occasionally I read things that scare me to death! I recently read that Massage Envy is moving in to my area. At least several of them!! I know the pay is very low. I fear that every other establishment will be lowering their pay for MT's too because of this if they find out they can get away with it. I did not go into this for the money but I do have to put food on the table. Just my going to school has been a huge scarifice for my family.

I would love to have my own practice someday. Another thing I am excited about is that a hospital near me seems to have an oncology massage team. I'd love to do that! An experienced MT in my area has her own practice and has made a couple comments to me about coming to work with her when I am done with school. That sounds like a great way to get started. I would be crushed if I had to end up working for a chain.

But maybe I'm just worrying about nothing but I would hate for massage therapy to change for the worst in my area befoere I even get a chance to get out there working.

Sigh...... Maybe just a few words of encouragment would help!?

I went out on my own fresh out of school and am doing great. I rent a room at a very reasonable rate at a Tanning/Fitness/Beauty Salon. There is a very experienced, long established business within 30 miles of me and they charge $35 for an hour massage. I am charging $60 for mine and am doing fine. It's all about 'you' and what you know you can 'give' to your clients. They will always be willing to pay more for a good therapist who they feel totally safe with.

Also, just before my grand opening my husband was very negative as another therapist had just opened 2 months prior and he was worried our town was too small for two or three therapists. I was determined. I went door to door from business to business in town passing out flyers for my grand opening and then again at Christmas for Gift Certificates. The response from that was tremendous. Hang in there... If you want it, go get it...the doors will open.