Has anyone been in my shoes?

[Garrett R]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post here on bodyworksonline.com. I have just signed up for a massage therapist course. I am currently a school teacher but have looked for a year now to make a career change. With this change has come some anxiety. Questions like am I going to like this, can I make at least what I can as a a teacher. I guess what I want to know is if there is anyone else out there like me and what has been your experience in this career choice. Help, am I doing the right thing?

 

[Iamkindacool]

Welcome to MassagePlanetL tallady! I know you will enjoy our site.

As to your question regarding a career change, I can fully appreciate how you feel. When I went into school, I wasn't sure if I was making the right choice and wondered how I would do. I'm sure a lot of other MTs here will say the same thing, it's a little scary when you are facing change! I guess my question to you is, do you like massage? Have you found yourself doing massage moves on others that you have picked up from your therapist? Can you see yourself doing massage, even if it is on the side on weekends or during your summers off? Just a few things to think about, only you know the answers! t059

 

[Mike-N-NYC]

Thanks for the reply. I've not had many massages. I have enjoyed the ones I have had. I enjoy people and helping them to feel better. I do see this as something I could do on the side but would perfer to get out of teaching in the public school system all together. My main motivation for doing this is because I want to help people.

 

[I love him <3]

tallady-

is it important for you to make the same salary you make as a teacher?

where do you wish to work as a massage therapist?

self-employed? keep in mind it will take time and money to build a business.

work for a spa?, a gym? in a medical setting? do you need medical benefits? call around, find out what the pay is...

better yet---interview some working massage therapists in your town... i am sure they woudl more than happy to share their experiences w/ you.

helping people is extremely satisfying....its the business side of it that has its drawbacks...educate yourself on what those are so you can make the right decision for you.

good luck.

 

[Bride & Mommy to Be ?]

Has anyone been in my shoes?

Hi Everyone,

I guess what I want to know is if there is anyone else out there like me and what has been your experience in this career choice. Help, am I doing the right thing?

I am probably kind of in your situation. I was educated as a school teacher, but after graduating I realized that I couldn't afford to teach and put three small children in daycare, so I opened up my own daycare. I thought I would be going back to teaching and worked on and achieved my masters degree only to realize that teaching was not where I wanted to be. I want to work for myself and through my experiences have found that massage is something I want to add to my life.

I was making a very, very good income running my own daycare and decided for my sanity and happiness that I needed a change. My families income has dropped to half, and after lots of discussions with my husband we both realized that happiness and peace is way more beneficial to me than all the money I was making so we could take vacations and have fun. I have no doubt in my mind that between working as a doula, childbirth eductor, hypnotherapist, and massage therapist I will be able to get my income back up there again, but it will take time and we are all okay with that. For the first time in around six years I am calm, relaxed and my blood pressure is down and I am truly enjoying life and am not working 50-80 hours per week. My kids have a mom even though I am in school, and for me it is all worth it.

Michelle

 

[Meesy]

My main motivation for doing this is because I want to help people.

t038 Yay! That's the best reason to get into massage in the first place.

If you're unsure, just try the 'technician' course at the school you're attending, the 150-hour or whatever their first tier is. That should give you a well-rounded idea of the work involved and hopefully, the instructors should be able to give some good insight on life as a massage therapist. If you decide not to pursue massage as a career afterward, it's all good because a) you haven't spent toooo much money in the meantime and b) you'll still have the training under your belt to give an awesome massage whenever you want!

 

[Cat Litter Man]

I would definately recommend doing Massage full time even though I havent done it yet. :

I believe massage is just like the peace corps "Its the toughest job you'll ever love"

Nothing can compare to the feeling in helping someone with their suffering or pain. Or just making them feel bettor. What a rush. Of course you have the business side of it, but if it's your calling you'll do ok.

Jason