How do you know if your meant to do massage therapy?

[spanky]

Do you just do the school and find out? Is it a good career or will it just barely get me by? I keep hearing mixed things from people... How does anyone ever really know what they are supposed to do with their lives?

 

[Sabeena]

Good questions. I wish someone had answers! I don't think there's one thing we're "supposed" to do. We just have to try out the things that interest us and see where it takes us.

Most people have several careers in a lifetime. I went through a year of medical school but didn't agree with the focus on drugs. So I finished a degree in computer science and worked as a programmer. I was laid off during the technology bust and heard the healing professions calling me again, so I chose massage. At the time I was also trying out new age spirituality. I quit after 5 years because my experiences and beliefs changed so much that I don't believe in new age spirituality or massage any more. Now I do programming projects for small businesses and I'm enjoying life once again.

I have a business background and made good money in massage, but most people don't. People who don't want to start their own businesses make around $20,000 a year. About 95% of all massage practitioners burn out or become injured in 3 years and quit. Statistically it's not a good or safe bet.

 

[JobHunting2010.org]

I guess you'd have to think about the task. If you like working with people, can make them feel comfortable in converation, and don't mind the physical contact with acquaintances, then it might be a good field.