Massage Therapy or Esthetician school?

[Tiia]

Hi all,

I am so glad to have found this site and am really enjoying reading all the posts. I am a 40 yr old housewife and mother who is finally in the position to go back to school. YAY!
Im trying to decide between massage therapy or esthetician school. For all of you guys out there that have exp. or first hand knowledge of these fields can you give my your opinion of what you think would be a good fit for me? I have gotten facials and massages in the past but dont know too much regarding the professional culture or realistic pay rates . I am wondering, because of my age do you think I would stick out like a sore thumb in esthetician school? (I read on another forum that if you arent young and flawless, then forget about trying to get a job as a esthetician) Esthetics appeals to me because I love skin care and the job doesnt seem to be as physically demanding as MT. I am in good shape but realize that massage is very physical work so if I went that route I would probably limit myself to 3 aday. I am a very empathetic person and people seem to open up to me very easily.

I do love learning about the human body and biology. My original plan was to go to nursing school but the one in my area has a 4 yr wait list and at my age, I just cant wait that long. I am on the shy side and I dont like a chaotic environment as I tend to get anxiety if in that environment for too long so I thought massage might be a better fit for me? Just being in a loud frantic salon when I get my hair done makes me a little anxious. lol

I would truly appreciate your opinions,
Thank you
Stacey

 

[lourrainne]

Massage Therapy or Esthetician school?

I don't think you should worry about your age when going back to school. My husband went to massage therapy school at 44 and now has the opportunity to get a bachelor's, something he's hoped for his whole life, at age 48.

Do you have expendible income to do this? Meaning, are you going to be using this job for the purposes of being the bread-winner in the household or is it more for "fun"?

If you don't have to make a paycheck and have time to put into building your business, you could consider doing the esthetics and just opening your own place. I know of a few people who don't work in a salon, but have their own independent businesses.

You said it yourself, you love skin care. You didn't say that about massage. If you have the opportunity to go with your heart... follow it. If you don't, you can consider working in the swedish realm of massage work, or use reiki or other lighter modalities.

Good luck. Let us know what happens.

 

[Wet Pants]

Massage Therapy or Esthetician school?

I do both, and I love it! People want a good service (skin or massage). As long as you are clean and take care of yourself, your skin, and can make educated suggestions for their skin, they will love you. If you have the patience and skills required to build a clientele your employer will love you.

 

[EddieJ]

Massage Therapy or Esthetician school?

I think age should never be a barrier. You should probably go for both because they are almost related if you work in a spa/salon you can offer both esthetician and massage therapist services which will help you gain more clients.

 

[Ole Saint Nick]

Massage Therapy or Esthetician school?

I have a student at the school I work for who got licensed to be a nail tech just before starting massage school and plans on doing an esthetician program when she's done here. Even though she's still a little over a month from graduation, from what I understand she already has a lot of job prospects because she'll be able to be so versatile in any full-service salon or spa. Another good thing about having a dual-license is that you can do one then work in that field while you are schooling for the other.
FYI this is just my observation, my personal preference is geared more toward sports/rehabilitative massage so I'm not particularly interested in esthetics.

I'm 25, so I know my opinion isn't much here.

X, sometimes the only indicator of age here is when you give it out. I think your opinion is a great one :altwink: