Working out of your home?

[Alex G]

Is this a realistic option for a new massage therapist?

The reason I ask is because I am very seriously considering going back to school to become a MT. It's something I have been interested in for quite a while and I'm really feeling the urge to go back to school to do something I really WANT to do.

I am currently a stay at home mom to my 8 month old daughter. My husband makes enough money to cover the bills and we live comfortably. However, I would like to get a part time job (hopefully as a MT!) and contribute "fun money" for things like vacations, recreation, etc. and to get a little time away every week to get a break from being mommy 24/7, 365.

My current thoughts are that I will go to school full time which will take approximately 6 months and try to start a business out of my home. I presume I would convert a bedroom into my office and go from there. How does this work exactly? Is it legal? I would want to primarily do massages nights/weekends -- would that ever "fly"? I still want to primarily be a SAHM so this isnt' something I'm looking to do full time, kwim?

I know it would take several years and quite a commitment to start a business of my own right from the start, but it's something I'm willing to do. If I could bring in $300-500/month, that would be sufficient for me. I have no intentions of working tons and tons of hours -- just a few massages a week. I know at first I would have to charge VERY reasonable rates while I build my skills, but it's something I'm willing to do.

I want honesty! Is this something I can make work?

 

[mars28]

Working out of your home?

Laws are different for different locations. You would have to check massage laws for your city and state. Also check the zoning laws for your house to see if you would be allowed to operate a business out of it.
Your income projections seem reasonable to me, especially with no office rental overhead.

 

[Michelle L]

Working out of your home?

It's good to know that the income expectations are reasonable!

I'm in the process of buying a house now so I'll have to check in to that for sure. We will be living in the Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas area so I will have to see what types of information I can find on the laws regarding this. Should be fun to try to track that down...ha!

 

[No 1....]

Working out of your home?

Hi, November. Welcome to MassagePlanetL!

I'm close to the D/FW area myself, so "I know how Texas works" lol!

Here is a link to the official state web site with all the information you'll need:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage/default.shtm

In a nutshell: if you want to work out of your home, in addition to checking the zoning laws in your city/HOA (be aware that most HOA's will not allow this!), you will need to satisfy the State that you have an adequate place for a massage business. A home massage office must be separated from the rest f the house (where there are "sleeping quarters") by a LOCKED door, have its own entrance, and have its own bathroom. In other words, it must be able to be completely separated from the rest of the house (where people live and sleep). An in-law suite would be great.

I have kids, and personally, would not be comfortable bringing clients to my home. Others here don't/wouldn't mind.

Are there any other questions you have? There are plenty of good massage schools in this area!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Working out of your home?

Renee, I have LOTS of questions! Would you rather I pick your brain here on the forum or would you prefer to swap email addresses? I have many questions to ask and I am so excited to "find" someone in the DFW area! Sometimes tracking down reliable, first hand information is a little overwhelming!

 

[mtnhotte]

Working out of your home?

November, YGPM.