find job as a massage therapist (Albuquerque, Santa Fe: environment, luxury, hotel)

[namastee]

I am a single mother of three (10,13,15), working in a fitness center as a massage therapist and personal trainer. NM is calling me! Never been there, never been out west, as a matter of fact I am from Germany, living in the States for 16 years now. I am flexible as far as ABQ or any other town in NM, only Santa Fe seems a little pricy........I am looking for a spa environment or established clinic to work in, I can do up to 20 massages a week, several modalities.
What I want the most is a healthy, down-to-earth, clean, simple, creative place for me and the kids to live and work in. Any ideas?

[ziaAirmac]

First off, I wouldn't just count out Santa Fe. Go to where the balance of work, home and environment supports you and don't just go by the 'lowlights' or shockers about the area. I'm not saying it should be your top choice, just don't count it out. There are some very expensive properties there. The retirees and Arts crowd have brought in outside money and pushed the values up so high, that the reported averages and top home values are untouchable. That doesn't mean everyone else has moved out. There are options. Where are all the people working retail/tourism/service living? They're not all commuting from Albuquerque, I can tell you that. Most of the pumped up properties are right around downtown, and in the surrounding foothills. Consider: those same folks that are pushing up the downtown home prices are the ones that, along with some of the tourists, have the time and disposable income to spend on things like...spas and massages.

Ten Thousand Waves - Luxury Mountain Spa Resort - Home

Salon-Spa-Santa Fe-New Mexico Private Hot Tub-Spas | Sunrise Springs

New Mexico Spas and Spa Resorts: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, Ojo Caliente, More

I noticed you've worked at a fitness center. Albuquerque would add the possibility of working for or at one of the many fitness centers. Use the forum search function to look for 'gym' links. There are a couple of active threads on this topic.

Finally, for the most part, I think of Albuquerque as more 'down to earth' than Santa Fe. No empirical data, just a feel you get from all the high end art and jewelry shops that fill and surround Santa Fe's downtown and Canyon Road. Not saying Albuquerque doesn't have that, but as a whole it's more spread out and very unpretentious.

[abqsunport]

In addition to the great advice ZiaAirmac gave, you may definetly consider one of the Resort's spas. Sandia Casino and Resort (Sandia Resort & Casino. Hotel & Entertainment - Albuquerque, NM), the Hyatt Tamaya (www.tamaya.hyatt.com) Isletta, etc. all come to mind. There is a decent amount of Spa places around that you might consider. Perhaps AVEDA?

[namastee]

thanks so much ziaAirmac! Will take that to heart. I will probably take a trip next week and FEEL it all out!