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You forgot "Pervy customers who think massage therapy is the same as sketchy massage "parlors" where the services are more akin to prostitution" (even if that has legitimate therapeutic massage has nothing to do with that and professional therapists are going to be upfront that they're professional services are nothing like that).
I have decided to be "More Professional" in my comments...
My BIL was one, and joined the ranks of people who eventually developed compunction about putting his hands on strangers. If you don't mind this, then it seems like you might be able to fit yourself for a different, if interrelated, proposition in the healing arts, such as PT, which others have mentioned. This will increase your longevity and earning potential.
Probably depends on the location. Massage therapists are a dime a dozen where I live in Arizona, land o' alternative healthcare. There are some excellent spa facilities in the Tucson area but their therapists are very experienced. The people with less talent or experience are competing with Asians who work for next-to-nothing at the lower-priced storefronts.
Might be quite different in places not close to any massage schools that a churning out people who think they can make a living at this. People who want to do this (or almost anything else) freelance often underestimate how hard it is to get steady customers ... and run your own business, everything from advertising to fixing your own computer to billing and doing taxes. Hours and hours of work per month, for which you aren't getting paid a penny.
Massage therapists rarely make a decent living even in the good times.
When times get tough, it's even tougher on massage therapists. Let me see, shall I buy groceries this week or have an $85 massage? Hmmm?
If you want to work with people's bodies and help them get well, Physical Therapy (and assistant), and Occupational Therapy (and assistant) are more financially stable options. Insurance provides a more reliable flow of income.
A niece used to make a darn decent living doing pedicures and manicures. Now it's a hobby as she has been priced out by the competition.
She now grooms dogs. Says it's a better paying gig.
Massage therapists rarely make a decent living even in the good times.
When times get tough, it's even tougher on massage therapists. Let me see, shall I buy groceries this week or have an $85 massage? Hmmm?
If you want to work with people's bodies and help them get well, Physical Therapy (and assistant), and Occupational Therapy (and assistant) are more financially stable options. Insurance provides a more reliable flow of income.
A niece used to make a darn decent living doing pedicures and manicures. Now it's a hobby as she has been priced out by the competition.
She now grooms dogs. Says it's a better paying gig.
Becoming a massage therapist is something that crossed my mind a while ago as I was looking for something different. But based on the potential negatives, not something I wanted to do anymore. Plus I like working for others such as established companies and businesses, rather than trying to strike it on my own. That is my comfort zone, and I never had that drive and personality to try to make it on my own like that.
I think a Physical/Occupational Therapy is a good option, not exactly a massage therapist but something related and will be in demand in the future. I was also considering that but I couldn't afford not working for a few years in order to attend a proper school (which can be competitive to get into).
The Physical Therapist suggestion is a good one, but I found out that that's an MA level profession. You can get a massage license in one year or less, but it takes 4 years and more to get a PT qualification. So it depends on whether you can finance that or not. But physical therapy seems to be a growing field, and probably will continue to be, with more people aging into the so-called Golden Years.
The Physical Therapist suggestion is a good one, but I found out that that's an MA level profession. You can get a massage license in one year or less, but it takes 4 years and more to get a PT qualification. So it depends on whether you can finance that or not. But physical therapy seems to be a growing field, and probably will continue to be, with more people aging into the so-called Golden Years.
A physical therapy assistant is a 2 yr program- you get a license (if you pass the exam). A PT facility can use many,many assistants.
I'm just a [former] customer, and I only "know" what I've been told, but I believe that it is a rather physically demanding occupation. I have gone to several massage therapists, both referred by chiropractor and completely independent. Some have been educational, some have performed what seemed to be miracles. In a small community, I have chattered during therapy with those who knew most of the other massage therapists in the area, and the info for my initial statement emerged.
God bless all of you, some do great work, but it seems difficult. It is probably easier for men than for women, but it is probably hard on all.
Best wishes.
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