almost done now I'm nervous!

[Dave J]

Hi everybody, My last class is over in a week and then I go to clinics at the school and then into internship. I guess I'm freaking out because it is all such a big change. I've learned a lot and I feel capable of working well in the bodywork field but I'm worried about getting started. I'm extremely strapped. I thought I would be ok but I've barely been able to make tuition and carpayment etc. Vitals! I was led to believe that I would recieve a lot more financial aid than I did. Now I am facing student loan repayment since I'm about to graduate. On top of the credit cards I maxed out trying to get through school. I have been working this whole time and I'm glad to be finally getting out of class to have the time to work and make enough money but now I'm faced with getting a job where I will make enough money and have enough clientel. I would like to work for a chiro to start or something. I would love to have my own practice and I have about 20 clients now but I'm afraid I won't be able to keep my table occupied or stay in massage without taking a break to pay off my debts by waiting tables full time. I'm a little confused. I know my school works on job placement etc. but thats not neccesarily a gauruntee(sp?) Then there is the national exam. I know everything will be fine but I still can't help freaking out. Any advice is extemely welcome, I think I mostly needed to vent and I'd like to hear from someone who has the experience to tell me I'll make it and be alright. Thank You!!!

 

[Sharon]

work massage during the day and wait at night part-time to pay the cc bills.
meanwhile enjoy the next step and stop worrying

 

[Pompal 09.]

I am still in school but I bet what you are feeling is absolutly normal. Remember, its an investment in yourself. Do what you need to do to make ends meet but try not to worry about it so much. Waiting tables is good money and I fell back on it alot in my 20s. Don't know what your age or living arrangment is but maybe you could get a roommate for awhile too. Have faith in yourself and sorry I only have lots of life experince at this point and no actual massage experience. One thing I have learned though is the saying "this to shall pass" is true. Nothing stays the same. You will get to where you want to be if you just be strong and work thru it. Hang tough and best wishes to you.

 

[Martika39]

Yes, it can be a bit freaky. The whole time I was in school I rarely heard of anyone just jumping right into it and making those big bucks. Alot of the students kept their other jobs going to part time and did massage on the side till they built up their clientele. Seemed to work pretty good for most of them. I was one of those that hated my day job and as soon as I got done with the class part and got into clinic I quit. I just knew I'd hop right into a job doing massage and making good money. Reality check!!! So I have been unemployed for 2 months now. Now the school is calling me literally everyday with 3-4 jobs to go check on. Of course for me I have to ditch the smoking thing before I'm sure any of those will come through. You really won't know till you are done with your externship what will happen. And depending on what your school's rules are on where you can do your externship, where you go might end up permanent. I probably could have had something before now, but after 10 months of putting in 15 hour days between work and school. I ignored their calls for a 2 week hiatus. It will all work out. Don't let it freak you out. Just breathe and know that soon you will be making good money. As for financial aid...lmao!!!! My school so lied to me!! Others too. Think I seen the beginnings of a revolt on my way out on my last day....lol. You WILL be fine. You'll see. Before you know it you'll be singing "I'm in the money, I'm in the money" I also have to take nationals but plan on doing so in a few months so I can calmly study my heart out. I'm one of those people that freaks out at bad grades on anything. I had straight A's all through school and then crammed too much for my final and only got a 95%. Peeved me off!!! :x So am taking it slow on the study time for nationals.

I know, I know...rambling here!!!! Tired. Sorry, probably not much help to you. But you WILL be okay!! :wink:

 

[Anthony H]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I think I just needed someone to tell me it would be ok. I will be 22 in a month and I live with my parents even though I pay all my own stuff and some utilities + tuition. I've been doing work and school and I think I will take a 6 week leave to work my butt off and then follow the suggestions to massage daytime and waitress at night. I'm sure that will work out fine, I just need to resign myself to prolonging my graduation so I can get caught up to the point of doing massage too.

 

[scruffycat]

I posted in this thread and it may be some info you'd be interested in. Hope it helps.

Just keep your chin up. It will all come together at some point!