Am I doing the right thing starting massage therapy school?

[Andre]

I have finally made up my mind and signed up for Massage Therapy School, and I'm starting in 3 weeks! I've been very excited, but due to everyone I know telling me I'm crazy for doing this, I think I started to get cold feet. I will be taking night classes after work, and it will take me about a year to complete. I've been doing a lot of reading, and by the sounds of it, I don't think I will be able to quit my (50K) job once I graduate, because I would not be making enough money as a full time MT. I need advise! I want to do this so much, but should I put this on the back burner for now? I'm 36 now, I'm wondering if I should wait till I'm 40..... Argh.. I just don't know.... I've also been reading about males in this profession and how much harder it is for them...

 

[KLJ08]

cool, I'm going to massage therapy school, too, soon. I worried about how much I'll make and whatnot, too. It's nothing that's going to necessarily put the steak on the table although maybe it would put a little bread there for the sampling. If you enjoy what you do, it's probably priceless in that aspect. Go into it knowing you'll have to supplement your income somehow.

In my opinion, a good therapist has a good bedside manner and makes their clients feel comfortable.

Just because you are a man doesn't mean people won't come to you if they hear you are good. The one and only person I've gone to for a massage within the last decade is a man. He gets decent business, too. My friend is a friend of his and she recommended I try him out and I did. Normally I'm not fond of male doctors and other male professionals touching my body, but hearing he was as sensitive as he was, I decided to give him a try.

When I went, he explained how he works and asked me upfront if there were any places I didn't want to be touched, aside from the obvious, of course. He also told me that I could undress to the extent I was comfortable with. That made me feel better. I didn't completely strip down that first time, but I felt confident after that first time that I could go back and trust him enough to do so.

I would have to say, though, that I think because of the awkwardness of his profession and his gender he's a little too serious. If you have a good balance of seriousness, spectacular communication skills and a tinge of humor to lighten the atmosphere and certain key moments, it would be perfect.

So, yeah, I'd say go for it if it feels right to you on a gut level. And try not to overanalyze it too much. It's great to consider things ahead of time, but don't let doubt or fear stop you from doing what your gut is telling you your passionate about. If there's a will, as they say, there's a way.

Good luck

 

[Jessie C]

If its a dream u have do it. nobody walks a mile in your shoes, besides the only way to make money full time in massage is to build a clienttell and that takes time, rome wasnt built in a day. Dont wait do it while u are motivated u may not be at age 40 and then u may regret u didnt. Lifes too short. Follow your dreams. Best wishes to you.

 

[bkk2nite]

Someone I know did the same thing. He works with me at my work, but he went to massage therapy school as a "back-up" and a part-time. Turns out I don't think he is getting as much 'gigs' as he would like to get. You must know a lot of people in order to get clients. He had given me a free massage before, but I felt very uncomfortable with a man touching me. Most women feel that way, especially if they are already in a relationship. He told me he doesn't massage men. And our male friends won't get a massage from him even if it were to be free.

So, your market would be females (or their husband/bf) who doesn't care about a man touching them. Most male don't get massage by men unless they are gay.

With that in mind, do you think you'll get your tuition fee for what it's worth?

 

[bellz_chick]

Do what your heart tells you to be honest.
If you want to do it so much then do it is what I say.