Do you LOVE your job?

[Zahra]

Hello everyone,
I don't know where to post this, so I'll stick it here....I want to know if all you body workers REALLY love your jobs....If you had to choose a profession all over again, would you do the same thing as you're doing now?
My motivation for asking is that I've been a restuarant manager for about a year now. It is very stressfull, great pay, but not really worth it otherwise. I have one year of college experience, so to switch careers would mean starting ALL over again. I'm 26 now. If you wanted to change careers and you were in my shoes, would you go to massage therapy school? Would you want it for your future? Why or why not?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Taken with a grain of salt for sure, but I'm looking for honesty....

 

[Grampedo]

You forgot "I love my job but not the people I work with!"

I was 25 when I went back to school to become a MT. So I don't think that's a big deal. And YES I would do it all over in a heartbeat!

My kids are young and my husband works midnights. My job allows us to have a flexable lifestyle, someone is always home with the kids. I used to work in a factory, I made more steady money but I would not go back to that to save my life! I honestly can't imagine doing anything else now. I do love my job. Not always crazy about my co-workers/management but you get that anywhere unless you work for youself!

Steph!

 

[tennis97girl]

I was 27 when I went to massage school and I was a floor manager at a restuarant at the time. I hated working the split shifts and all the P.I.T.A stuff that comes with working at a restuarant....scheduling employees, covering shifts,training people,setting up private parties(grant it I miss that), worrying if I was going to make more than 5 bucks that night cause I was also waiting tables.
When I first started doing massages I made considerable less than what I had been. But never once did I regret my decision. I knew if i hung in there I would make it. I was making enough to pay my bills and that was it. Spare money in the beginning was a rare thing. But for once I was happy VERY happy. I loved going to work everyday. My stress levels went way down. My friends starting noticing I was a much happier person. And I truly am. I was finally doing something I adored and was good at.

Four years later....Still love what I do. I am still learning so much and I know I will keep learning and I thrive on that. I am making more than I did at the restuarant. I have my sanity back and my life back. I wouldn't trade my job for the world! No matter what job I have massagewill be involved in some way.

I wish you the best of luck with your choice!!! Keep us posted!!!

 

[Emilia V]

Thanks...

Thanks for you're quick response!
I have a lot of soul searchin' to do, but everytime I think about a different career, I always go back to Massage. Taking care of the body is such an important part of life, it seems to me that helping others to take care of their own bodies would be an honor. I am just afraid that the IDEA of it is much different than the REALITY of it.
I look forward to re-reading your responses, and hearing more....Now, to bed so I can get up at 4am....aaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!! :twisted:

 

[Pompal 09.]

I went to MT school just before my 40th birthday. I graduated 2 years ago and I love this work. I don't have a single regret.

 

[bonzii]

Went to MT school when I was 39. No regrets.
boof

 

[canmad7]

I love being MT so much sometimes it brings tears to my eyes! I mean people come to ME to make them feel better. They get on my table and trust me with their body, how amazing is that?! But just like anything there are bad days too. But even a bad day being a MT doesn't even compare to a good day as something else.

I have been doing massage for 8 years, and I think I have made it this far, because I was honest with myself. I set up a lot of boundaries. I work for myself, I do only four massages a day, and I only work four days a week. I would have never made it if I had worked for someone else, but that is just the kind of person I am. Good luck!

 

[Pompal 09.]

I started massaging family members when I was 7 years old. I never ceased to be amazed how after a few minutes my brother-in-law would be totally knocked out and sawing logs... (I still say falling asleep is the highest compliment you can give a MT).
Fast forward 7 years (yeah I was 14)... I started working for my family's rubbish removal business... and I worked there until I was 32. Then they sold the business to a competitor... and I was suddenly w/o a job. So I decided to go to MT school... because my MT had said I had an instinct for it, and strong hands... and she felt I'd be good at it. I figured, well, nobody's really "called" to do garbage... but I did feel like I had a "calling" to do massage. It's something that for me was a natural gift and a long standing interest.
School had it's difficult moments, and being in practice for the past nearly 9 years has had it's difficult moments too. I have thought about "hanging up my oil holster"... so to speak, a few times over those years.
But it all boils down to this... if I suddenly became independently wealthy and didn't have to work anymore... would I Still do massage? And the answer, is Yes. I think I would. Because massage isn't just what I do... it's part of Who I Am.
Would I do it all over again? I don't know.
Would I got to school all over again? Hm, probably... though it was one of the most challenging things I'd ever done...
Would I recommend it to others? I think it'd depend on the person. If they were just doing it for the money (as many are) then I'd say no, I don't think it's worth it. It can take a long time to make it in this business in some areas...
But if they truly wanted to help people... and it wasn't all about the money... then I'd say, cool, go for it. 8)

 

[BC13MF]

I went to school when I was 43, and have never regretted going. I loved school so much I went back as an apprentice, which helped me to learn even more! Working with the clients and the people I work with every day helps me to feel even more rewarded than I could possibly imagine! I could never go back! t043

 

[Zenablue]

Can't say that EVERY day I wake up excited. But 98% of the time I do. I am kind of an "excitable" person anyway. *hehe* Somedays I am tired... just like the regular people who aren't MT's!

I love the work I do, and I really love my clients. Like anything, there are going to be ups and downs and stresses and strains of life. Don't let it fool you. But I was not meant to work for someone in a cubicle and I really really enjoy what I do!

 

[jill]

I am very happy with my decision to be a MT. I tried college and didn't like sitting in lectures all day. I started massage school when I was 19. I had never had a massage and knew nothing about it.
It is almost 10 years later and I still love what I do. It is a great feeling.

I have had times where life has taken me away from massage, but it always has called me back. I don't intend to leave it ever again.

Best of luck!

 

[Dan Crop Asker]

Can't say that EVERY day I wake up excited. But I was not meant to work for someone in a cubicle and I really really enjoy what I do!

Absolutely agree here! I tell the office staff there's a reason I am an MT, because office equipment and I DO NOT get along! :evil:

 

[Miss Samantha]

Absolutely love my work as an LMT!!! Cannot fathom what took me the "forever" it did take for me to find and follow my heart practice the arat of massage. I was 43 going on "too old and miserable and cranky" when I sarted massage school. I left clerical temping, security guard work, and waitressing and other fun stuff like that behind less than 2 years after I graduated and passed my boards. It has been the most fun, most scary, most entertaining, definitely the most educating and educational profession this woman could hope to find herself in at the age of 55 going on 12!!!

Practicing my bliss has rejuevenated my life, my love my spirit, my soul. Without it, I am miserable. If you're drawn to this wonderful work, commit yourself with your full heart, jump off the ledge [parachute firmly attached, hopefully] and just go forward and ENJOY!!!

Love to all.
J

 

[Julie]

I went to massage school when I was 35. My only regret is that I didn't go before then. I think the long string of jobs I held was preparing me for my true calling. I have days when I wonder what I'm doing (usually a lot of other stuff going on like kids, bills, life) but I can't imagine not being a therapist. I worked on an old friend from a previous job the other day, and he is now planning on taking the plunge and going to school too. Its a great life. Good luck in your decision making.

Keelie

 

[momofosho420]

Wow...I am surprised at the fact that 95% of you all LOVE it!!! I was expecting it to be a close race. But I supose that it you didn't love it, that you wouldn't be spending your down time on the blogs! So, to be fair, maybe I need to find a "Ihatebeingabodyworker.com" website and ask the same question. Haha .

Anyway, I appreciate the replies...

And one lingering question for me remains:

How stressfull is massage therapy? In general, and on the body. I am used to being on my feet all day, moving in all kinds of positions to reach, grab, catch, etc., so that part doesn't scare me. But how often do you say to yourself..."Gosh, I am so stressed out!!!!! :twisted: "

About 4 or 5 years ago I had a repetative movement injury in my wrists...long story short I worked at a greenhouse where I ackwardly had to carry gallons of dirt and plant material that was too heavy for my wrists' strenght. Ulimately I had to recieve physical therapy...The pain has long since past, but given that history, do you think, (and I know that this is just your OPINION, and that it really depends on my body), that I will be safe from repeating this injury? Does it really all depend on self care, regardless of past ailments? How many of you complain that your wrists hurt? I'm trying to separate fact from fiction...there's a lot of junk on the web...

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!!!

 

[Texas Bubba]

Hi Christine! In school, you will learn body mechanics and self care, stretching routines for before and after you give a massage, and destressing techniques. You should be safe from repeating the injury, if you follow instructions!

I do not find this career to be stressful at all - other than building the business to a level to support myself. The "marketing" is somewhat stressful for me, but I do enjoy that part, too. The busier I get, the less stressed I get.

My previous job was simultaneously homeschooling my children, running a household, dodging the madman I was married to and working the front desk at a hotel. THAT was stressful, LOL. My youngest is about to graduate high school (and the two kids who still live with me are great; hardworking and helpful), I got rid of the madman, and I was able to quit the hotel job. I liked the work there, but it could get very crazy in the summer and people were often hard to please and screaming at me if they didn't get their own way. When I give a massage, it is peaceful. When I am done, I am profusely appreciated. I love the work, and my clients love me. I go home and my home is peaceful. I love the work there, too (except doing the dishes LOL) and I am appreciated. ahhhhhh!

I'm not stressed out, and I'm not in pain. Every day I am more and more thankful that I jumped into school as soon as the divorce was final, and that I am on this particular path.

I hope you find such fulfilment, whatever it is you decide about becoming a massage therapist.

 

[Steve D]

I have to agree with Sharon, the most stressful part is getting to the point where you are supporting yourself. When I finally took the plunge to become a "full time" MT my husband was unemployed at the time too. What was I thinking?!! That was a very bad time in our marriage, but I wouldn't take it back for anything. We ended up having to borrow money, but before I knew it I was busy, and paying the bills all on my own. Then the good times starting rolling in.

As for pain, I don't have wrist problems, but I do sometimes end up with some shoulder pain from a previous injury, I just make sure that I am sleeping, and working correctly. If it starts to really hurt I get a massage a week for a few months, and that seems to take care of it. Don't worry, if you start to feel any discomfort you will know what to do. Like Sharon says, they really teach you some good things on body mechanics.

People always say, "Geeze, don't your hands hurt at the end of the day?" But I don't just use my hands the whole time, you can use your forearm, and there is Ashiatsu where you use your feet. I don't do Thai massage, but I have just been looking into it, and I would think that it would be easier on your wrists, because you really use your whole body. But really you should be using your whole body with all massage.

 

[13lunt]

How stressful it is depends on who you work with/for. : : :

 

[CindyComesBack]

How stressful it is depends on who you work with/for. : : :

Agreed!

 

[kdj]

I love my work. But I do have repetitive use injuries/syndrome in my wrists & forearms. It is not a big, painful problem until I overdo it. I am now a spa owner & am doing different work (eyelash extensions, permanent makeup, soon eyelash perming and tinting too) to vary my day and prepare for pulling out of the deep tissue trenches. It will break my heart a little the day I decide I cannot even work on my standing regulars. They have helped me build my business from the ground up! I work alot - 6 days a week (two of those are evening only, both totalling about one day's work), and I am thankful for the full books & the new talents I have honed to help me transition. I love my new work almost as much as massage therapy, and I'm growing in all kinds of directions because of the variety & different exposure.

One thing that has completely changed my signature bodywork is learning cupping massage and investing and using the Wullstone infrared unit. Even my toughest cookies (the ones that would break my wings - ha) melt down at the touch of the infrared heat. It has made my own aches & pains more of a nuisance than a heartbreak.

Not exactly the other side of the coin, but, yes I have been broken a wee bit by this work.

Jill/sagetherapist