Encouragement for moving from Spa to Independent

[Pearl]

I just made a "bold" move that I was scared to do and I'm very happy.

I've been working at a spa as an independent contractor. The spa arrangement is pretty good, I must say. I get 60%, I don't have to wait around, they do all the bookings, laundry, etc. I just bring my own oil and music. However, it's 20 minutes from where I live and there's just ALWAYS drama when working for someone else, or with someone else. I was feeling stressed from it. I was getting between 2-10 clients a week at my home practice, and this time coming up is our slow time so I thought it'd be a good time for me to "phase out" of the spa.

But I was feeling scared to do it, didn't want to make the owner mad (she loves me, and I get along with her really well) and just didn't have the guts to bring it up.

I went on a yoga retreat and really got some perspective. Not from the yoga per se. Just being away from the job and from home I was able to look at it with a wider perspective and say "I want to work at home. I need to tell her not to rely on my so much. I can do it." What was happening is she would "reserve me" for certain busy times (like labor day weekend) then I would get calls from tourists wanting massage at my home and I would say I had no availibility. They would call the spa next and of course they had availibility, and would get booked WITH ME! So I would travel to town to massage a client I turned down, at the spa at a lower rate than I would make at home. I realized it was just poor business. Unless the spa was more important to me, I shouldn't do that. I'm not only losing that massage, but also perhaps a returning customer.

So once I got home from my trip I told the owner that I couldn't be her "Main man" anymore. I wanted to be "number 1" for my own business, and so she couldn't rely on my so heavily anymore. In other words, I wouldn't book out my private practice for her busy times. She was mad at first, but to her credit she quickly turned around and the next day told me how much she valued me and my friendship and just wants me to work there when *I* want to work there. YAY! So she is going to hiring another therapist. She is still calling me plenty, but now I feel so much more free to expand my own practice, and to say no to her (which before I always felt guilty for). And in practice so far she has been true to her word.

And wouldn't you know it, that very week I got a call from a new local client who will probably become a regular, and a few other calls that started filling up my home schedule. And this saturday I go do a bunch of work at the spa. I CAN HAVE IT BOTH WAYS! And eventually I will let the spa go entirely as my home schedule fills up.

Just wanted to record this story for others who may be facing the same thing. And also to celebrate my good times!

 

[Pompal 09.]

That's great news! Good for you for following your instincts. While being independent isn't for everyone for those of us that it works for there is no substitute. I wouldn't change my set up for anything. I'm sure you will do great. Keep it up!

 

[Jarhead]

Congratulations!

 

[71cooldude]

That is so encouraging. I love hearing stories like that. You spoke your truth and it seems the spa owner "heard" you and respects your decision.

 

[Tiffany!]

I am very happy for you. It's tough sometimes speaking up, but it gets easier each time. Good for you!