need advice

[link]

I have just moved to a new area and have been on a few interviews, sent out several resumes and filled out many, many applications all with no luck. I am becoming quite frustrated. I would like to go into business for myself but cannot afford to lease a space for a year at this time. I prefer not to do outcalls as I have had bad experiences with that in the past, (clients not being there when I show up, canceling at the last minute , and one scary situation). Can anyone give me advice on the best way to start out? I have been a therapist for 5 years now and love what I do and don't want to change careers. I worked 3.5 years with a chiropractor until I found out he was charging $80-$120 an hour and only paying me $12.00 when I spoke to him about it he offered me $13.00 I gave him a months notice and left. After that I worked for a spa that would only call me during busy times Christmas, Valentines and Mother's Day. During that time I also worked for another therapist out of her office. She called me an independant contractor but I was more like an employee as she controlled every aspect of my work. She paid me $25.00 an hour, however she later changed her practice to a membership and wanted to cut my pay down to $15.00 an hr. I told that was not our original agreement. She agreed to pay me the $25.00 but then cut my clients way back until I had to quit. I am really starting to get frustrated with all this and am looking for any advice that would help me to be financially succesful in the field that I love. Thanks for any advice.
Sincerely,
"frustrated"

 

[Rossonero NorCal SFECU]

Maybe you could talk to sole practioners who rent space. See if they will rent to you on their days off. Also ask if they ever have overflow clients they can refer to you. If they sound interested, offer them a sample massage.

 

[MoToCroSSS -30]

need advice

I would like to go into business for myself but cannot afford to lease a space for a year at this time.

Can you let us know what you are able to do (affording a lease)? Maybe that would give some better leverage to get this thread rolling. Also, it may give you a better perspective regarding renting.

 

[JupiterMoon]

I am not sure what is the situation where you live, but here there are a lot of different options. In my building, we can rent rooms sharing between 2 practitioners and the rent is $189 sharing or $365 if you rent it by youself, no contracts. My friend rents a room in the morgage company office and shares it with someone. I know there are places you can rent a room by the hour from $10 to 25 per hour. There are many options and good resources would be craig list if you have it in your city and other massage therapists.

 

[mee]

need advice

Can you let us know what you are able to do (affording a lease)? Maybe that would give some better leverage to get this thread rolling. Also, it may give you a better perspective regarding renting.

At this time due to my recent move and not having much luck finding even part time work I could probably only afford to rent a room from someone else, for eg; hair salon, etc. My husband has not been able to find employment either and he has been in the construction trade for 20 yrs (so a bit scared right now of not making ends meet). As I am new to the area I have no clients of my own or a way to get referalls even, until I can find a way to get my foot in the door.

I also checked on Craigslist to see about finding an affordable room or someone to share a space with but there was nothing in my area.
Thanks for your help so far.

 

[Alexandra M]

need advice

I worked 3.5 years with a chiropractor until I found out he was charging $80-$120 an hour and only paying me $12.00 when I spoke to him about it he offered me $13.00 I gave him a months notice and left.

I don't understand this.

It would seem you were content with the rate of pay - you stayed for 3.5 years so something must have been to your liking.

You only became disatisfied when you found out what the chiro charged for your services.

But why does this matter? So what how much the chiro makes, as long as you are content with your rate of pay. You seemed content with the rate, but became offended at the "unfairness" of the split. He even offered you an 8% raise, and you quit.

Before you go looking for work, you might want to take an inventory of what really matters to you, especially when it comes to compensation. If "fairness" - whatever that is - is more important than the rate, then you probably won't ever be happy working for anyone other than yourself.

 

[just a cariboo angel]

I'd suggest for now just keep filling out those applications!

Would you like to work in a salon setting? Scope some out in the area, make an appointment for a hair cut or pedicure, talk with the people who work there while you are getting your service done. If they aren't hiring there, they may know of another place that's looking for a Therapist.

That would be something to start out with... just a thought...

Good luck to you!

 

[in love with a Sweede]

Have you thought of renting space on commission only basis? For example, you give someone a massage and charge them $50. You would keep $25 and give the salon/room owner the other $25. There are different splits out there.
It may not be a bad idea to set a "ceiling" of how much you will pay b/c as you get busier this arrangement will be less beneficial to you and more to the other party as you will be paying them more and more money.

 

[Howthebldyhellru]

Um, maybe it's just me but nobody seems to have addressed this or asked this.
Kent's Gal, you mention you just moved to a new area... so I feel I have to ask the obvious. Are you licensed in the state of Florida?
If you are and have moved within the state I guess I would encourage you to keep at it. Contact chiropractors, dental offices, doctor's offices, spas, salons, gyms, other massage therapists... hopefully you will find someone who is willing to help you out by renting you a room. I know how difficult it can be to find a place to do massage in some areas. Keep looking for new options, and think outside the box.
If however you just moved to Florida from another state... Florida is notoriously strict on their regulations/requirements. And not holding a Florida license could be what's holding back employers or potential landlords from "snapping you up."
Anyway, I hope you are able to work something out soon. And please keep us advised as to your progress!
BTW, welcome to MassagePlanetL!

 

[chee]

You mentioned that no rentals were listed on your local Craigslist. Since CL is free, why not run a "space wanted" ad yourself? Say what you want spacewise and what you are willing to pay -- you may get some calls that way too.

 

[congaihieuki]

I know the area that you live in and it's a real "small town" place. Why not look for something in Orlando? Either space to rent, or a spa/clinic to work at. Though it's a 30 min drive, I'm sure you'd have better odds there, especially if you're passionate about your work.

 

[Lastnight]

Another thing - if there is a massage school in town you may want to check out their web site or physical message board. When I needed to find renters I posted an ad on one school's web site and took some flyers to the other school.

 

[mikiq10]

need advice

Can you let us know what you are able to do (affording a lease)? Maybe that would give some better leverage to get this thread rolling. Also, it may give you a better perspective regarding renting.

At this time due to my recent move and not having much luck finding even part time work I could probably only afford to rent a room from someone else, for eg; hair salon, etc.

Since you already have apps out, why not go through the phone book and contact every MT in your area. Ask if they are willing to let you rent a space by the hour. As mentioned above - you do a massage and give them half or whatever seems fair.

Or, rent their space on days or times they aren't there.

It'll take some foot work, but with Orlando close, you may have a lot of potential therapists to talk to.