Where to Work

[Lover of Life]

Hey all! I've got a question about how to find work and I'd really appreciate your advice and suggestions. I work a full time job right now, not in the MT field, but am also doing some side work in massage, trying to build up enough clients to be able to leave my job eventually. I am considering going to part-time here at my normal job so I may really focus on getting some clients and starting my own business. I always said that I would never leave my great job here to go work for someone else, but I don't know how it is in the MT field yet as far as work goes. What I mean is, if I have 1-2 days available per week for me, how and where can I go to get business from? A chiropractor? a Spa?? I know these are all options, but I am curious what everyone here does and how they found work. Is it even possible for me to find a place that would let me work 1-2 days per week and they give me clients?? I am very new to this and I don't know what my options are and where to start. I value everyone opinions and suggestions here and need some guidance! Thank you so much!

 

[Kristen]

I did a short stint at a spa only working for one day. I was working more PT at a DC office and working on getting my own clientel. There are a few places that I know of that split shifts between two therapists. One might work mornings a few days a week while another therapist works nights.

When I was ready to work on making my official switch I cut back my hours at the DC and focused on building my own business. I had a good base to start with.
I did talks at businesses of friends and relied mainly on word of mouth (friends, family, clients, other professionals).
In less than a year I was busy enough to go off on my own completely.

 

[Sammzie]

There are so many options out there. You need to really hit the pavement and see who is looking for what. There is no rule in this business. You might even find a place that will use you as on call and just call when they need you. I think you can find part time work in a spa, a fitness center, with a chiropractor, a massage clinic, a hospital, really just about any venue that offers massage.

 

[sweetheart]

I remember approaching this same crossroads at the end of MT school. I didn't have a FT job at the time, though, so my schedule was pretty open and flexible. My personality, however, was not so I decided to go into business for myself and I couldn't be happier. It's not the easiest road to take, but because I'm so fiercely independent, it ended up being the easiest for me (read: the least amount of hassle and the greatest amount of freedom).

So now you get to decide The field of massage therapy is so wide open. There are so many options for you, as you well know. Consider your personality, your goals, your direction, your priorities, where you see yourself in 5 years, who you currently are and who you're trying to be.
--What kind of massage/bodywork do you want to do? (Sports, reflexology, reiki, Swedish, etc?)
--What clientele do you want to work on? (Computer/desk workers, stressed-out executives, athletes, stay-at-home moms, terminal cancer patients, kids with ADHD, etc?)
--What hours would you like to work? (M-F 9-5? Evenings? Weekends? Later nights for third-shifters?) Do you want to set your own hours or are you willing to let someone else decide?
--Do you want to make most of your own decisions, or would you rather sacrifice a little freedom for a more steady income and less responsibility? Do you have kids, a spouse, other ppl to consider (activity/school/sleep schedules, etc?)
--How much do you want to travel? Maybe you want to work out of your house, do housecalls, set up your own office, or contract with other professionals at their offices/clinics.

Answers to these questions and some good soul-searching will help you decide what's best: a spa, chiropractor's office, fitness club, or your own office. Are you more "practical" or more "intuitive"? Are you sensitive to your surroundings and thrive in an environment with a particular vibe?

I decided that working out of the house is best for me. This way, I don't have to drive (I already drive enough), I can run things exactly how I want, take as much time with clients as I want, offer a much more personal touch, decorate my space the way I want, attract the type of clients I'd like to see, run my own promotions, set my own hours (which need to be very flexible right now because of massive intense school), etc. Much as I have tried working for someone else, I just can't. And much as I've given my all during every massage wherever I am, I simply give a better one while working for myself and not anyone else. I can inject more creativity into my practice and their sessions. Thus, I'm learning that once the clientele starts building up, that this is my best option. In time, you'll learn what's right for you. When you are in your element, you'll notice the difference, and that is where I would make the greatest client-building efforts. Wherever you are happiest is where you'll thrive, and if you're happy (and practice good body mechanics, of course), you'll never burn out and you will help so many ppl change their lives. Good luck!

Blessings,
~Jyoti