Comments on: Starting a Massage Career in this economy http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/starting-a-massage-career-in-this-economy/ Exporations in the Theory and Practice of Massage Fri, 18 May 2012 17:25:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Dave http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/starting-a-massage-career-in-this-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-10517 Dave Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:49:31 +0000 http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/?p=447#comment-10517 This is a tough one, I live in San Diego and the therapists I've talked to are reporting a decrease in business from 40-60%. Spas, clinics, and chiropractors are having problems and cutting back hours or laying off workers. Sure massage is something that many, many people want, unfortunately it's one of the first things they cut during hard times. I firmly agree that a person should pursue the career that makes them happy, but right now they may want to take classes in their free time and get part-time work experience while maintaining their current job. This is a tough one, I live in San Diego and the therapists I’ve talked to are reporting a decrease in business from 40-60%. Spas, clinics, and chiropractors are having problems and cutting back hours or laying off workers. Sure massage is something that many, many people want, unfortunately it’s one of the first things they cut during hard times.

I firmly agree that a person should pursue the career that makes them happy, but right now they may want to take classes in their free time and get part-time work experience while maintaining their current job.

]]> By: lynn lawler http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/starting-a-massage-career-in-this-economy/comment-page-1/#comment-10340 lynn lawler Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:29:27 +0000 http://thebodyworker.com/massage_blog/?p=447#comment-10340 I am glad that this subject is being addressed as I have been struggling with this for amonth now. I lost my job working for a chiropractor who originally promised me full time.THAT lasted 2 weeks and the hours kept going down over 3 monts to 12 hours a week. He was not getting any new patients in, did no advertising and none of his patients sent in referrals. He was paying me a straight $15.oo/hr, but the jobs were scarce and I had bills to pay. As was mentioned, he combined the worst aspects of being an employee with the worst aspects of being an IC, and shorted me EVERY payday (every 3 weeks) and then told me on Friday not to come back on Monday. From what I understand from other MT's in the area, chiros are taking full advantage of the worsening economy to exploit workers, even more than before.To be fair, tho, they are not alone. I can't rent a place..they are, on average $600 - 800/mo, more than my mortgage,so I'm doing on site, but it's slow going. I called a number of medical offices, which is the arena I have worked in mostly, and they are all cutting back or closing near me..not what they are saying in the news, Occupational Oulook handbook and internet sites! If I can't get something soon, I will be out on the street. But, as you said, Julie, if you're dedicated and determined you can find a way..even going to church every day and asking God for a miracle (but remember that God helps those who help themselves!) I am finding that there is no shortage of people who need massage, and while I'm not sure I agree with charging what the market will bear or what you feel that you are worth, we DO need to make a decent living and should be able to. What I think we need is to band together and come up with some ideas to collectively present to the new administration mandating PREVENTIVE healthcare. The more we educate others as to the massage health benefits, the more we help ourselves, each other and gradually change the perception still held by many people when they hear the word "massage". I would like to live to see the day when a massage therapist enjoys the same prestige, respect and perhaps even compensation as other educated and licensed healthcae specialists. This will have a chance of happening when the majority of us practice ethicly, legally and use sound business practices. I would like to see all skilled and dedicated professionals succeed, so let's do what we need to to achieve this goal. I am glad that this subject is being addressed as I have been struggling with this for amonth now. I lost my job working for a chiropractor who originally promised me full time.THAT lasted 2 weeks and the hours kept going down over 3 monts to 12 hours a week. He was not getting any new patients in, did no advertising and none of his patients sent in referrals. He was paying me a straight $15.oo/hr, but the jobs were scarce and I had bills to pay. As was mentioned, he combined the worst aspects of being an employee with the worst aspects of being an IC, and shorted me EVERY payday (every 3 weeks) and then told me on Friday not to come back on Monday. From what I understand from other MT’s in the area, chiros are taking full advantage of the worsening economy to exploit workers, even more than before.To be fair, tho, they are not alone. I can’t rent a place..they are, on average $600 – 800/mo, more than my mortgage,so I’m doing on site, but it’s slow going. I called a number of medical offices, which is the arena I have worked in mostly, and they are all cutting back or closing near me..not what they are saying in the news, Occupational Oulook handbook and internet sites! If I can’t get something soon, I will be out on the street. But, as you said, Julie, if you’re dedicated and determined you can find a way..even going to church every day and asking God for a miracle (but remember that God helps those who help themselves!) I am finding that there is no shortage of people who need massage, and while I’m not sure I agree with charging what the market will bear or what you feel that you are worth, we DO need to make a decent living and should be able to. What I think we need is to band together and come up with some ideas to collectively present to the new administration mandating PREVENTIVE healthcare. The more we educate others as to the massage health benefits, the more we help ourselves, each other and gradually change the perception still held by many people when they hear the word “massage”. I would like to live to see the day when a massage therapist enjoys the same prestige, respect and perhaps even compensation as other educated and licensed healthcae specialists. This will have a chance of happening when the majority of us practice ethicly, legally and use sound business practices. I would like to see all skilled and dedicated professionals succeed, so let’s do what we need to to achieve this goal.

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