Re: anatomy/physiology and swedish massage level 3 - is it worth doing/second job

[newbie2009]

Hi there. I am 28 and keen on furthering my education and having a 'back up' plan for the future. I currently work full time inc saturdays with no flexibility. In the next 2 yrs I want to have a child (ren?!) and the importance of flexible working has come to light.

I have always had an interest in holistic methods and am really into healthy living etc. My local college offers a course on anatomy and sweedish massage. After this you can learn hopi and reflexology etc. I'm just wondering what sort of salaries and can I generate an income from it all be it part time?

Any advice etc greatly appreciated as really new territory!! xxx

[scoobylw]

Hi Newbie 2009

Interesting opportunities ! You really need to sit down and do a business plan in order to work out if this is the way to go, think about

* where you will work - from home/mobile/rent a room
* what is the going rate in your area for a massage
* what market do you want to go for
* how much competition is there in your area
* how much do you need to earn what hours do you want to work
* what will your start up costs be - equipment, website, insurance etc

Also check that the course meets the Skills for Health National Occupational Standards ( these are a new thing ).

I qualified as a Reflexologist last year and have been working for myself as a therapist part time alongside a 4 days a week day job. I have now reached the stage where the business is busy enough to cause me juggling issues and I often end up doing a 7 day week to fit it all in.

This is great and has lead me to take the exciting step of handing my notice in on my day job but it has been hard work !

My biggest tip for building your buisness is to do as many treatments as you possibly can on as many people as you can when you are training (as long as your insurance allows for this). By doing this when you qualify you will have a good sized potential customer base and will avoid having to start from scratch.

Some of my colleages only did the bare minimum practical work when training and only practiced on family and friends - this was easier at the time but meant that when they qualified they had to work harder to build a client base.

Wishing you all the best

love Lou xxx