Hello all.. I'm a mum of two and have been looking into training to become a Massage Therapist. I am hoping to take up to 3 years to qualify, and would like to do Sports Injury, Swedish, Remedial and follow up with some Indian Head and aromatherapy. I am a little worried that at the end of the time I won't find much work or find that my income is worryingly small. I understand that it takes time and confidence to become more successful and i'm not expecting to become a millionaire, but I would feel happier knowing that I could be successful. Massage is very important in my life, and without my regular monthly treat (necessity!) I would be a much more stressful and uncomfortable person. It interests me and knowing how effective massage is to the human body makes me want to know more, so I do feel that it is for me.
Any help/tips/info is greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks...
Hi EllyT - welcome to HP :wave:
Many years ago I was in your position, but had no children at that time. I took my time training (had to, as there were no college courses where I was - in fact, no college courses anywhere in 1977!! - it was theory at home, and practical classes in London 3 days a month for nearly 2 years!)
Anyway. I qualified as a remedial therapist, working part-time in my home, and a full-time day job in an office to pay the bills. It took a couple of years to finally let go and become a full time therapist, and even then, I did temp work if bills needed paying. I did other training over the years too. It is only in the last 15 years that I have actually made a living from therapy work. I'm grateful that I have a very supportive husband, as he pays most of the household bills. I will never be rich, but I am very very content and love my work and my clients.
I would recommend that during any free time you have, trawl through the HP Business & Marketing Forum - you could even do a search (using the Search box at the top of the page) - put in something like 'full time work' or 'where do I start' - lots of options will come back.
Good luck!
Hi - thank you for your reply. I suppose it depends upon where you live etc also. My hasband has been the earner for the past 5 years while i've been off work with the children, so even earning £50 a week would be wondeful to me....probably under-valuing myself but probably being realistic! I have been looking into day jobs - with chiropractors, physios, beauty establishments and renting rooms. Also for evenings and weekends rugby/football clubs, fitness classes and so on! I'm hoping that if i work hard enough in as many of these places as I can get then maybe I could get enough work to make some half decent money. We live quite rurally so ad hoc work is very rare here. I have also trained in Business Administration and accountancy so I suppose I always have that to fall back on - but NOT what I want to do! Also need the flexibility due to the children so really want to do my own hours.
Do you think that if i gain as many aspects as I can then more work will be available? How have you found your work and on average how much do you work? Lots of questions - just tell me not to be nosey if you want!!
Thanks again..
Elly:)
Hello Elly. Welcome to Healthypages!