A career as a massage therapist can be very rewarding. The work you do can be very satisfying, as you have the opportunity to directly and positively impact someone’s life. You also have the opportunity to start your own practice, where you have full control over the hours you work and the money you earn. However, as you think about all the benefits of this career, you should also keep in mind that, like any other career, there is a potential downside associated with a career as a massage therapist. These disadvantages can be experienced by both the self-employed therapist and the one who works in a spa or medical center. Below you will read about some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider as you learn how to become a masseuse.
Advantages of the massage therapist
Calendar. One of the great benefits of this career is that the job is not your typical 9 am to 5 pm job. As a practitioner of massage therapy, you have a lot of flexibility regarding the hours that you are available to work. If you open your own private practice, you have full control over when you work. If you choose to work for someone else, you will find that many therapists work part time. This will allow you to schedule your appointments in the evening or even on weekends.
Mobility. You don’t have to worry about being tied to a specific area. Because there are so many places where a therapist can work, they have a lot of freedom to move around and experience the different work environments. There are spa and medical facilities throughout the country. You will have no problem finding work, in case you need to move.
Money. A job in this industry can be very lucrative. The money you can potentially earn depends on several factors. As mentioned above, if you open your own practice and work for yourself, you can choose how much to charge for your services. Also, depending on how many different types of massage therapy (modalities) you specialize in, you can potentially earn more money. As a masseur, you also have the opportunity to earn tips. As your experience and reputation grow, so will your earnings.
Disadvantages of the masseur
Long hours standing. This job is one that can be physically taxing on your body. As such, it is not difficult to get burned. If you are constantly seeing patients and performing services, without taking breaks, you are more prone to injury. Performing massage can be very hard on the hands and upper extremities. For the most part, injuries fall into the overuse category. As such, you’ll want to make sure you do the right amount of self-care as possible. Since a career as a massage therapist demands a lot from you, you need to make staying healthy a priority.
Money. We are talking about money again. The money you earn as a licensed massage therapist can also be a disadvantage. This business is customer-driven, which means your salary is directly affected by the number of customers you see. Fewer customers means less money. To prepare for when you’re not making that much money, you’ll want to make sure you’re good at budgeting and saving. If you can, and are interested, try to find spas that pay therapists by the hour.
Unrealistic customer expectations. Some of your clients may expect you to completely relieve them of their pain and discomfort. Since this is an unrealistic expectation, massage therapists can be adversely affected as this can result in dissatisfied clients. It will be your duty to correct clients’ beliefs so that they do not expect permanent healing. It may be helpful to discuss everything up front before starting treatment. Remember, your reputation plays a huge role in building your clientele.
As in any career, there are advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you are interested in this career because you enjoy helping people. Becoming a masseuse for the right reasons will go a long way toward having a great career. Good luck as you continue to learn more about becoming a masseur.
