Your opinion: What is the best thing and the worst thing about being a massage therapist?

Don't answer if all you have to say is it depends, research it.





3 out of 4 PTAs I called answered my questions. Not a single massage therapist will return my call, not even to schedule an appointment. And I contacted 7 so far. Interesting.Your opinion: What is the best thing and the worst thing about being a massage therapist?
The best things about being a massage therapist.





I Get to set my own hours and work when you want to work.


I get to work with people on all sorts of conditions like carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, herniated discs, back/neck pain and really make a difference when most other things they tried didn't work.


I get to learn all of the time and always expand myself by working with people.


I get to make a really good living and work minimal hours.


I get to teach people about health and watch people heal and go through amazing things.


I am always humbled by people's experiences.


I get to work with people who are in pain and when they feel better they say things like their relationships improved and their anxiety was reduced which also makes them more effective at work.








Worst things:


It isn't easy.


It takes time, persistence, commitment and perseverance.


It is more about taking care of yourself than taking care of others.


It takes a lot to ask for help when you need it but do it anyways.


Isolation and burnout are a constant challenge that you have to keep on top of so it doesn't get you discouraged.





IYour opinion: What is the best thing and the worst thing about being a massage therapist?
The best thing about being an MP is...uhhh...hmmm...I'll have to get back with you on that.





The worst thing is charging people for a service that has never been proven to work. The worst thing is the lack of respect from the medical community and clients because of it. It's no wonder MPs are still thought of as escorts. The more I read the research the more I'm ashamed by massaging for money.





Research shows massage results in no measurable physical changes. It doesn't increase circulation, remove lactic acid, change musculoskeletal structure, or decrease stress hormones. It does absolutely nothing except act as a placebo. It deserves as much respect as leeching and trepanation (drilling holes in the skull to release demons) which only work for the fools who choose to believe in it.





I guess you could say MPs are in the business of selling expensive sugar pills for a living.





The truth is most MPs don't make a lot of money. You can't work that many hours in a week and median salary, including gratuities, is $16.06/hr. You can earn more with your own business, but considering the expenses, the unpaid hours you have to work, AND the fact that you're ripping your clients off, it's hardly worth it.
BEST: The money. Massage therapist make a lot of money and it doesn't take long to get a license and a degree. Also, the hours seem flexible. Overall, enjoying what you do and helping people.





WORST: Unpleasant clients. Rather they are mean, creepy, or dirty. ETC. Can't think of any other bad things about being a massage. It's a great career. Maybe your arm gets tired, but, overall it's a career that pays good.