Did you give anything up for MT?

[Shaji K]

Just curious whether or not you gave up any hobbies or pastimes because of becoming a massage therapist.  I haven't really given anything up though I have become very careful about my hands.  Limit the amount of physical hand work with hand and yard tools, mechanical work etc.  One thing I didn't compromise in, despite pressure from my wife, is playing hockey.  Just rec level playing both ice and inline so nothing really high level.  I did end up having a custom set of gloves made with extra protection to protect my hands.  Being a goalie I already spend way to much money on equipment anyway, but I did find out buying custom was actually cheaper than buying higher end name brand equipment.  

 

[Leahs mommy]

I haven't really given up anything I didn't already want to give up, anyway.... a bad marriage, a job with a high maintainence boss... except one thing:The one thing I did give up that I didn't really want to give up was my personal trainer.  I couldn't take the chance that someone would want a massage while I was working out, and I couldn't depend on a steady amount of business to be able to afford to keep him, anyway, so after much debate and knowing that if I gave him up, I'd never get him back again (he was in demand), I finally let him go.  I tried joining a gym for a lower monthly fee, but I never could seem to stick with it on my own.  I need someone to tell me what to do...lol...

 

[CourtStar94]

Did you give anything up for MT?

In the beginning I had to work some long hours. But, I've figured out what was more important to me my childern or massage . At first, both. Then I came to my senses. My childern! So, now I set aside time for my childern, to workout and to be a wife. And you have to in order to have a life. Clients will respect you for it.

 

[LenaLumpLump]

I gave up my FREEDOM.  Freedom to be told what to do and when to do it.  Freedom to report to someone else. Freedom to work incredably hard for someone else, so they could get all the credit, etc. I now have a thriving business, a beautiful wife (who I work with everyday) and son.  I get to set my schedule so I make sure I get three days a week to be with my son.  I don't feel like I gave up anything, except things that kept my from my friends and family.  I was happy to give that up.

 

[beneoumbept]

Yes, I have given up a lot of my time to MT for Painting, I am an artist!  Usually my hands are very tired after a long day of MT.  But I am taking a vacation to Maui for 10 days, Im sure this will inspire me to paint again.  I am very happy to be working in the MT field, and when I work with a client, I feel that I am creating peace and comfort for them.  I work full time in this industry, but I love it, I learn so much from my client's, and I'm fortunate to make a good living at it.  If we give anything up for MT it is ultimatly OUR choice!  

 

[joeben7]

Did you give anything up for MT?

The only thing I can think of is powerlifting without gloves-----just had to change the focus of working out. I have noticed myself "watching out" for my hands a bit more........

 

[Nostromo]

Did you give anything up for MT?

Well I gave up a good job to go to massage school...its starting to look like its coming back to bite me in the ass but I'm not sure yet...

 

[Cardaba]

Dear Art_of_Zen,I have the solution for you! Find a personal trainer willing to trade with you ( I know there are tons out there who use massage therapists for sports massage, etc.). The day you schedule your personal training session with him, afterwards you can give him his sports massage (or whatever) or even the day after. Not only will you get to keep your workouts, but your personal trainer will probably refer you to his other clients as they could use a pre- or post-event sports massage or relaxing massage while they remain  active...thus more business comes your way!!  Hope the suggestion helps ya...Be well,Jen

 

[REVA M]

Oh....I forgot to add my bit on the subject:Yes, I gave up being a musician (not that it was my livelihood or anything) as I really couldn't continue to have callouses on my fingers from playing guitar. Now and then I do indeed miss playing music; and I do break down a couple times a year to pick up a 6-string and strum a few chords....needless to say I don't play very long because my (tender) fingers can't deal with the steel strings for very long.  :-/Other than that, I haven't given up anything worth missing.Be well,Jen

 

[drache]

Did you give anything up for MT?

Well I gave up a good job to go to massage school...its starting to look like its coming back to bite me in the ass but I'm not sure yet...

Don't give up yet.  Do not let a little bite in your (_(_) get to you.

My friend is/was a Chemist and gave it up to be a MT.

She struggled for about a year.  She went back to being a fulltime Chemist....she misses massage!!!!!!!!

Giving up the security of a "good job" sometimes seems overwhelming.  Believe me, I know, I still work my "day job".  I havn't taken the jump yet but I am planning to.

Keep the strength.

Robyn

 

[Megan H.]

Thanks!  ;D