Stepping back down...

[jrsmallz88]

I have decided to step down from renting my own building and go back to renting a room at a local salon. My son is going to find work in the closest, bigger town. The economy is hitting us here in this small town and ppl are not coming 'in' to town as often, due to increased gas prices and everthing else. I am losing my favorite elderly clients to the rise in medication prices and have decided to step down to a place where I can still offer them massages at a reduced rate. I can't do that here. It is a bittersweet move as I am so used to my space and my peace and quiet, but the peace of mind I will have in exchange for that in knowing I will be able to put money aside instead of seeing it go straight to bills and also in being able to help those who can't afford massage will more than make up for what I'm giving up. I am just hoping my son finds a good job where he can be busy doing what he loves. He is so good at massage, I hate to see him go into another field. Please send good vibes his way that he will step into a place that is right for him. Thanks!

 

[Ad astra]

Stepping back down...

I totally understand where you are coming from. I have just come from one of my seniors' complexes where, for 5 years, I worked with a full schedule from 8.00am to noon or 2.00pm every week. Today I did four 15 minute massages. People just don't seem to have the spare cash, even for a 15 minute massage. It is getting to the point where I have to decide whether to go every week or not. Especially with gas going up 6 cents a litre overnight.

In the other seniors' place, I used to have 2-3 hours of regulars every week. Now I am down to 45 minutes some weeks and there are fewer and fewer regulars and people are coming when they have a specific problem instead.

 

[Smarty Pants]

Stepping back down...

I hope each of you will find new doors that will open for opportunities you never expected.

 

[dr.pepper106]

Stepping back down...

Sandra, I hate to hear it, knowing how much you put into your new place. I know just how that is-- when we decided to move out of our old place, it was soooo hard not to dwell on all the money and time we'd spent getting it built out! But this place is turning out to be SOOOO much better, and as nice as we'd hoped. I'm actually looking forward to our bills now (electric bill is the one that will change, besides the lower rent)! May you be blessed wherever your work-journey takes you!

 

[Christa D]

Stepping back down...

I totally understand where you are coming from. I have just come from one of my seniors' complexes where, for 5 years, I worked with a full schedule from 8.00am to noon or 2.00pm every week. Today I did four 15 minute massages. People just don't seem to have the spare cash, even for a 15 minute massage. It is getting to the point where I have to decide whether to go every week or not. Especially with gas going up 6 cents a litre overnight.

In the other seniors' place, I used to have 2-3 hours of regulars every week. Now I am down to 45 minutes some weeks and there are fewer and fewer regulars and people are coming when they have a specific problem instead.

So sad...

 

[Pompal 09.]

Stepping back down...

I hope each of you will find new doors that will open for opportunities you never expected

Thank you, Pueppi! I do feel like this is a good move.

Sandra, I hate to hear it, knowing how much you put into your new place. I know just how that is-- when we decided to move out of our old place, it was soooo hard not to dwell on all the money and time we'd spent getting it built out! But this place is turning out to be SOOOO much better, and as nice as we'd hoped. I'm actually looking forward to our bills now (electric bill is the one that will change, besides the lower rent)! May you be blessed wherever your work-journey takes you!

Thanks Renee! I am always thrilled to read how your business is thriving and moving forward.

 

[BigAl14]

Stepping back down...

Thanks for the kind thoughts. I still have my home office which is doing well, although a little slower than last year. And I do chair massage at events like golf tournaments etc. It is just sad to see the decline among the seniors when you KNOW it can help.

 

[Pompal 09.]

touch of grace

Wherever you go, Sandra, there will be a touch of grace.

 

[tongpa-nyi]

touch of grace

Wherever you go, Sandra, there will be a touch of grace.

Aww.. that got my heart. Thank you, Holley!

 

[June M]

Stepping back down...

Just wanted to share... One week before closing here, I just couldn't do it. To leave the space I have and go into a small tanning room that I couldn't even get all the way around my table was too much. I have cut way back on things I can cut back on and am currently posting to rent my front space and my son's room on the 2 days a week he isn't working.

 

[Brrrrrrin]

Stepping back down...

Glad to hear you're staying a bit longer! t001

Don't forget to advertise in our For Rent! section too. I don't see anything from you mentioned there yet (as of this post). Maybe it will help you find a good person to share with.

You may also want to try to advertise on this site: http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=28220&p=170250#p170250

I am losing my favorite elderly clients to the rise in medication prices and have decided to step down to a place where I can still offer them massages at a reduced rate. I can't do that here.

BTW, I know a therapist here in town who offers 30 min. massage for her elderly clients and it has worked out to her benefit. We were talking in general terms the other day and I got to thinking...

Perhaps you could offer "30 min. Tuesdays", or something.

As in, one day a week (or one/two day{s} a month) you offer 30 min. massage for those people who can't afford more, which would keep you in that frame of mind for that/those particular days, and allow you to continue with your regular work the rest of the time. Just brainstorming.

 

[Wavy14]

Stepping back down...

I do offer 30, 60, and 90 min massages on a regular basis. 30 min is regularly $30 but I charge my Seniors $25. I would say almost half my massages are 30 min. due to lack of time. Many mother's grab a massage while their child is at dance or ball practice and 30 min works well for them, but summer is the slowest time of year for me all the way to November. June & July due to vacations and weekend beach get-away's, August & Sept are slow because school has started and the extra expense that goes with that. October is our huge free fair in which everyone saves their money to enjoy.

I really don't want another therapist in with us as that will take business away from my son. People are going to choose a woman over a man in most cases, especially in this area. I am still trying to figure out what I want in here. I love my quiet, and honestly, I am holding back on advertising because I am trying to be so careful in who/what I get in here. I am considering getting someone to do pedicures/manicures, but I hope it isn't too loud as it is a small space. Old house with no insulation in walls.

 

[Gritz]

Stepping back down...

I really don't want another therapist in with us as that will take business away from my son. People are going to choose a woman over a man in most cases, especially in this area. I am still trying to figure out what I want in here. I love my quiet, and honestly, I am holding back on advertising because I am trying to be so careful in who/what I get in here. I am considering getting someone to do pedicures/manicures, but I hope it isn't too loud as it is a small space. Old house with no insulation in walls.

I sent you a PM, but you may want to see if you can fnd an acupuncturist to rent your space. It would be very easy to incorporate into the office, if you think it might be a fit, since they can and usually do use a massage table for their treatments.

I can help you locate lists of all ofthe acupuncture schools in the states so you could send a "Room For Rent" letter, if you think it would help.

 

[joanne342]

Stepping back down...

Another thought might be a naturopathic doctor.