What to do after school.

[Jim D]

HELP!  I am two months away from completing school and I have been offered a job at a friends brand new tanning salon.  We agreed once I'm licensed on him taking 20% for rent space, receptionist and paperwork and credit card processing.  Sounds wonderful right?  Well I'm not sure if I want to take it for several reasons.  #1 He's a friend and I've always been afraid of interferring money with frienships.  #2 Seems to me that I would be working for someone....something I do now and the reason I'm going to school.  #3 (most important) I can't get rid of this feeling in my gut that I just might make it on my own.....as I've lived here all my life and have a strong network of friends, family, etc.  I know it sounds like I've made up my mind I just would like some input.  Would someone be so kind as to give me there opinion...... :-/ ???Thank you.  Lisa  

 

[John V]

Lisa,  One thing you have to think about is the start up cost.  If starting with your friend keeps the cost down, it might be a good idea.  But, if you do it, put everything down in writting.  Are you going to be an employee or an independant contractor.  If you are an independant contractor then you set your schedule, fees, etc.  He just get the agreed apon amount of money.If you start on your own, you have rent to deal with, cost for the phone, laundry, etc. regardless of how many clients you get in the door.  Now don't get me wrong, I started on my own 6 years ago.  I did OK for the first few months, but I had money set aside to pay the bills just incase.  I know have 3 therapist working here as independant contractors.  If you don't have access to some extra cash it might be a good idea to let your friend take the risk at first and then move on after you have built up some clientele.  He has to understand that risk, or he wouldn't have made the offer.Another thought, what will you do for an answering service w/o the receptionist.  I started with a voicemail account and I now have a receptionist part time. Dale

 

[brooklincook]

What to do after school.

Definetly get it in writing! When I graduated massage school I was going to rent a vacant space next to a friend's hair salon. I was going to start a wellness center offering a variety of different services etc. This friend came to me and suggested we do a joint venture and combine both sides to form a dayspa. She had already discussed it with the landlord and he was willing to let her cut an archway to combine both sides. I had been friends with this girl since kindergarten and I am now 31 yrs old. To make a long story short, she took over the whole thing. Everyday she made changes that were never discussed with me. Then she wanted me to sit around, answer the salon phone and wait for walk ins. I am no longer there and she and I are no longer friends. I suggest you get it in writing whether he is a friend or not. I am now starting up the wellness center I wanted in the first place.

 

[surfinboy360]

What to do after school.

In a group of massage therapists I am in They say it can take up to 2 years to get started and not to dispair