Nine Reasons to Enter the Massage or Bodywork Industry

I wanted to compile a list of nine reasons one might want to enter the massage or bodywork field for people who are contemplating entering the profession. There are myriad reasons, and I'm sure every therapist today could give you a different list -- shorter or longer. I will concede that there are certainly more than nine reasons, but after pondering for a long while, I thought these nine points would best answer the question I posed to myself many years ago, "What are nine reasons to enter the massage or bodywork industry?" Ten is such a cliche number which is why I chose only nine.

1. Do you enjoy helping people, whether it's helping them relax or overcome injuries? Does making a positive impact on people's lives interest you? More often than not, people who will come to you for bodywork will always be happy to see you because they know they're going to feel much better at the end of the session. If that appeals to you, this field is a good one to explore. There are so many specialties and niches, too, within the massage and bodywork industry you could really fashion your business to fit your strengths and enjoyment.


2. Would you enjoy having an occupation where people look to you as a highly trained and knowledgeable professional who can help them feel better? While some people may have a negative or ambivalent view of massage and massage therapists, more and more people are looking to massage therapists, in particular those who are state or nationally certified as experts in wellness, to improve their quality of life. A certified therapist often enjoys an elevated status within their field; though certification doesn't necessarily make a better therapist out of a mediocre therapist, but it does tend to lend more credibility to those who are certified.


3. Are you more of an independent spirit who enjoys more physical work? The massage and bodywork is growing by leaps and bounds, providing numerous opportunities for those who aren't 9-5, sit-at-a-desk types. One area in particular that is most attractive to those who are more independently inclined is mobile massage.


4. Need a career that gives you flexibility, enabling you to run errands, pick up the kids, care for an elderly parent, or pursue other interests and/or hobbies? If so, the massage and bodywork industry has varying situations that give you options to help with your particular time management needs. If you choose to work for a spa or hotel, you'll most likely have morning, afternoon or evening shifts available, split shifts or a combination of some sort available to you. More than likely you'll have to work weekends, but while it's mostly the case, it's not always the case. Also, if you choose to work on your own, whether mobile or in an office or studio, you'll be able to set your own hours.


5. Do you like the idea of working in a posh setting, dealing with high-end clients? Talented therapists can secure jobs in four or five-star hotels where the pay is typically higher, the gratuities are significant and the surroundings are beautiful to magnificent. If you a lucky enough to secure a full-time position, you'll receive benefits that include health insurance, vacation (most hotels will offer discounted rooms in hotels within their brand throughout the country or even the world), sick pay and pension options.


6. Would you enjoy a career that allows you to travel the world? Massage therapists are an important commodity on cruise ships. It's not a lifestyle for just anyone, particular homebodies, but for the young, adventurous and unattached, it's an excellent way to see the world while working (and living) with people from all over the world.


7. Does a field focused on health and well-being appeal to you? While it's true there are therapists who get into the field only because of the potential of higher pay (which saddens me greatly), having no interest at all in health or well-being, the majority of people who get into the field enjoy working in an occupation that promotes a more healthy lifestyle. Additionally, people who get massages on a regular basis tend to be those interested in leading a healthier or more holistic lifestyle than the average person. Your options of the type of environment in which you'd like to work stressing health and well-being can include holistic spas, hotel settings, cruise ships, chiropractic offices or even hospital settings, peoples' homes and offices.


8. If you like the idea of working 20-30 hours a week or less, making the same or higher income than some people do working a 40 hour week, the massage and bodywork field is an excellent option. Not all massage or bodywork positions are created equal, however, so some will offer average pay, some lower and some much higher than the average job. What's the potential range of pay? Reasonable estimates would be from about $15-20 per hour to as high as $100 or more per hour. Obviously somewhere in the middle is more the average pay you could expect. Keep in mind, too, a typical massage therapist position is not a 40 hour a week gig with a steady income. You'll have ebbs and flows depending on where you live and in what environment you work, what the season is and of course, your level of skill and experience.


9. Do you enjoy meeting new people from different walks of life with interesting stories and lives? Whether you work in a spa or hotel setting or for yourself, massage therapy is a wonderful occupation if you are a people person. The people you massage can really expand your own horizons as you'll find some of your customers, as a form of stress release, will want to talk to you while they're having their massage, and will tell you interesting stories about their lives or businesses. Even if you're not necessarily a people person per se, this is an excellent field to explore because many of your clients will probably be sleeping through the majority of your time with them.

As I mentioned before, this list can certainly be added to, but these nine reasons to enter the massage or bodywork field, I believe, are a good start for anyone who is contemplating entering this fun and rewarding industry..