So many members of the American Workforce have found themselves abruptly jobless and suddenly unemployable with too much competition vying for the same few jobs. A great many of these workers will decide that they are in need of a new career direction; and often that means additional education. Some will opt to return to a traditional college setting to pursue an advanced degree, others will attempt to learn a new skill through Internet-based education and still others will enroll in license/certification program, such as massage therapy courses.
Massage therapy is a rapidly growing industry. Only in the last few years has the average American really become aware of touch therapy, and the myriad healing benefits, both physical and emotional, of massage in all of its different varieties. A person can become a Licensed Massage Therapist in just a fraction of the time it would take to obtain most other professional degrees. Unlike many other fields, massage is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future.
Here are just a handful of flexible options available to LMTs:
- Work part time or full time.
- Work a set schedule or set your own schedule.
- Work for an established entity – i.e. salons, spas, healthcare facilities, health clubs, sports medicine clinics, cruise lines and so on or establish your own private practice, set your own hours and work as many hours as you like.
This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Most massage therapists have selected their vocation because they genuinely want to help people. It is important to remember that this is a business like any other and as with any career or venture, it is only as limited as the individual practitioner. Anyone with a good work ethic, great interpersonal skills, motivation, focus and dedication should be able to succeed in this field but it is important to remember that you are the best marketing tool you have at your disposal and your reputation will ultimately be your most valuable commodity in developing and (more importantly) retaining your clientele.