Working in massage- pitfalls- please respond!

by Carma Nibarger

Sep 23, 2009

I'm looking for a forum, but in the meantime, I want to post a quickie highlighting some of my concerns about working in massage. a) pros/cons of forming a massage therapy union which could only be run by working massage therapists. I live in Illinois, land of the corrupt, and don't think that the folks who are running our networks, schools, boards, are hands-on enough in massage to understand the potential pitfalls of this work. For instance, one of my colleagues has told me stories of working in a spa that paid in bad checks, offered massages so discounted that at the end of the day she was making less than minimum wage. Keep in mind, Illinois is a licensed state, (requires money, CEUs). I mean, I get that the market is flooded with massage therapists, but I also get that as more is required of us, perhaps we should stand together and demand more of our employers and of our massage network/insurance. b) what happens if we are injured (either on the job or off-duty) and cannot work? I've only been an MT for 2 years- still kind of a newbie, but I think that my queries are valid. Please respond! I really would like to hear more opinions than my own.

  • Julie Onofrio

    There is always some talk of forming unions. I don't know much about unions except from what I hear about them causing the auto companies to fail. Sometimes unions just seem like a bunch of adults stamping their feet instead of just asking for what they want and if they don't get it - go on and find or create what you want. I also don't like the idea that everyone would be paid the same salary ranges - there are many good massage therapists that deserve to make more when they do things like get more repeat clients. I am not sure if that would change.

    Yes there are many stories about people getting screwed in jobs. The main reason I think is that massage therapists just continue to take such jobs and stay there making the employer think it is ok. Massage jobs are fairly a recent phenomenon. When I started 20 years ago there were NO jobs at all. Everyone started their own business or was an IC.

    I think the best option is for associations to help more to keep massage therapists informed and offer ce classes where massage therapists can learn about getting and finding a job or creating their own business and also having places to share info and insights like this forum.

    If you are injured and an employee you should get disability pay just like any other profession.

    I don't think the massage schools teach how to do this but they could do more too.

    Julie

    Sep 25, 2009

  • Carma Nibarger

    Thanks for responding!
    You know, what you say about everyone getting paid the same amount. You're right, I don't think that's fair. In every other business (I'm generalizing) experience + education= more value. Maybe it's because I work for a spa in a hotel setting, so repeat business is a) few and far between because most of my clients are from out of town b) booking and marketing are in the hands of my employer. But I work with some very talented MTs, who have been massaging folks for 5+ years (I only have 2 years), and we all get paid the same amount... although they do get priority over clients- but that's just because they've been w. the company longer.
    I don't know, I guess in my perfect world the union would be an option- something set up for those in "jobs," and not running our own businesses.
    But I also know that a lot of idealism can lead down a dark path (which is why I like hearing other opinions!).

    And you're right, I think massage schools should do more career prep-work for their students.

    Sep 26, 2009

  • Terry Craddock

    Carma,
    I guess that I come from the old school of thought...Buyer Beware..It makes no difference as to what side of the desk that you sit on. Home work is the first priority.. In your case..It is important for to investigate the company that you are considering to apply to. I would need to look at their client base,I would need to look at who they have as therapist, I would need to investigate the reputation they have developed ( both therapist and company).I would also book an appointment and get a massage, once there,I would ask the therapist what they think of the field and then ask about the company...

    there are a lot of people out there that are not nice or good. some even operate massage practices... some even present themselves as an M.T.
    I believe that one has to be careful and chose wisely.I personaly would not work for a union shop. too many bosses with differing values and needs. I chose to work for my clients

    Sep 27, 2009

  • Travis Alligood

    Hello everyone ,
    Just a COMMENT on the union blog. No I do not think that massage therapy should ever become union, first if students are not getting out of school what they need, I think they should ask more questions wether they sound ludicrous or not, we all paid for our education as well we will pay for ce. What I`m trying to say is though we are all required to get ces for licensure.If we were union would we go beyond the call for more education or not? I hope I never get to the point that I can not learn anymore and also always have the right to choose whatever modialitie that I take a liking to learn more about. My passion is to help people to feel better about getting out of bed each day and facing the challenges that are ask of them.I love my prfession and being a newby in this field (9months), I dig getting educated because I have set my intentions on being in my 2nd career for a very long time. A whole lot of conversation can be made with this subject, and may all of our massage leaders always have the right answers to make our profession a success. Peace to all !

    Sep 28, 2009