Working in massage- pitfalls- please respond!

Comment

Comment by Carma Nibarger on October 2, 2009 at 11:42pm

also- and I know this is all like tra-la-la candyland idealism, but who said anything about a monthly fee? Maybe I don't want a union, but I just want my association to do more MT advocacy, and I wish I had a larger organization to stand behind me (and my fellow spa-workers) and hash out what's fair and what's not w. employers. Although, living in Chicago, in Illinois, I do see the fear- like, oh no, one more thing to get corrupted...
I kind of wonder if the NCBTMB is getting corrupted w. the disallowing of online ceus. I'm not a huge fan of online courses, but you've got to admit, there are some classes that you can read and do on your own.
sigh.
I've never thought of myself as one to get riled up... People change, I guess

Comment by Carma Nibarger on October 2, 2009 at 11:31pm

I'm w. ABMP, but I didn't realize they offered disability and liability insurance... interesting.
Also, don't all sates require liability insurance by now? Maybe not vermont, the rebels. Everyone's feedback is interesting, please keep responding

Comment by Carma Nibarger on September 28, 2009 at 10:51am

Well, I've always said that I think that the CEU requirements are a good thing. My school was very upfront in saying that what you learn in massage school is just a base, there's so much more to learn (lifetime learning!). I guess what I would want out of a union, is a larger organization that could negotiate and advocate for MTs. I would want it to be an option- something for spa/medical workers, not necessarily for the folks that are running their own business, and those on the board would be working MTs. I have a feeling that the folks who are making are not working MTs and don't know what it's like to constantly feel like you're being taken advantage of.

Look, I know there are good spas out there, and there are chiropractors, PTs who will pay more than $14.

So I'm not trying to be super negative, (regardless of how it might sound) but I'd like to clear the air and say that I like the continuing ed requirements. They enhance our knowledge and body of practice, and lead us to be better healers. But you can't ignore that they are pricey, take time, and are for some unknown reason always hosted on weekends. And here I am speaking not as an advocate for myself, but for the type of MT I want to be, I don't think it's fair that MTs who have been working for 10 years, MTs who have that enhanced education, experience make the same amount as MTs who have only been working for 2 years.

And in spa/med settings, that's pretty much what it's like.

I realize that I'm speaking out for a minority of MTs. And it may be very tempting for you to shrug and say, "get another job." But you know as well as I do, everything is connected. What effects me, will in some way or another have an affect on you, and vice versa. So, while a union may not be the answer. Ignoring that this is a problem is also not the answer.

Which is why I set this blog up. To hear as many sides as possible, and get an open discussion going.

Comment by Travis Alligood on September 28, 2009 at 6:05am

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 !

Comment by Terry Craddock on September 27, 2009 at 7:10pm

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

Comment by Carma Nibarger on September 26, 2009 at 7:12am

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.

Comment by Julie Onofrio on September 25, 2009 at 7:09pm

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