UPDATED Pros + Cons of Being a Massage Therapist 2023 | career growth, working weekends, etc.

[@julianbrittain3678]

I graduate this month and I’ve been looking for a channel all about massage therapy so I’m very grateful for you! Think about starting my own too.

[@JackieEm]

That’s amazing!! Wishing you the best and let me know when you make your channel 🥰🥰🥰

[@slamdeencustoms6959]

How was school for you?

[@davidwhitney1171]

My wife, who has a nursing background, worked as a certified massage therapist for some years- she loved it but it was eventually a physical burnout. But her clients loved her for her skills and personality . I have only the greatest respect for massage therapists....

[@JackieEm]

That’s amazing! And I have such deep respect for nurses! It can definitely be tiring. You just have to know your body and make sure you don’t push yourself too much 🥰🥰

[@1990chula]

Im in Florida went to school for massage therapy 10 years ago trying to pass this Mblex I’ve been working other jobs and later on I wanted to own a spa or go back to school for nursing in my early 30 Idkk if it’s a good idea? 😊

[@E.m.i.l.y.blessed]

Thank you for your words. I’m sitting here at my desk job thinking of changing my career.

[@JackieEm]

do lots of research! But I do love my job not gonna lie :)

[@rogeriorodriguez1212]

First and foremost thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I myself stay in Southern California, and I am in my beginning steps of going to massage therapy school and getting my certification so that I can become a licensed massage therapist in Southern California. Thank you for making this video and please make more videos like this excellent video

[@JackieEm]

So happy to have you here in this community 🥰🥰 did you find a school yet?

[@rogeriorodriguez1212]

@@JackieEm no, not yet can you please recommend a school that would certify me? I would greatly appreciate that thank you in advance, please try to stay safe in this stormy weather we're having in Southern California it is an El Nino rain season

[@mattgavin1022]

This was SO HELPFUL. I plan to go to massage school this fall to transition out of my marketing career, and your insights confirmed I’m making the right decision. Thank you!

[@JackieEm]

That’s awesome! Are you tired of marketing now?

[@mattgavin1022]

@@JackieEm I still enjoy aspects of it, but I’ve always struggled with having a desk job, and massage therapy aligns with my desire to help people. Being able to work independently and control my schedule are also huge pluses!

[@binaturist5949]

"Work less and charge more." Hmmm,... you might want to mention that if one goes into private practice, it tends to be feast or famine as there will be times when you don't have clients, and no clients means no income. Additionally, when you work for yourself, you have NO paid sick/vacation time, retirement plan, and you don't collect time and a half for overtime; you only get paid for what you do , - no benefits. A nother thing is that LMTs get solicited from time to time by clients for more than a 'massage,' and you have to figure out how to deal with that; turn them down, refer them to someone that you know of that does that kind of stuff, or if you're in a famine stage do you chance it 'cause you really need the income? You're very correct in saying that this profession is not for everybody.

[@JackieEm]

True!

[@Texasgirlinacrazyworld]

Nothing wrong with a little rub-n-tug if the provider wants to do it. Lol. You can do both.

[@LadyBeeSting2434]

I think you would be a great counter strain person since you are so passionate about holistic health. Thanks for the information:)

[@JackieEm]

I’ll definitely look into that!

[@MrStreetninja007]

After being a massage therapist for years now I find Myself usually trying to Talk people out of going into the field Because it is a hard way to make a living And I usually tell people if they really want to pursue it I would advise having a partner who has a good stable income

[@JackieEm]

That’s also a valid and good perspective! It really depends on if someone’s body can handle the massages, how many clients they have, where they work and if they pay them well, etc! There are def pro and cons ☺️ It’s true I have a partner with a good stable income so it’s easier for me! Will be more taxing on the body if I was single!

[@MrStreetninja007]

@@JackieEm lol ya most ove found in the industry who are doing "great" usually do and ya if your single your body will get wrecked trying to do ebough to just get by on bills if you can even manage to get enough clients thats one thing i wish school's told students is its not stable guaranteed income at all starting out or even years into it there are slow periods

[@JackieEm]

@@MrStreetninja007 true, it also depends what kind of spa you work at too, if they pay pretty well. And also what state you live in! But yeah all just depends

[@reannfrantz9102]

100 percent agree.

[@superpizza4]

Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed, no matter what field you're in. But, it's good to have options.

[@forlornhauntedghost]

Ive been a therpist for over 2 years as well!

[@JackieEm]

How are you liking it? ☺️

[@Eritreanlěêleti]

What’s the money like?

[@gigi4258]

Thank you for this video!

[@JackieEm]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@gooddaymate1171]

Love your videos, Jackie. I actually got laid off my IT job recently and have been looking into a totally different career. I love wellness and have always been into fitness and am physically fit. This job does pique my interest. Are you registered or non-registered therapist?

[@JackieEm]

I love wellness too! Have you ever massages before? I am now a Licensed massage therapist :) which I think is equivalent to a RMT :)

[@gooddaymate1171]

@@JackieEm most of my friends, both male and female ask me for shoulder, back and neck massages and fall asleep in the process :) They actually love it and keep telling me to pursue massage therapy. I have strong hands, but can adjust pressure to the person's liking easily.

[@s23som]

Its a physical job, you’ll be put to work. Especially if you put in 6-8 hours a day of massage.

[@laninaru]

Can you give advice on what kind of questions to ask the schools I'm looking into? Or Make a Video for us? Thank You

[@JackieEm]

I’ll def make a video on this! But I just made a short about what to look for in a massage program!

[@laninaru]

@@JackieEm Thank You Jackie

[@britj14]

I am going to start school this fall but am nervous about benefits and insurance because I have had good benefits and coverage in past jobs and nervous what will be offered with massage.

[@JackieEm]

I understand! But just find a reputable company that has good benefits and you’ll be just fine! My spa I work at has good benefits but fortunately I am under my hubbys insurance :) but at least I know my company offers it too! So just make sure you work somewhere where they have insurance too!

[@britj14]

@@JackieEm are there any options if your independent?

[@143Plenty]

thanks!

[@JackieEm]

No problem!

[@jasminepowell5793]

What are the good benefits to look for when your job searching?

[@JackieEm]

I would say, how many clients do the massage therapists usually have a day? You don’t want to do 6 or 7 clients everyday since you’ll get burned out fast. And some companies burn out their employees! So ask if they are flexible with the number of clients you can get. Also are they organized? Do you get two 15 min breaks? How long is your lunch? Do they offer health care for full time employees? Is the pay reasonable? Let me know if this helps!

[@jasminepowell5793]

@@JackieEm yes this does help I am still deciding if this is the route for me as it would be a career switch for me. So far it seems like it would be a good fit.

[@Eritreanlěêleti]

What are you making?

[@herc213]

Thank you for this informative video. I was considering a career in massage therapy after i achieved my reiki master certification in 2022 & i'll continue to do my research and make a decision.

[@JackieEm]

Lemme know what you choose! I think massage and reiki go hand in hand ☺️

[@herc213]

@@JackieEm noted 🙏🏾😇✨💯

[@kayred5846]

Hopefully someone can answer this since I'm late to this video! I'm seriously considering becoming a massage therapist and I was wondering, does this job require working weekends or working most weekends? That's the only thing that makes me hesitant about this career. I don't love the idea of having to work most weekends and I feel like if you work at a spa or massage chain that weekends would be the busiest days? I would be totally fine if it's one weekend a month or something but if this something where I'd work most weekends that really turns me off. Thanks!

[@JackieEm]

Hi! So yes most spas require you to work weekends but it’s also a flexible job so hopefully you don’t have to work many hours or maybe you only have to work every other weekend. For me, I work 4 hours on Saturdays. The good thing though is that you don’t really work a full day 8 hours.

[@i_am_fabulous8173]

Hello Jackie. Love your videos! If you don't mind sharing, could you provide some insights on how to attract personal clients independent of your job at the spa?

[@JackieEm]

Yes! We’ll mostly I’ve gotten private clients from referrals and friends! But I can do a video more in depth on this topic 🥰

[@Eltonbandayrel]

How many hours do you work a week?

[@JackieEm]

Hi! I work 22 hours on average per week:)

[@Eltonbandayrel]

Thanks @@JackieEm please keep making awesome content like this.

[@janet8832]

Hi Jackie! Do you happen to know how to transfer from a different state. I’m in Texas and I am licensed and have to take a 500hr course and an exam. What is it like in California and how would I transfer that over? I tried looking online seemed a little confusing

[@cruzden6140]

from my understanding, in CA there is no license requirement and certification is optional (however you will likely want to be certified to practice more freely) through CAMTC to practice anywhere in CA (otherwise you would have to meet the requirements of the specific county/city you practice in, which can require certification anyway). this link seems helpful although it doesn’t list exactly how to initiate the transfer, it explains the reqs for out of state licenses www.camtc.org/requirements-to-certify/

[@JackieEm]

You may actually already have all your requirements. You may need to apply for the California certification for massage therapy. But I’d also reach out to a school and ask if you already have all the requirements to work in California! California doesn’t require the MBLEX as well so I think you’re set!

[@PrincessSicada]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😌

[@1990chula]

I know other states do require the Mblex 😊

[@MeganSliger]

Hey Jackie! I am currently a teacher and am super interested in becoming a massage therapist. I am 6'1 and have always been super tall. My worry is that I will be "hunched" over the table and will hurt my back as well. Do you have any advice about that? Also, do you have any advice on the schooling? I know that it is 6 months, so most things are accelerated, so I was just wondering if you had any advice for that.

[@JackieEm]

Good advice @BrandynAF 🙂 yes you can adjust the tables to your height so that should be no problem! And what specific questions do you have about schooling? Like what we learn?

[@JackieEm]

Very true!

[@travelerharishpahadi6204]

Very Nice Video 👌👌👌👌So Beautiful 👌👌👌👌

[@JackieEm]

Thank you 😊😊

[@drajuliana2009]

Hi Jackie, Do you think that a person who suffers from back problems should bet on this profession? Congratulations on your chann

[@JackieEm]

Depends on what kind of back problem. I have scoliosis and this job doesn’t both me. You just need to take care of yourself more than the usual. Like I try to get massages as much as possible and also use good body mechanics. However if it’s hard to bend your back it might be a problem!

[@drajuliana2009]

@@JackieEm My spine is not very healthy, I have scoliosis and herniated disc, but I identify with the profession...greetings from Brazil

[@Texasgirlinacrazyworld]

@@JackieEmwhat about if I have stage 3 degeneration in my neck?? C5, C6…..Im afraid I will be looking down all the time…

[@waniahwaniah8114]

HALLO jacky i'm therapist from indonesia work in turky How are you

[@JackieEm]

I am good! How are you?

[@waniahwaniah8114]

Hallo

[@JackieEm]

Hi!

[@gulcincengiz3937]

Did you get board exam after graduation in California?

[@JackieEm]

You don’t need to take the exam to start working in California . You just need to complete the program. But I am studying to take the exam anyways!

[@johnwall3976]

​@@JackieEm is there any big difference when it comes to pay rate?

[@Fargosportsmassage]

@@JackieEm hi Juan here License Reflexologist since 2001… after 3 years I graduated I started to study by myself(since colleges and universities are MAFIA)…cranial nerves .. anatomy.. brachial plexus anatomy and dysfunction….cranial nerves dysfunction .. also manipulation and nerves management…Asian and India. Chiropractic techniques.. nutrition then.. I bought a Chiro. table..physical therapy table high low…. Now my practice is very high .. specialized in muscular and nerves injuries.. $ 100 per hour.. mostly the time are 2 hours treatments. $ 200 per client.. I do 1 per day that is my politic…. Usually I have 5 clients per week.. you figured out…. I recommend you to do the same… and praise God every single day. I use my rent apartment as office.. 3 rooms 1 big living room .. big bathroom..❤

[@jasmineelizabeth4873]

@8:13 who saw it? Cutie pie❤

[@JackieEm]

She’s the cutest!

[@TingTong2568]

Hi Jackie. You are so beautiful and amazing. Sending love❤

[@JackieEm]

Thank you!

[@neesied69]

I've been a licensed massage therapist for 13 years and really enjoyed your video. Thank you!

[@JackieEm]

That’s so awesome!! Hopefully I can make it to 13 years!

[@reaganbrinkerhoff9567]

Do you like it even after 13 years?