Skilled Hands: My Career As A Massage Therapist

When I was young, my father would often call me into the living room with him after we ate supper

. He would then lie down on his rocking chair and place my hand on his back. This was his way of asking me to try to get rid of the knots that were bothering him. I didn't really like giving him little massages, but over the years he had given me massages when I wasn't feeling well. Whenever I really didn't want to help I would ask why he never asked my mother for massages. He always told me that she already knew how to give massages and that he wanted me to learn. He said it was a valuable skill to have because it is a simple way to help others and to brighten someone's day. Of course I would still grumble about it, but I eventually realized that he was right.

As I grew up, I learned more about massage. I researched techniques online, especially information about relieving certain pains so I could give better massages. As I researched I discovered that I just wanted to keep learning. I wanted to receive proper instruction. At the time I was often giving free massages to friends and relatives, and they said I did very well. Their compliments inspired me to turn my hobby into a profession. I continued massage as a hobby through high school. I even had a few paying customers during my senior year.

After I graduated high school I immediately enrolled in a massage therapy program. It was great because I was learning a lot. My classes involved lecture and hands-on workshops. I especially liked the workshops because they gave me the chance to practice what I had learned in a constructive environment with other students. Initially, the program was a little expensive because I had to buy massage supplies that were pretty pricey. I got past this little snag by focusing on my school work.

Once I finished the relatively short program I started looking for a job. There were quite a few openings in my area so it was not too difficult to find a job. My first job wasn't glamorous, but I was able to practice what I had learned and that made me happy. While I was at my first job I saved as much money as I could so that one day I would be able to own my own business.

Several years later I was able to achieve my dream. I was fortunate enough to have a classmate as a coworker a year after I started my job. We were often in the same workshop group at school, so we got to know each other and became friends. I told her about my idea of starting a business and she was interested. It took us several years to save up enough money to personally finance part of the business.

Now we own our own massage therapy clinic. At first we had a little trouble jump-starting the business, but once some of our old customers came in and our advertising picked up the business took off. At present, we are planning on expanding our staff and our services offered. We're thinking about turning the business into a spa to pamper our clients. Whether this happens or not I am proud of our business. I am happy that I am a co-owner of a business where I can share my ability as a massage therapist. Every day I get to come to work to help others and hopefully brighten their day.

by: Caitlin Roberts

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