The Flexible Lifestyle of a Massage Therapist
Massage therapists enjoy the benefits of a very flexible career. Therapists can work in a variety of settings, each of which comes with different responsibilities and work hours. A career in massage therapy allows you to work full- or part-time, even from your own home.
Flexible options, flexible hours
As a massage therapist, you can choose to work anywhere, from a hotel spa to a chiropractor’s office, and in locations as far as a cruise ship or as close as your own home. Many therapists work only part-time, which can significantly contribute to their financial situation yet still allow time to care for a family, for example.
Depending on the job, you might have a lot of free time—even if you work the equivalent of full-time. Therapists working aboard cruise ships may choose to only work during the main cruise season, or approximately six to eight months. Sports massage therapists who work for a particular sports team may choose to work only when that sport is in season, leaving more time for therapists to relax during that sport’s off-season. Also, some sports therapists only work when the games are in their home cities, which means the therapists may work just a few days a week.
Exciting opportunities
Many massage therapists have careers that take them to new, exciting places. As a massage therapist aboard a cruise ship, you could travel the world while bringing comfort to the ship’s passengers. As a sports massage therapist working with a sports team, you could travel the country with the team while soothing aches and injuries, and helping the players reach their potential.
Self-Employment
Massage therapy offers the unique opportunity to own your own business. Owning and running your own massage practice gives you complete control over your life and schedule. Though it takes a lot of work to get a business off the ground, being your own boss means you can set your hours, prices, techniques, everything! You might choose to set aside an area in your home for your massage practice and have your clients come to you, or you might lease space for your own practice, or you can even partner with another health and wellness provider whose services dovetail with yours and lease space together. No matter which route you take, as a self-employed massage therapist, your independence makes it easier to run your own life.
A career in massage therapy allows for much flexibility, in terms of hours, locations, and techniques. No matter where you practice massage, working as a massage therapist will let you have a lot of control over how you earn a living and how your skills can change people’s lives.