Hello from Utah!

[patmanutah]

Hi!

I am 33 years old and married with 3 kids. I have been in various forms of "Customer Service" all of my life and have been looking for a new skill to pick up. I got my first massage ever from a local massage school, and knew this was what I wanted to do. My immediate thought is "this career would be so relaxing"... I'm starting school Aug 1st, and will graduate July of 2012. I'm looking forward to learning from everyone on this board, to further my knowledge as I'm going to school.

[riversinger]

Welcome to the forum! There's a great deal to learn, not just about the art of massage, but everything that goes along with it, including learning about yourself as you move through your training & into the journey that awaits you as an MT.

It is a wonderful & rewarding career field, though I wouldn't necessarily always consider it relaxing - but it can be what you make it. Keep in mind you have to take care of yourself & your body, as much as you will your future clients, and be sure to receive sessions as much as possible. Not only will it serve your body well, but also your own mental/emotional state too - plus you'll learn a great deal from how other practitioners work & the techniques they use as well. Good luck to you!

[Taoist]

Hello back from Utah and welcome to BWOL! Where are you attending school?

[MarionFM]

Welcome to BWOL! Good luck with your studies.

[akashafive]

Welcome! While many wouldn't consider MT relaxing per say, I think you can make it as relaxing as you want it to be! It's all about how you want to work and how you go about creating that environment/situation for yourself.

I heard all the warnings about using proper body mechanics and not over working myself and decided right from the start that I would do everything I could to NOT have to do everything. It won't work for everybody, depends greatly on your financial skills, and may seem downright lazy but right from the start I decided that I was only going to work the days/hours that I wanted to work and not a minute more. I'm of the mind that instead of working until I tire and need to rest, don't let my body get to that point in the first place. This approach is a great exercise in setting and keeping boundaries. Keeping healthy and stretching helps a lot too, and get massages!

Good luck and keep us updated!

[patmanutah]

Hello back from Utah and welcome to BWOL! Where are you attending school?

I am going to the Utah College Of Massage Therapy, at their Lindon Campus.

Thank you everyone for your welcoming messages. Although I understand as a MT, it will not by any means be "easy"...I guess what I meant by that comment is more that I will be in more control than I am now. I am in charge of a support department for a small company right now, and there is that constant pressure of keeping customers and my bosses happy. There are days I literally work 20 hours, while not making more than I make now (on salary). I'm underpaid and to be honest under appreciated. It will be nice to have someone walk away after I've done my part and know that they're going to have a better day because of it. I'm naturally a giving person and anywhere I've worked, I have always missed the positive reinforcement and basic "good job" type of feedback. It has always amazed me that companies or people miss out on keeping good employees because those employees feel like they're being worked to the bone, then tossed aside...when a simple thank you would keep them happy and willing to work. Sorry, guess that will be a discussion for a different area .

I have been looking for ways to be self-employed, and this just seems to fit in with my goal. I've tried many other ways, and it always came full circle and I was back where I started. I've gone to school in Business Management and Computers, but ended up working in a call center, or still answering to a boss that just didn't seem to care or listen. This is where my schooling as a MT will come in...I will be in full control of my future.

[Taoist]

Hello back from Utah and welcome to BWOL! Where are you attending school?

I am going to the Utah College Of Massage Therapy, at their Lindon Campus.

Yay, that's where I went (D01-39)! I loved it!! I hope you have a blast!!

[HealingMassageUT]

Hi, Pat, and Taoist,

I'm also just registering here--I'm a recent graduate of the UCMT Lindon campus, as well (Graduated in March 2011).

I also loved it...

I've been growing my own private practice for the last several months. LOVE the tips here on this site!

I'm still actively engaged in visiting the campus and getting regular massages--I should request you sometime, Pat!! :-)

Best,
Darin

[patmanutah]

Darin, since you have recently graduated. I am wondering how easy it is to find clients in Utah for a private practice? I know there are a lot of variables involved and what works for you may not work for me...but all that aside, how is the Utah private practice atmosphere?

[pueppi]

... how is the Utah private practice atmosphere?

You may want to post this question in: County, State & Country Requirements, Legislation and Politics or Business Issues & Marketing Discussion if you'd like to hear more opinions on the subject.

Welcome!

[CapeTownBodyWorker]

Hello back atcha from Cape Town, and good luck with your studies