It's been a year since I've been licensed. There have been lots of changes and growth. Some uncomfortable, some surprisingly easy, some unexpected. Like getting fired. Yeah, I didn't expect that or want to admit it when it happened in July, 2010. It was a bit of a shock at the time, I felt totally blindsided . I lived, learned and have grown.
I'm now working for a chiropractor 4 days a week and have my own practice, "Dana Highfill, LMT", open on Fridays. I attempted being open every other Sunday in addition to Fridays, but it really stretches me physically to work 6 days a week. Don't worry, I'm not working 8 hour days, an average of 2-5 hours at the chiropractor and 5-7 hours with my own practice.
At the chiropractor I work every other Saturday in addition to Monday - Thursday. I receive my schedule the day before. Sometimes I only work an hour, sometimes 6 hours, sometimes nothing (often on Wednesdays). I really like the clean environment, structure and clientele. I don't like not knowing my schedule in advance and still being expected to be available if they need me. I would like to have benefits and vacation time.
Aimee Perkins, an LMT in Portland, has started a MeetUp Group for improving the massage community. I have a lot of ideas that could help us be better supported by our employers and by other massage therapists in our community. I encourage all massage therapists to check it out and attend. Read more: "My Vision for Community" November 9th, 6:30pm.
GOALS:
In 6 months time I would like to work at my own practice 2 days per week while supplementing my income at the chiropractor's.
In one year, I would like to have weekends off from massage, to work 3 days per week at the chiropractor, 2 days per week at my own office and to gross at least $2000/month. I would like to start offering classes and sessions based on my work with Quiet Thunder and private studies with Tzun Tzun.
In two years time I would like to be working 3-4 days/week primarily from my own office and making at least $3,000/month.
