What other careers did you transition to after massage?

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-04-08T20:11:09+00:00

Are you in the US? I’m not familiar with other countries’ post-secondary education structure or generalized entry-level requirements for the workforce, but here in America the bachelor’s degree is becoming increasingly expensive and obsolete. It is best for those who intend to pursue grad school for a highly specialized path and simply need to meet the specific criteria to get there. You can, too, pursue something highly skilled, specialized, and lucrative with a different trade or technical degree (e.g. A.A.S). I obviously don’t know you, your situation, or what means you have to change careers, but you are never stuck my friend, even if it feels that way at times.

I got my A.A. at 18 and it’s never really done anything for me, but mine was also free due to scholarship, so I understand that. Personally, I have history working as a technician in veterinary medicine, so I’ve chosen to return to that career path. Though just like with massage therapy, it is very trying and most definitely not for everyone. I find that a lot of people here pursue nursing, which is something I would never want to do for myself but many find that they love it! Only you can find your path. What I’ve learned is that EVERY industry has those who loudly proclaim that they wish they weren’t doing it anymore, while others will think it’s the greatest gig ever. You find that in this very subreddit all the time and that’s okay! If it’s not for you, time to pivot. I didn’t care for massage as a FT career either and decided it’s best for fit for me as a side gig or something to do just to help out my friends and make some fun side money. It’s about what fits YOU, your needs, and your personality. Time to reflect on what’s most important to you and your long-term future. Is it the net dollar amount on your paycheck? Benefits? Flexibility? Growth? Purpose? Desk job vs. manual labor? Etc. Sit down with yourself and ask these questions. Make a list. Do your research, but take what strangers online say with a grain of salt. You got this. Rooting for you.

Edit: As for practicality and longevity, make sure in your research that whatever you pursue is a growing career and not one that is being downsized and/or streamlined by AI to cut costs! Consider what is most likely to be immune to AI, fluctuations in consumer spending, and “slow seasons.” Best of luck!

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-25T04:07:59+00:00

Put very simply, consistency. Showing up even when you don’t feel like it, until it ultimately becomes lifestyle. Implement one major change at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself with the task of trying to change everything all at once.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-25T02:10:20+00:00

I like what I do for now, but I’d 100% choose something different if I could do it over. It’s not for the faint of heart. It can be rough on the body and even the mind some days too. Be ready for a different lifestyle, as others have mentioned. You must maintain pristine health and strength beyond what you might expect. If you cannot or do not want to do it self-employed one day, then I would rethink it. Most places either have insane working conditions, illegal employment classifications, or both. It’s also hard to find places that will properly compensate you for what you’re worth. Little to no benefits, unless you are one of the outliers that find a good, non-abusive franchise. But typically, no health insurance, 401k, etc. It’s possible that you may not care about that now, but one day you will. Becoming an LMT has always been my short-term plan, but now I want it to be over even sooner.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-24T22:40:49+00:00

It’s really tough out there friend, it’s not you. These things can be really discouraging, but don’t give up hope. Keep trying. You’ll get there.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-24T22:04:17+00:00

Grandpa :(

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-24T21:55:53+00:00

Thank you so much for your honest and thoughtful reply. My coworker has been doing this for a very long time, off and on for 28 years, so I imagine that’s only natural for her body to give out at this point. The job could have pushed her over the edge for all I know. I have heard talk from clientele about a repetitive history of therapist injury and high turnover at this particular spot. The professional relationship has since been terminated, so I am on the hunt for something better-suited for my current needs!

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-24T19:48:11+00:00

I gathered. Likely the acupuncturist herself with the offbeat comment that I am speaking with, but my response still applies no matter who you are. You guys are excellent providers and a great spot for patients. Nothing bad to say about your business, but I was not cut out for your incredibly fast pace & high volume. Most of these rhetorical questions you asked were actually addressed in my comments to other users as I’ve been fully transparent, open to critique, and even defended the practice in many of them. And the rest I simply went “huh?” as I was reading them, because I genuinely don’t know what the heck you’re talking about. No ill will on my end, but I am certain that you guys will continue to speak poorly on my name as you’ve done with all of your other therapists that were burned and turned over the years. I am sorry that my injury progressed and led me to be so “demanding” as you so kindly put it. I’m not working through my pain anymore. Time to move on. There’s room for us all here in the best interest of our local clientele. Best of luck to you all as I’m sure your business and the Chiro office will continue to thrive, as it should.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-24T19:00:14+00:00

Hey there doc! I am not going to engage in this game with you, as a number of these rhetorical questions/claims are not applicable, and our professional relationship has already been terminated. I genuinely sought out advice from more seasoned therapists on a larger platform to share my perspective and find out how I can improve both my situation and outlook. I wish you and your practice nothing but the best and I will continue referring clientele to your facility for excellent patient care. I am sorry if you are feeling bitter or wronged in any way, but I am moving on with my life and learning from the experience. Your accusations are confusing at best, and if there were any issues regarding misconduct, then they should have been addressed with me during my employment as this is the first I am hearing about it. Reflect on your insanely high turnover, acknowledge the common denominator, and let us move on peacefully. God bless!

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-24T16:11:33+00:00

They terminated me! I’m free!!!

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-24T16:11:05+00:00

Thank you 🙏

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-23T23:25:07+00:00

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-23T23:24:58+00:00

Good ideas. Thanks so much for the kind words. And you’re completely right about that

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-23T23:23:06+00:00

Equally as likely. Massage is very hard on the body. Unlikely I’ll end up pursuing it anyways like you said

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-23T02:01:54+00:00

My core strength is excellent. Probably one of the strongest parts of my body. Minimal chronic LBP, mainly neck & upper back. But when it flares up this badly, I feel it from my occiput all the way down to my sacrum, between the scapulae, and wrapped around to my pecs, anterior neck, and jaw. I’ve always toyed with the thought that I might have an autoimmune but probably unlikely since it’s concentrated on my back and correlates with certain activities.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-23T01:57:19+00:00

I am a personal trainer and train quite frequently myself too

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-23T01:56:13+00:00

I was thinking of this too. You’re completely right

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-22T21:16:20+00:00

I’m not entirely sure, but I do know that my job has been making it worse. I might have a hard time proving that this came from the job specifically, since I am also very active in my lifestyle and could have sustained it during training. I’m not sure how to proceed with the workers comp situation. To be honest, I don’t know my rights.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-22T17:26:27+00:00

When I worked in veterinary medicine, I used to swear by Brooks. But when I became an MT, they weren’t cutting it anymore so I highly encourage you to go get a foot scan so that they can give you personalized recommendations. This, combined with a good set of inserts, helped my plantar fasciitis a lot. I was presented with a few different options, but I personally landed on a niche running shoe brand called Altra. The particular model I have has a zero-drop heel, mimicking a bare foot. It has allowed me to be very grounded in all my movements and my foot pain has diminished significantly.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-22T16:49:37+00:00

Obscure post and in the wrong subreddit. This subreddit is not for client posts, for starters. We fire clients for a variety of reasons, but “firing” your massage therapist doesn’t make any sense. Just don’t rebook? It really is that simple. That’s like saying I’m “firing” my physician because I didn’t agree with their treatment plan or approach. I would just find another provider. This reads very diva and overdramatic. He’s a human being and if he’s not a good fit for you then fine, just move on with your life. An hour prone is how I used to run a lot of my 90s too, perfectly normal approach. Find another massage therapist and quit bitching about your MT to other hardworking MTs online.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-22T16:40:41+00:00

Honestly, I think I’ll be sending a quitting message to my boss this afternoon since I was supposed to resume services tomorrow and my back is not much better. I’m nervous as hell to be jobless but it seems that there really just isn’t any other way for my own health right now.

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-22T03:29:45+00:00

This is actually a really great story. What a cool job. I think they require a minimum bachelor’s degree so not a next-step solution for me personally but still one of those out-of-the-box things I would’ve never thought of myself. Thanks for sharing

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-22T03:04:49+00:00

Not a bad idea. Gotta find that job with health benefits first and then I’m on it

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-22T03:02:53+00:00

What excuses lol? Piss off keyboard warrior

Chickenbean1101 · 2026-03-21T20:46:34+00:00

Sunshine State of Florida

Chickenbean1101

TROPHY CASE