fundmycollege's Massage Interview
Do you remember your first client ? Tell us something about that first day when you decided to be a Masseur!
Of course! I don't think I've ever had a client that didn't have something unique or special that made them memorable. That first time I remember being really nervous, trying so hard to make sure that the room was perfect. I was so anxious until the moment they walked in the door. It was like a switch was flipped. I suddenly remembered that it wasn't about me, but about them, or more accurately, "us." Things felt natural and sincere when I chose this perspective, and I left the experience glowing. My client insisted that I must be very busy but would like to make an appointment for the following week if I had any availability or cancellations. I informed him that it would not be a problem, my schedule was very free as he was my first client ever. He did not believe me.
Some people say that being a Masseur is addictive. Would you miss your Masseur days ?
I am a spontaneous, independent person, which is why I got into the masseur business in the first place. I like how my schedule is fairly flexible, I have opportunities to travel, and I meet all sorts of interesting people. These are the addicting aspects of the job, and at the moment it is just what I need. As a student, I cannot predict how every day will go and I need a job that can can give me a little leeway. One day, I'm told I will crave stability and predictability in my schedule, and I'm sure I'll have a degree or two to afford me that type of lifestyle when that day comes, but until then....
Do you consider yourself a successful Masseur?
I'd have to define what success looks like in this context. To me, it is the feeling and thought process of a client after the massage. Do they feel that they got what they paid for? Were they treated well? Was I respectful? Were my pictures accurate? Was my ad misleading or insincere? I don't think I should be the one to answer these type of questions. I insist that my clients leave honest reviews so I will let those define my success as a masseur.
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like your clients to absolutely know about you?
I tend to be an extremist with everything I do. You can apply this to the good and the bad, strength and weakness. With relationships and friendships I am passionate and involved, and I have a number of hobbies and interests that I actively pursue including my job as a masseur. I like that about myself, kind of all or nothing if you will. On the flip side, it seems that sometimes I am overly invested and don't know when to quit. I will be the first one at the coffee shop and the last one to leave approaching midterms or final exams and this serves me to and extent, but I sometimes have to take a step back. I have too remind myself that there isn't really any point if you're not having fun.
How would you like someone that contacts you for a massage to feel when they leave?
I want them to feel new again. I intend to help my clients remove any baggage from the week prior, find peace in the present, and remind them of the human touch as the best medicine.
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I really like the outdoors: camping, backpacking, hiking, etc. I'm also very drawn to water and like spending time at the beach, swimming, fishing, playing water polo, I know how to sail, surfing...
Let's see, I spend a lot of time at school and always hit the gym when I can and strangely I'm an avid reader. I'm sure I have a lot more, but that enough for right now.
Why did you become a Masseur?
Honestly I hit hard times: I got laid of at work, ended a relationship, and was struggling to balance with all the other life things that go on. I used to do this when I was twenty years old, so I thought I would give it another whirl four years later. It felt like the natural thing to do in my situation so I just went with it.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a Masseur?
Don't do it for the money. I hate when something feels a transaction and I can tell that clients do to. Focus on the massage, enjoy the massage on your end, and people will respond much better.
What distinguishes you from all the other Masseurs?
I am extremely passionate and dedicated to providing an excellent massage, but for me this is not the end game. This job allows me to have a flexible work schedule, giving me time to attend to my schoolwork when it is demanding and book more appointments when the course load is less. That being said, I have the burden of putting my all into everything I do and work hard to provide a quality massage every time even though I do not plan to make a career out of it.
How long have you been a Masseur and how long do think you'd like to continue?
I've been off and on since I was twenty years old. Honestly, I don't know when I'll be done with it. I think I'll just feel it or it will no longer be compatible with my lifestyle.
How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody?
I like to travel, but do not always have the means. School kind of locks you down while in session and money can be tight, but I travel when I can and stay optimistic. One day, I will make it to Europe if I stay on my course and that is enough for me right now.
Is extensive training necessary for a Masseur in order to be successful?
I don't think so. I've found that a lot of massage is intuition, feeling how someone responds to certain pressure and reacting in my own way. If you are looking for more than a "feel good" type of massage, I may not be your guy, and I'm not afraid to admit that and do not claim to be a therapeutic masseur. I cannot promise to make you walk again but I can guarantee that you will feel good when I give you a massage and that's that.
How do you like clients to feel about the experience when they leave?
I want them to feel light, like everything heavy--stress, anxiety, etc.--is suddenly not so heavy, maybe not even there at all. Instead they are relieved and relaxed, and you can see a glow in their face as they carry the experience even after we have gone our separate ways.