We Asked: If you have been in the massage field for 10 years or more, what is your secret to career longevity?

Here is what you told us...

Most important to my more than 25 years in this profession is a deep connection to people. Also, I get massages to take care of myself and remind myself of how much good they do. it helps to continue learning technique and theory. Also crucial is to train for the physical demands of strength, flexibility and endurance, and the emotional challenges of such an intimate work.
Beverly May
Redwood City, California

I give a very strong, deep massage. It's a workout, but it has kept me in shape. In addition to working hard one must work smart. In the past 20 years I have tried every conceivable work situation and conclude that a home office is the most profitable. I'm available when clients call and I have almost no overhead.
Dennis Davis
McAllen, Texas

I have been practicing since 1979. We must take care of ourselves first in order to take care of our clients. For self-care: keep fit, eat well, rest between sessions, refrain from an assembly-line workload, and get enough sleep.
Bruria Ginton-Lavender
Manhattan, New York

My secret to career longevity lies in the passion and belief I have for massage. I believe it creates changes in healing for me as well as my clients. Proper training, proper breathing and constant hand care are necessary for career longevity. Consistency, dedication and love for what I do has given me over 34 years of practice in my profession.
Patricia M. Donohue
Lindenhurst, New York

I started practicing in 1969, but wasn't full time until 1988. It helps a lot if you like people, and communicate well, to get them to relax. Back into it slowly...don't quit your day job. Your muscles and bio-mechanics will take time to develop. Observation of others and exchanges can be more enlightening than school.
Craig Denega
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I have been practicing massage therapy for 21 years now. I take good care of myself through massage, acupuncture, baths, play and sleep, and absolutely love the profession.
Maureen Moon
Boulder, Colorado

I started my massage practice in 1981 and now consider myself retired (1998). Because I owned my own business I had control of my time off so that I could always take care of myself, which kept me present for my clients and active in my children's lives. The more at peace you are with yourself the better you feel and the more energy you have.
Lorraine Coneby
Rancho Cordova, California

I have been in practice since 1984. For my health, I receive massage, take breaks to stretch, and take time to watch the birds, play with my dogs, and go on vacations. The secret to my longevity is a combination of choices, activities and attitudes.
Diana L. Thompson
Seattle, Washington

I have been practicing since 1988. The key to longevity is two-fold: physical and practical. For physical: always use correct body mechanics, pace yourself, and use proper tools and equipment. For practical: after each session ask if the client would like to reschedule, offer discount packages, offer the best service, and never take a client for granted.
Irene Diamond
Mill Valley, California

I will begin my 13th year soon, and avoiding burnout has been an abiding interest of mine. It's so easy to take on more work than is healthy, and to forget to notice when the spiritual resource vital to this work is running dry. It's vital to stay focused on what we're here to do, one massage at a time, one stroke at a time, and to keep the attention gently resting on service to the client's need.
Mark W. Dixon
Huntington Beach, California