Last entry I went through some questions Sandra sent in on dealing with her contractor’s budget cuts. While she and I were chatting, Sandra got on a roll about how the profession of massage therapy is perceived.

Some things you should know about Sandra first. Her job is giving chair massage. She has found her heart’s home working with the frail, elderly and seriously ill. She volunteers once a week at a hospital, massaging terminally ill patients, does qi gong monthly with seniors at a local church and next week will be working at a camp for kids with HIV/AIDS. She is also a woman blessed with a wealth of years. (She told me her age but I’m not sure I’m allowed to share it. I will say that if I am earning a living doing physically demanding work [like massage] when I reach her age no one will be more surprised than I.)

“Sandra Stands Up: Some thoughts on donating time” continues »

Heads up, this entry is in two parts. But they both relate to each other so it’s okay.

A little more than a week ago I got a good question on the Ask Eileen page:

Hello Eileen,
I have worked with a senior group for the past 6 months at a reasonable rate doing chair massage 5 days out of the month. I am now being offered a 1 year contract but have been asked to reduce my fee as their budget is tight. They feel that since they are guaranteeing me work for a full year, I should accept a reduction in fee.

“Dealing with Contractor’s Budget Cuts” continues »

Last week, Fran sent a question into the “Just Ask Eileen” page which was a pretty good one. Here ’tis:

“OK here goes. I am currently renting space in what really is a Chiropractor’s office turned wellness practice. It’s a good thing. We all benefit from each other being there. The thing is I really would like to have a space of my own. I share the room with two other people. I’m paying $400.00 rent and that’s really great considering. But sometimes it feels a little crowded. I would like a spot of my own and wonder what will I be giving up and gaining from such a move.”

“A Room of One’s Own: whether to share or lone wolf it” continues »