The rudest thing happened to some of my classmates.

[Pompal 09.]

For our 'Intro to Massage' class we had to interview a MT twice for two seperate papers that we had to write. One was on "what it's like to be a massage therapist" and the other was "specialties or a specific modality" I believe that the 'interview an MT' thing is pretty common practice around here for students.

I had a great experience with the MT's that I found. They both said "Oh yeah no problem I remember doing that for school too."

But several of my classmates had bad experiences. A couple of massage therapists told them that tey would actually CHARGE THEM for their time! Personally I think that is so incredibly rude! Whats 15 minutes to be nice to someone about to enter your field???? Jeesh!

Another had an MT tell her what a "terrible career" she thought it was and when in to very graphic details why. Apparently this woman constantly has very sexually inappropiate clients. (obviously this MT is sending some kind of sgnals or something.)

I hearby PROMISE that once I'm a MT, I will gladly take a few minutes for a student. I will not consider "charging" them for it and I won't try to discourage any new students with my horror stories either.

Hissy done!

 

[ross097]

I agree that charging a student to interview you for a paper is rude.

I would never do that myself. As far as the one that just bad mouthed this profession well they need to seek a new one.
If that were me, I would be honest in all aspects of what this job entails the good and the bad. I wouldn't what some one walking away from me thinking the job is all great nor would I want them walking away thinking its all bad either.

 

[Lawrence]

I'm going to duck in advance, but -- I don't think it was unreasonable for a professional to request compensation for her time, especially if it's common for students in the area to frequently call up MTs and want this kind of service. I might not charge money myself, but when I call up an MD or chiro to chat across professions, I take them out to lunch or something similar, as a courtesy. (Not for basic things like referrals, but if it's going to be more than 15-20 minutes and I'm the one benefitting from the information.) "What's 15 minutes" -- well, if they're getting lots of these requests, or if they perceive your school as "pumping out" graduates, they might not be eager to help out. (Not that your school does! I'm just saying it's a common complaint in the profession.)

Also I can't help but notice that you think that the MT who gets non-therapeutic requests is "obviously . . . sending some kind of signals." I'm sure you don't mean to, and I'm really sorry your classmate didn't like the result of that call, but -- this is a common mistake made by students, assuming that if a therapist gets these calls it's because she is doing something wrong. Maybe she is, true, but you'll see when you're out here with us that it's not always that simple.

Anyway, I don't mean to imply that your frustration is wrong, and I'm glad you pledge to be generous with students. Most of us do love at least most of our profession!

 

[Rli R]

Crazy!

I just wouldn't charge a student or person who is interested in learning about my profession for the time I spend to tell them about it.

I've many who are both come and ask, and I am always happy to do this.

I've been in practice since '92 and I still can't see where I can't find a little time for a person.

Maybe if I was hounded on a weekly basis it would be different - as BJB-LMP wrote, but I can't imagine therapists wouldn't just give a student the name of another therapist if they couldn't help - instead of charging.

 

[_Hill_]

I would like to say that I wouldn't charge for helping a student out, however, I'm not in an area where I receive a lot of those types of calls. If I was receiving a lot of them and my schedule was very busy, I might have to think about charging. Probably, I would just say that I was too busy to help out though. This therapist should have explained WHY she needed to charge.

As for her speaking ill of the profession, perhaps she was just being honest about her experiences. I can't imagine why she didn't include the positive things as well. If she can't find any, then perhaps it's time for her to get out of the business.

I do think that she must be doing something to attract so many "unsavory calls". Granted, there are bound to be some. However, if there are a lot of them, then one needs to look at their advertisements, the location of their office, the name of their business, their attire. I would think that there is something contributing to so many of these types of calls. I have been in business over 3 years and have only had 2 such calls and they were both from the same guy.

 

[water_icia]

I would never charge to talk to a student. Are these MT's listed on the school's roster for students to go to? If so, I would let the school know of both the charging and the negativity.

 

[GBro]

I have had several students from various schools call me for this educational purpose,and I never have charged to help them out. I did the very same thing while a student,and was very well-received by the MT's I interviewed. I would not ever charge to help out a student,but would plan out a time with them which did not interfere with my schedule and wasn't inconvienent for them either. I love educating people about this rewarding and wonderful career,and will always do what I can to help a student or anyone else become more informed about massage,this way we will be seen in a better light,and not like the "red light therapists",becuase we are professionals! I am sorry your classmate had such a negative experience! Trust me,all of us are not that bad! There comes a time when some of us may need a career change!

Namaste'
Johnny

 

[cusmoter]

I called a few MT's before I started school, so I could get some info on the career in general from a pro that is already in the field. Most of the people where great, but the very first person I called told me "If I were you, I would look for another line of work, NO ONE wants a massage from a MAN". LOL!!!! How funny is THAT!!!

I did'nt let one bad experience ruin my thoughts of massage therapy. This is great stuff and I love every bit of it. By the way, school is wonderful and thanks to all the great folks on this site for such an informative resource.

D