Podcast Episode 053: Help! I Can't Work, When Life Disables You as a Massage Therapist

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In this Post: In our latest podcast episode, we discuss tips for when life disables you as a massage therapist.

ALIGN WITH THE MASSAGE BUSINESS MAMA A PODCAST BRINGS YOU

EPISODE 053: Help! I Can’t Work, When Life Disables You as a Massage Therapist

Episode Description:

In this episode of “Align with The Massage Business Mama,” hosts Ali and Beca dive into the challenges faced by massage therapists when life throws unexpected curveballs, making it difficult or impossible to work. Whether it’s planned events like pregnancy or surgeries, or sudden incidents like injuries, they discuss how to navigate these tough times with grace and preparedness.

Ali’s Personal Experiences:

Ali shares her recent shoulder troubles and past interruptions like the birth of her son, knee surgeries, and an injury from a broken wine glass.
Beca’s input on her own experiences with health or life situations affecting her ability to work.

Current Situation and Legal Updates:

Ali discusses changes since her last work interruption, particularly the enactment of leave laws in 22 states, including Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Explanation of the FAMLI program, its benefits, and how it operates on a sliding scale for compensation during leave periods.
Overview of other states with mandatory or voluntary paid family leave systems.

6 Tips to Navigate Work Interruptions:

1) Plan for Emergencies:

Stop living paycheck to paycheck and set aside an emergency fund.
Treat savings like a bill and contribute consistently, even if it’s a small amount.
Consider keeping your emergency savings in a separate bank to reduce easy access.

2) Take Care of Yourself:

Acknowledge the psychological toll of an injury or unexpected absence from work.
Rest, meditate, and collect on any outstanding massage trades to aid in the healing process.

3) Catch Up on Tasks:

Use the time to tackle pending tasks like filing taxes, updating your website, or tending to your email list.

4) Contact Creditors:

Reach out to creditors as some may offer deferrals during difficult times. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

5) Get Creative:

Depending on your condition, you might still be able to work in a different capacity.
Utilize skills from continuing education classes, such as cupping, hot stone massage, or bamboo massage sticks.
Explore creating online courses or adding affiliate marketing to your website.
(Include a mention of the Affiliate 101 Workshop if the timing aligns.)

6) Trust the Universe:

Allow yourself to be supported by others. Accept help from friends, family, and colleagues.
Remember, this situation is temporary, and you will be able to reciprocate the support in the future.

Conclusion:

A reminder that unexpected interruptions like slamming your finger in a car door or emergency surgeries are not the end of the world.
Focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t, and use these tips to navigate through tough times.

Resources:

Listen to Episode

Colorado Famli Program

Learn the Programs in Your State

Blog Post: Help I Can’t Work – 8 Tips For When Life Disables You As A Massage Therapist

Author Profile

: Ali Boehm
- Boulder College of Massage Therapy Graduate
- Nationally Certified through NCBTMB
- Colorado Licensed Massage Therapist
- Certified CranialSacral Level 1 through Upledger
- Certified Herbal Therapist through Nutrition Therapy Institute
- Certified Fujian Massage through Barefoot Masters
- Fort Lewis College - Majored in Art, Minored in Business Administration
- 6 Year Winner of Best Massage Therapist for "Best of The Boat" Competition
- Massage Business Owner Since 2008