Question for Massage Therapists-Again?!

Question for Massage Therapists-Again?

I am considering massage therapy as a second career and have a few questions. 1) I'm 46, most therapsits I have gone to are "younger", is age an issue in getting a job? 2) Is it a decent paying career? 3) Do you enjoy it? 4) Is it physically difficult on you? 5) I've read that if you are not careful, you can "take on" other people's issues that you are massaging. Does that happen to you?
Thanks so much for taking your time to answer! Peace, k.

Hello, I am 35 and started working as a massage therapist just over a year ago. I'm glad I didn't get into this just 10 years ago myself. With age I have accrued some valuable experience from relationships, not to mention focus and self-confidence. Most people starting a career in massage are in their early to mid thirties and older.
1. I really don't think age is an issue in getting a job. I worked for a chiropractor and at a day spa. In both places I knew a few massage therapists who were in their late 40's and early 50's and were very good. Many people like to work for themselves - rent a space to work out of, or work from home. One of my old classmates is 52 and loving what she does - she works part time and has another job. In school, you (should) learn good body mechanics-how to use the weight of your body to deliver massage with proper pressure and depth and to keep from hurting yourself - it's not about having big strong muscles to deliver good massage. Of course, keeping in good shape is important to stay healthy and "in the game". Another point is that there are many different massage and healing modalities - some that are less physically demanding such as energy work, reiki, swedish for stress reduction... you can mix it up or choose a niche. After 4 or 5 years of experience, some people like to get into teaching massage.
2. In my experience this business can really wax and wane. You'll need to spend time on marketing yourself if you work for yourself. As a second career, I know some people who feel happy and successful doing massage. Many people working for themselves build up their clientele by receiveing referrals from friends and family.
3. I love doing massage. My favorite thing is to see clients' pain and discomfort (from long-term muscle tension they've been living with) significantly lessen with massage. Its amazing to see how much quality of life can be affected by having annoying aches and pains they've been dealing with reduce or disappear.
4. I started out too quickly. I went from doing 1 to 2 hrs/week, to doing 3 to 6 hrs a day three to five days/week. You can really get hurt doing that.
5. Similar to when a friend tells you about something that's upsetting them and you start feeling down too. Or sometimes, when working on someone, you might feel aches and pains in your body where the other person is having trouble in theirs. In massage school I learned some simple techniques to keep healthy boundaries between myself and the client. Sometimes you need them, and they do work. Having someone to talk to about these things really helps too, whether its another massage therapist, or a spouse or friend.
Best Wishes