Can I Breathe Now? Probably Not (Two+ Months Out)

Several (ok - many) years back, there was a commercial for Rice Krispy treats and how simple they were to make, with the mom in the commercial holding her pan of treats, tossing flour on her face, and exclaiming in her most melodramatic voice, "They're finally done!"
I'm feeling a bit like that right now, however, I don't need to be overly-melodramatic...but maybe I'm finally done!
I took my Maryland state jurisprudence exam this afternoon, and while I don't know my results, I'm hoping that I passed and that I should be able to begin my career as a Maryland State Licensed Massage Therapist.
As far as actual career goes, I'm in the planning process of starting my own business. I need to get some game pieces in place and then rock-n-roll on the Plan! I have several ideas to hopefully build a clientele quickly and this blog may change or more likely, move to my new website that's in the works, but have no fear, I don't plan on giving up my writing!
So, if you know of anybody who's looking for a massage therapist, please give them my name and information and have them contact me! If you refer somebody to me, you could benefit, too, with some free massage!

Almost Two Months Out

I have been out of the massage therapy program for nearly two months. In that time, I have taken a weekend trip, a week vacation in Orlando, and the national certification exam. I have also submitted my application for the Maryland State juris prudence exam. And now, I am waiting to hear back from their office that I am approved to take the exam.
Until then, I am in the process of really trying to figure out what I want to do in massage. Ultimately, I believe, I want to be a sole proprietor and have my own clients, setting my own hours - even if it's 50 hours a week - it may not be the nine-to-five style that most Americans are accustomed. I am thinking of a name for my business and what exactly I want it to look like. Once I have a couple key elements down, then I'll get a better idea of what my pricing would be for various services. I think in the business world, they call it a "business plan" - and something we even discussed in our Professional Development class many months ago.
Looks like I'll be spending a lot of time with spreadsheets.

Day 45 - Not As Overwhelming

Tonight's Professional Development class wasn't as overwhelming as last week's class. I don't know why, I just wasn't as freaked out by it. Maybe it's because I've had a week to soak it in, or I actually worked on people this weekend, but I'm glad. I still don't know if owning my own business is what I want to do, at least initially, but maybe it is.
The instructor is a hoot. She tells stories about being a business owner, being a massage therapist, and growing up on Long Island, accent and all.

Day 41 - It's Not Personal, It's Business

Part of the Massage Therapy program includes "Professional Development" classes so that once we are certified and licensed, we have the knowledge and tools under our belts to start and operate our own Massage Therapy businesses if we so choose to do that.
After tonight's class, I'm a little overwhelmed with all the things that need to be planned out prior to opening a business. I guess that's why it can take weeks and even months to write an effective business plan. I can get the main points of operating a business, but I'm very glad that we have this opportunity to learn in this environment from somebody who's done it. Our instructor even talked about where the business is located - in a strip mall next to a strip club or in a destination place with an exclusive feel. She got very detailed. I guess that's why I got overwhelmed.
I don't know what my EXACT plan is for after I get licensed, but at least I'll have a foundation for the option of opening my own business.