Name:
Chrystal Cucksey
Where do you live?
Parkdale
Profession:
Registered massage therapist
Please explain what you do in your job:
I listen to my clients and decide what techniques and areas will best help them with whatever issue they may be having. After the massage I will give them stretches to perform at home and to help maximize the effectiveness of the massage.
Current job:
Ritual 2 on King Street West
List of accomplishments:
I have worked at Stillwater Spa.
How do you measure success in your profession?
With return clientele. If I have a client come to see me regularly, I know I am working effectively. Word of mouth is also a great way to see new clients.
How did you get your start in your chosen career?
I got hired for my first massage job just after I graduated in 2001.
When did you decide this is what you want to do for a living and what was the 'moment'?
I always knew I wanted to get into the health-care field. I actually intended to go into nursing because my mom is also a nurse. I applied for college when I was 21. I think the moment was after treating my first client who had carpal tunnel and actually stopping her pain let me know I had picked the right career.
What did you have to do in order to get involved with this profession?
I was accepted at Centennial College, Warden Campus, and went there from 1997 to 2000. I took my board exam in August and I was a registered massage therapist in September 2000.
Pros and cons of this job:
I enjoy making others feel good. Being able to ease someone's pain definitely makes my job fulfilling. The con of my job is just my physical ability to only do so much. As a massage therapist, I have to pace myself in order to stay in this field for a long time.
Skills required for this job:
You definitely need good listening and problem-solving skills, time management and proper technique.
What can youth expect if they want to pursue this job?
Massage school is definitely a lot of memorization and hands-on work.
Percentage of people who actually succeed in this field:
My class at Centennial had about a 60 per cent dropout rate by the time I graduated. Without proper body mechanics, many registered massage therapists suffer from tendonitis, back pain and burn out.
Salary range:
$35,000 to $50,000 annually
Advice to youth who are thinking about pursuing this field:
It is really a rewarding job but it takes a lot of patience at times. You need to think on your feet and have good people skills, like empathy.
Anything else you would like to say?
I think that a lot of people who have to work in front of a computer all day or are travelling a lot would really benefit from regular massage treatments. We spend so much money on things like our cars and not enough money taking care of our own bodies.