More Thoughts About Money

Thanks Dad and Kristen for the book suggestions. I've heard of Suze Orman, and I think I may even have one of her books. As classmate of mine also mentioned her to me tonight. I'll look on line to see what I can find out. Dad, I'll check into the one you suggested as well.

It has been very liberating and fun to finally say out loud that one of the reasons I'm in massage therapy school is so I can make more money. I want a job that pays well so that I can do the things I really want to do. I think when one spends so many years doing non-profit work it is easy to get into the altruistic mode, and the mindset that money doesn't matter and that doing what you love and what is important to the greater good is all that matters. Well I think they both matter, and it feels great to be able to say that for once in my life I would LOVE to make some money! I told my classmates this on Tuesday and they all congratulated me for breaking out of selfless service mode.

When Professional Development class started I was trying to convince everyone that it is a really good idea to try to charge under market price for massage services. What was I thinking? I had a fantasy about starting a massage business that incorporates some salon services for low-income folks, and to also offer day care for mothers while they get their services. I still think this is a great idea, but I could never have a business doing this. It would have to be a non-profit, and I KNOW how much work goes into getting one of those started up and I'm not sure I'm up for it. I think what I'll probably end up doing is just trying to make a business work through a higher income target market, or work for a nice spa, and then I'll spend my free time doing what I love the most anyway - volunteering and/or continuing to work part-time for non-profits like Tree House.

So after having had to scrape by after I quit my job at C4 I've learned that there is no shame in saying that I want to make money. I want to travel, visit my family, buy nice Christmas and birthday gifts for people, paint, have my own studio space again, and eventually after I've lived a full life, retire comfortably. Isn't that what everyone wants? I don't know why it has taken me so long to realize that it is attainable for me too. (And, I should mention, HIGHLY deserved!)