Start own practice or work for someone else?

[SamJenkins]

I know this is a common question but perhaps I need to hear it again     My family will be moving to Vermont in 6 weeks.  Our first priority is to get our daughters established in preschool then I'll be looking to work part-time.   Knowing that I'll be in a totally unfamiliar area do I make the leap and start looking for rent space to do a solo gig or should I consider employment (whether employee or IC) in an established office/salon/etc.?     My goal is to have my own practice but I'm wondering whether its wise to get a lay of the land so to speak before I make that leap.    Or do I just go for it?Your input is most appreciated  

 

[Pompal 09.]

Start own practice or work for someone else?

I think it all depends on your personality. If you're an overall positive person most of the time and an "all or nothing" character, then go for it. However, if you're the born skeptic or likes to gradually ease into something, then start out part-time working in someone else's business.Everyone's different and everyone in here is going to have different ideas for you. In the end, go with what YOUR gut/instinct tells you is right for you.Who knows, maybe after you move/get settled in the new place, you'll run into folks who right off the bat guide you in the direction that's right for you at that time. Be well,Jen

 

[Hitpig #1]

Unless you have the money while waiting for clients to come to you, I recommend working for someone else until you get clientele.  

 

[Shasiti]

I appreciate all your thoughts.   Re working for someone else, has anyone run into difficulty from owners when you do go on your own and you "take" clientele with you?    Ethical issue?

 

[TaeD]

Start own practice or work for someone else?

Most clients will be like, "Where'd my therapist go?"  And most companies will be like, "I don't know...she moved FAR FAR AWAY...would you like to try another one of OUR therapists?"

I've got 2 friends that are going through this exact situation. I've gone through it once at the school (yes, the one I'm now working at) when I left my internship. They wouldn't tell one of my clients where I worked nor my phone number. They told the client they no longer have my number. Luckily, my best friend was there and happily and chirpilly gave them my number while the client was still on the phone.  ;D

 

[Kev]

Start own practice or work for someone else?

When I worked for someone, I made sure I could keep a copy of the client info. and take my clients with me before taking the job.  When I struck out on my own, I sent all my previous clients a notice of my opening a business.

 

[unwritten]

First of all......good luck with the move.  I wish you and your family much success.Unless you are already very familiar with the area, I would at least take some time assess it.  Are there a lot of therapists already there?  How does the community view massage?  What's a realistic expectation for that area?  I agree that in the end you have to go with your gut.  I have a feeling you're not totally the JUMP IN RIGHT AWAY WITH TWO FEET kind of person or you wouldn't even have asked this question.  But, only you know you best.If you can afford to not work at first while you scope things out and visit a few massage places and spas and get a feel for the place before making your decision, that's what I'd do if you truly want your own place in the end.  That way you don't have to get all caught up in the "stealing clients" issue.  But, if finances don't allow for you to tip-toe into it, then I'd recommend getting a job first.  You can get a feel for things before making the decision about the office.  Let's say you are absolutely certain that your own place is what you want.....it will still take a while to learn what the best location might be, etc.  As for the stealing client thing.....be careful about non-compete clauses if you do go to work somewhere.  And in the end, you have to do what you are comfortable with and what enables you to look at yourself in the mirror each morning.  I could never sign a paper telling someone I won't actively take their clients and then keep separate files at home (what's the ethics on that anyway) and then tell them where I'm going......even if I only verbally agreed with the owners not to do this.....my word is my word.  That being said, I do believe that it is ultimately the client's choice if they want to come with me.  Once opening your own practice, you can put an announcement in the paper and let them find you.  Or other things like that.  Personally, I wouldn't keep a list and then send them a postcard or anything if I had agreed with owners telling them I wouldn't steal clients.  If you were very friendly with the receptionist and she liked you, instead of telling clients "she moved far, far away", the person might say "Oh, I think she opened her own office or something on Main street, I"m not sure.".......then the client might look for you.Good luck!

 

[John L]

Thanks again everyone!    My tendency is to research before jumping in and I also feel really good about opening a practice from the start (albeit with all the essential information known beforehand!).   I do think I'll have some time to check out different offices/spas and most definitely locations.    In fact I received a VT spa gift certificate for Christmas and will make an appt in two weeks when we're visiting VT to find housing, etc.!  

 

[Alex B. Wake up!]

Start own practice or work for someone else?

Since you'll be in unfamiliar territory, I would recommend working for someone else to start so you can get a feel for the place, see what kind of people there are coming in, etc., and scope out some other practices to give you some ideas.

 

[adam_l38]

Start own practice or work for someone else?

Go for it!!!

 

[StarStruckk Is A Monstur!]

Start own practice or work for someone else?

You really need to be careful about taking their clients- when there is a contract involved. If you have a sue-happy spaz of a boss(owner) they will try to sue you if they have any evidence that you could have taken clients. Believe me- i didnt take a single client- nor contact them in any way, and my evil ex-boss is still trying to sue me for that. has anyone had a similar situation?

 

[FrackinBSGman]

I've talked to a lawyer about that (on a casual level) and he said that even if you signed some sort of contract, it wouldn't hold up if you could show that these people were requesting you. That makes them YOUR clients.  When they come into the establishment and get you, that's THEIR client.  Once that client returns and asks specifically FOR YOU, that's YOUR client.  They can't sue you for that.  They shouldn't even try.  Talk about a waist of energy!  Of course this isn't legal advice~just what I've heard.  I would never be threatened by an employer telling me they were going to sue me.    

 

[monument]

I will be in your same situation soon.  My husband is AD Army and we are moving to Kansas when he gets back from Iraq.  We are trying to decide on renting out a small space or trying to work for someone else.