Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 Hello Everyone I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as mine? Do you have any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 This will sound weird, but it's just a taste you have not tried. Give me your date of birth, date, month, year, and I'll work out what's going on. If you permit, we can have the forum get educated, or nauseated, different people take different Eastern wisdoms differently. For instance: If born by 4th number [4, 13, 22, 31 of any month] one is likely to go in for a change in pace, the first 40 years being distinctly different from the next. Again, apart from the above, born by nay number, if you are entering a certain cycle, you will think change. At 42 the cycle changes to one ruled by Transculture\al stimulators. One travels, or gets in touch with different cultures, reaches deeper into the Hidden, and so on. On yet another count, every number, there are 9, molts in a distinct way, though all 9 cycles. Everyone on this forum has taken to healing because of a combination of 9 times 9 different ways. By the main, there is an element which has made them healers which derives from 9 numerals which signify 9 stars, qualities, attributers. To this is added another subset of 9, so that the result is varied but very apparent. Example at the first Tier: Some heal by intellect. Some by instinct. Some by words. Some by structure. Some by permutations. Some by art. Some by the occult. Some by pure Yin. Some by pure Yang. Even the illnesses people contract, and I never let this figure into practice because that is to remain a purely professional art, are defined by their birth grid: Some will have Hot illnesses.Some Heated.Some Fiery. Some Cool. Some Cold. Some Frozen. By the same token, Dry, Damp, Windy. Some people graduate, practice and suddenly close shop and do something else. Some on the other hand are WM'ers but are TCM'ers at heart and know it. I have come across lawyers who should have been healers, and healers who should have been business people. In one aspect, TCM is no more less than the 9 times 9 Attributes. If this sounds outlandish see some of the numeric charts they have created which work with the horary nature of things. Don't know what can of worms this is. For a Western audience practicing an Eastern art. Via et Infinitum. Dr. Holmes Keikobad MB BS DPH Ret. DIP AC NCCAOM LIC AC CO & AZ www.acu-free.com - 15 CEUS by video. NCCAOM reviewed. Approved in CA & most states. - " purfectautumnday " <purfectautumnday <Chinese Medicine > Monday, October 18, 2004 8:56 AM TCM Career > Hello Everyone > > I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the > pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy > along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, > I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another > concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs > away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on > sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to > keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I > commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want > to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as > mine? Do you have any advice? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 First of all ask yourself if this form of medicine is what you believe in, if it is then go for it. I started my schooling when I was 38, finished my schooling in TCM at the age of 42 and opened up a private parctice.I had to drive 2 1/2 hrs one way to school and work 3 nights a week. I now see over 40 patients a week and charge 67.00 per treatment, you do the math. I love what I do and my patients know this, that's why they come to me. Age has nothing to do with it. Don't kick yourself 20 years from now and say " i wish i did " That's just my opinion, Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 > keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I > commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want > to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as > mine? Do you have any advice? Hi, I started the TCM program at the age of 42. I tried to work part-time, but found it very stressful and I wasn't doing well at work or at school. I made the choice that school was going to be my " career " and I quit my job entirely. The commute for me is three days a week, 80 miles round trip. I live in the snow belt of NY, so it's not an easy ride in the winter. I found folks to carpool with, which has helped a lot. If it's in your heart, the universe will help it manifest for you. Trust. Best of luck, Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 My birth date is 02/01/63 --- homi kaikobad <aryaone wrote: > > This will sound weird, but it's just a taste you > have not tried. > > Give me your date of birth, date, month, year, and > I'll work > out what's going on. > > If you permit, we can have the forum get educated, > or nauseated, > different people take different Eastern wisdoms > differently. > > For instance: > > If born by 4th number [4, 13, 22, 31 of any month] > one is likely to > go in for a change in pace, the first 40 years being > distinctly different > from the next. > > Again, apart from the above, born by nay number, if > you are entering a > certain cycle, you will think change. > > At 42 the cycle changes to one ruled by > Transculture\al stimulators. > One travels, or gets in touch with different > cultures, reaches deeper into > the Hidden, and so on. > > On yet another count, every number, there are 9, > molts in a distinct way, > though all 9 cycles. > > Everyone on this forum has taken to healing because > of a combination > of 9 times 9 different ways. > > By the main, there is an element which has made them > healers which derives > from 9 numerals which signify 9 stars, qualities, > attributers. > > To this is added another subset of 9, so that the > result is varied but very > apparent. > > Example at the first Tier: > > Some heal by intellect. > Some by instinct. > Some by words. > Some by structure. > Some by permutations. > Some by art. > Some by the occult. > Some by pure Yin. > Some by pure Yang. > > Even the illnesses people contract, and I never let > this figure into > practice because > that is to remain a purely professional art, are > defined by their birth > grid: > > Some will have Hot illnesses.Some Heated.Some Fiery. > Some Cool. Some Cold. Some Frozen. > By the same token, Dry, Damp, Windy. > > Some people graduate, practice and suddenly close > shop and do something > else. > Some on the other hand are WM'ers but are TCM'ers at > heart and know it. > > I have come across lawyers who should have been > healers, and healers who > should have been business people. > > In one aspect, TCM is no more less than the 9 times > 9 Attributes. If this > sounds outlandish see some of the numeric charts > they have created which > work with the horary nature of things. > > Don't know what can of worms this is. > For a Western audience practicing an Eastern art. > > Via et Infinitum. > > Dr. Holmes Keikobad > MB BS DPH Ret. DIP AC NCCAOM LIC AC CO & AZ > www.acu-free.com - 15 CEUS by video. > NCCAOM reviewed. Approved in CA & most states. > - > " purfectautumnday " > <purfectautumnday > <Chinese Medicine > > Monday, October 18, 2004 8:56 AM > TCM Career > > > > Hello Everyone > > > > I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm > currently weighing the > > pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love > the TCM philosophy > > along with the idea of helping people. My main > concerns are my age, > > I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life > worries me. Another > > concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest > school is 1 1/2 hrs > > away so the commute will be tough. Also from > doing some research on > > sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow > process. I need to > > keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I > know that once I > > commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. > I just dion't want > > to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a > similiar situation as > > mine? Do you have any advice? > > > > > > > > > > _______________________________ Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 Hi, I am not sure you are aware of East-West Healing Arts Institute in Madison, WI. http://schools.naturalhealers.com/ewhai/ Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 My Birth date is February, 1, 1963 Chinese Medicine , " homi kaikobad " <aryaone@e...> wrote: > > This will sound weird, but it's just a taste you have not tried. > > Give me your date of birth, date, month, year, and I'll work > out what's going on. > > If you permit, we can have the forum get educated, or nauseated, > different people take different Eastern wisdoms differently. > > For instance: > > If born by 4th number [4, 13, 22, 31 of any month] one is likely to > go in for a change in pace, the first 40 years being distinctly different > from the next. > > Again, apart from the above, born by nay number, if you are entering a > certain cycle, you will think change. > > At 42 the cycle changes to one ruled by Transculture\al stimulators. > One travels, or gets in touch with different cultures, reaches deeper into > the Hidden, and so on. > > On yet another count, every number, there are 9, molts in a distinct way, > though all 9 cycles. > > Everyone on this forum has taken to healing because of a combination > of 9 times 9 different ways. > > By the main, there is an element which has made them healers which derives > from 9 numerals which signify 9 stars, qualities, attributers. > > To this is added another subset of 9, so that the result is varied but very > apparent. > > Example at the first Tier: > > Some heal by intellect. > Some by instinct. > Some by words. > Some by structure. > Some by permutations. > Some by art. > Some by the occult. > Some by pure Yin. > Some by pure Yang. > > Even the illnesses people contract, and I never let this figure into > practice because > that is to remain a purely professional art, are defined by their birth > grid: > > Some will have Hot illnesses.Some Heated.Some Fiery. > Some Cool. Some Cold. Some Frozen. > By the same token, Dry, Damp, Windy. > > Some people graduate, practice and suddenly close shop and do something > else. > Some on the other hand are WM'ers but are TCM'ers at heart and know it. > > I have come across lawyers who should have been healers, and healers who > should have been business people. > > In one aspect, TCM is no more less than the 9 times 9 Attributes. If this > sounds outlandish see some of the numeric charts they have created which > work with the horary nature of things. > > Don't know what can of worms this is. > For a Western audience practicing an Eastern art. > > Via et Infinitum. > > Dr. Holmes Keikobad > MB BS DPH Ret. DIP AC NCCAOM LIC AC CO & AZ > www.acu-free.com - 15 CEUS by video. > NCCAOM reviewed. Approved in CA & most states. > - > " purfectautumnday " <purfectautumnday> > <Chinese Medicine > > Monday, October 18, 2004 8:56 AM > TCM Career > > > > Hello Everyone > > > > I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the > > pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy > > along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, > > I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another > > concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs > > away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on > > sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to > > keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I > > commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want > > to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as > > mine? Do you have any advice? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 My commendation on being alive enough to take risks. My experience is quite different since i started in CM at a very early age and had it handed to me on a silver plate by my Grandfather and Uncles. BUT I have had many students in similar shoes to yours. I admire greatly those like you who decide to follow their passions at an age where many look forward to a few more years of selling themselves at tasks they do not love. I will re-post your question to a student list where i know there are folks going through this right now -even to the 2hr drive. Doc Rosen purfectautumnday <purfectautumnday wrote: Hello Everyone I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as mine? Do you have any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 The advice I would offer you is the same I offer anyone of any age considering a career in TCM: If you have a desire to help people in a medical sense; you could not chose a better field. If you are looking for a career move that will assure a secure financial future - you may want to reconsider. Matt Bauer - purfectautumnday Chinese Medicine Monday, October 18, 2004 8:56 AM TCM Career Hello Everyone I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as mine? Do you have any advice? http://babel.altavista.com/ and adjust accordingly. If you , it takes a few days for the messages to stop being delivered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 > > I remember lamenting to a friend that I would be 35 by the time I graduated from TCM school. Her wise reply was, " You'll be 35 anyway! " Forty certainly is not too old. The oldest in my class of 42 students was 63, and the youngest was 23. The average age was about 36 or so. Not all practices start slowly. I had 6 new patients my first day. It depends how you market, where you are, how many other acupuncturists you are, the contacts you make (begin halfway through school), etc. There are also more job opportunities every year, but I suspect that most people enjoy the autonomy of self-employment as opposed to employment. And if it does start slowly, part-time employment can help. Personally, my income has tripled since I became an acupuncturist. I see 35 people per week and charge $85/$65 per treatment and have almost no overhead. I do my own billing (for the most part) and am my own receptionist. My rent is very low. I have NEVER regretted going to acupuncture school although it wasn't always a great experience, but what is? It comes down to determining what it is you want to give to the world. Does what you do now feed your soul? Does it help people? Those are the questions I asked myself. At 40, you have potentially 40 more years of service to give as this is a career that grows as you age. And you can work part-time at a pace you enjoy long after the age of 70. Even blind, or deaf, if these circumstance might arise. > > > > > > Hello Everyone > > I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the > pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy > along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, > I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another > concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs > away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on > sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to > keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I > commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want > to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as > mine? Do you have any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 purfectautumnday wrote: > > > Hello Everyone > > I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the > pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy Hi Purfect . . .! If for love, yes. If for money, no. We just discussed this one, check the archives. Regards, Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 I agree with others that if you want to help people, oriental medicine is a really great way to do it, and to make a living. It's very rewarding to help people out and see them get better. Most people focus on this, so I'm going to focus instead on the reality of life and the things they don't teach you in school. You really have to make up your mind to do it so that the regret issue gets taken care of. If you have doubts now, they will most certainly get amplified later on. If the financial hit of not retiring as early or as well as you would like until you get through the transition is too big a deal, then maybe it's not the best decision for you. But I have noticed that by the time people feel compelled to even consider going in to this profession they're already on a road that's difficult to turn back on. Most of these concerns that present themselves are the left brain getting in the way. The difficulty is allowing the true desires of the heart to surface so you can get a true reading on what your true path is. Getting past the clutter is sometimes difficult. It helps to sit down and envision doing acupuncture every day and see how you respond to the thought of treating patients every day. If you're uncertain as to whether or not you really want to do it, I would recommend observing someone's clinic if that is possible. You could probably go observe in one of the schools' clinics for a day or two to get a feel for what you'll be doing day to day. Talk to people who have run successful acupuncture practices and see how they did it. Then ask yourself if you can do what it takes to have a successful acupuncture practice. These things don't materialize. It takes alot of hard work. Making this decision before you begin school is wise. The average time to get a clinic going and sufficient from the people I've known is three years or more. Some people can do it in six months. Others take up to five years. Which leaves you with how to make ends meet in the mean time. This profession is hardest on single people for obvious reasons. Those with partners don't seem to be anymore successful on average more quickly than single people, but when you ask them how they're doing they say " Oh, things are fine " . Press for details and they're treating five patients a week. Single people treating five patients a week with no partner's income are extremely stressed out, kidneys are worn, they have lots of student loans and at any given time are on the verge of going back to any profession just to get their feet on the ground. Three years of unstable finances takes it's toll on a person and makes it more difficult to have a stable place to come from when treating people. It's also very important to have a support group. I would never have made it this far without my friends. If you can combine the support group with an integrated clinic, it's even better. Solo practice is difficult. And then there's the issue of where to go. Plan ahead as much as possible. I know a number of people who take 1-3 years moving from town to town until they get find the right place for them. And then it's still another 3 years to get the practice going. Moving around is tough and further complicates things. The single most important thing about having a practice is being able to get new patients. I know people who went through school hardly studying at all, had less knowledge than the average graduate and have a very successful practice. I also know people who excelled at school, could get a glowing recommendation from any instructor, good results in clinic, but have a real tough time getting a practice going. The people who succeed have energy, drive, purpose, and determination. Unfortunately, a strong business drive isn't always paired up well with a capacity for the healing arts. I'm not saying all of this to be discouraging, but to get you thinking about what is on the horizon. Know your strengths and weaknesses so you can capitalize on the strengths and be best prepared to compensate for your weaknesses. IMO, too many people coming out of acupuncture school are not doing enough planning ahead, are saddled with 50K or more in debt, were not taught how to get a practice going, and have a really rough time. And there is no school out there I've ever seen that is willing to address the cold hard reality of post-school life. Nor do they adequately prepare you to have a practice. For instance, if you need to take out loans, try to estimate what you think you can pay in a monthly payment and then take out whatever amount gives you that. My one personality observation for those who have successful practices is they have a good dose of the fire element and energy to back it up. These people always succeed. If you happen to be an introverted earth type, then just be aware that you're going to have to get out in the world and meet people to pull this off, and it will be more difficult. But also be aware that there is a tremendous amount of resources out there to help you out. There are also people out there who are making over 500K a year at acupuncture, one near you in milwaukee. So finances don't necessarily have to be a road block. It depends on the type of acupuncture practice you want to have. And my comments now may not be accurate four years from now. The profession is undergoing alot of changes. I went through similar issues as you. Finances, reduced lifestyle, etc. Most of this for me was the resistence of my psyche. But continuing to work like I was just made me increasingly miserable year after year and changes I would make would provide temporary relief, but not satisfy the emptiness I felt in my profession. In the end if we don't satisfy the needs our soul, we pay the price. Well, this was a bit wordier than I wanted to be, but hope it helps. --brian --- In Chinese Medicine , " purfectautumnday " <purfectautumnday> wrote: > > > Hello Everyone > > I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the > pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy > along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, > I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another > concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs > away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on > sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to > keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I > commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want > to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as > mine? Do you have any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 purfectautumnday: > My Birth date is February, 1, 1963 > > There are a couple of " 4 " 's in your grid. As I said earlier, this turns 2 cycles of 40 years, 2nd being different from the first, meaning 1st 40 years being different from the 2nd. One " 4 " rules your destiny, and one more is the ruler of the sign you are born under, Aquarius, ruler Uranus. You are completing the 6th cycle of life and are about to begin the 7th in the birthday of the 42and year of life. A main reason you would want to do TCM is the need in you to do something for the downtrodden in humanity. And, you are intensely an intellectual person, and the coming cycle attracts that aptitude. One more part of you is, to some extent, hands on, or can be, and that too also contributes. Having said all that, there is little in you which would be innately in tune with the esoteric aspects of TCM. if you did learn the art, you would practice from the head and by the hands, as opposed to some who would practice by the heart. This does not mean you cannot, or should not. It simply describes your approach. As Kipling said, the Gods are kind to those who find their work in life. What the tithing suggests is that you give ample thought to your choices. By the way you have a temper, and don't do well when thwarted. Don't vent it on me, all I do is " read " . Dr. Holmes Keikobad MB BS DPH Ret. DIP AC NCCAOM LIC AC CO & AZ www.acu-free.com - 15 CEUS by video. NCCAOM reviewed. Approved in CA & most states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 I am among the small percentage of humanity that is truly blessed. I get to make a living by simply pursuing my passion. Going to work brightens my day. This medicine has allowed me to help so very many people and has saved my own life. With TCM as my tool I have been priveledged to have a hand in changing the healthcare - and therefore the lives - of tens of thousands of people in remote villages in third world and fourth world nations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 I'm 38 y.o. and just became a TCM practitioner. Next year I will go to the College to a four years course degree in Pedagogy. Never is late! - purfectautumnday Chinese Medicine Monday, October 18, 2004 1:56 PM TCM Career Hello Everyone I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as mine? Do you have any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 Hi Purfect, I think what Brian has said below is brilliant!Read it again and again and think about it constantly. If you do concentrate on making money and you are clever and have heaps of energy then you will make money.Only catch is eventually you will be found out and found wanting in the area of compassion and connection with real life people. If you go to Blue Poppy's website you will see that they offer many ways to make money " such as marketing etc etc they even tell you how much you " should be making but of course that is up to you.So many of the students I have had through the clinic get REALLY caught up in Marketing and self promotion and competing " in the early years. Remember every book you read or skill you attain will eventually turn into income if you are dilligent and really learn.So whilst studying the Shang Han Lun or the Ling Shu and then applying the knowledge and gaining experience you will automatically create an income. The Foundation has to be knowledge and then experience to know what really works for you.I also think that once you decide keep going just keep going you will reach the point where you know it will work for you no matter the circumstances. Last year I met with Giovanni Maciocia he runs a small very low key office in a very small town answers the phone himself and other than his books does no marketing to the general public(occasional public talks) what he does do and has always done is study hard.It is very difficult to get to see him because he ACTUALLY helps so many people,that word of mouth is very powerfull as ALMOST everyone of us has something that we need help with.All the glitz neon lights and marketing in the world will not help if we cant deliver results. Regards Ray Ford ---- Chinese Medicine Tuesday, 19 October 2004 1:12:08 PM Chinese Medicine Re: TCM Career I agree with others that if you want to help people, oriental medicine is a really great way to do it, and to make a living. It's very rewarding to help people out and see them get better. Most people focus on this, so I'm going to focus instead on the reality of life and the things they don't teach you in school. You really have to make up your mind to do it so that the regret issue gets taken care of. If you have doubts now, they will most certainly get amplified later on. If the financial hit of not retiring as early or as well as you would like until you get through the transition is too big a deal, then maybe it's not the best decision for you. But I have noticed that by the time people feel compelled to even consider going in to this profession they're already on a road that's difficult to turn back on. Most of these concerns that present themselves are the left brain getting in the way. The difficulty is allowing the true desires of the heart to surface so you can get a true reading on what your true path is. Getting past the clutter is sometimes difficult. It helps to sit down and envision doing acupuncture every day and see how you respond to the thought of treating patients every day. If you're uncertain as to whether or not you really want to do it, I would recommend observing someone's clinic if that is possible. You could probably go observe in one of the schools' clinics for a day or two to get a feel for what you'll be doing day to day. Talk to people who have run successful acupuncture practices and see how they did it. Then ask yourself if you can do what it takes to have a successful acupuncture practice. These things don't materialize. It takes alot of hard work. Making this decision before you begin school is wise. The average time to get a clinic going and sufficient from the people I've known is three years or more. Some people can do it in six months. Others take up to five years. Which leaves you with how to make ends meet in the mean time. This profession is hardest on single people for obvious reasons. Those with partners don't seem to be anymore successful on average more quickly than single people, but when you ask them how they're doing they say " Oh, things are fine " . Press for details and they're treating five patients a week. Single people treating five patients a week with no partner's income are extremely stressed out, kidneys are worn, they have lots of student loans and at any given time are on the verge of going back to any profession just to get their feet on the ground. Three years of unstable finances takes it's toll on a person and makes it more difficult to have a stable place to come from when treating people. It's also very important to have a support group. I would never have made it this far without my friends. If you can combine the support group with an integrated clinic, it's even better. Solo practice is difficult. And then there's the issue of where to go. Plan ahead as much as possible. I know a number of people who take 1-3 years moving from town to town until they get find the right place for them. And then it's still another 3 years to get the practice going. Moving around is tough and further complicates things. The single most important thing about having a practice is being able to get new patients. I know people who went through school hardly studying at all, had less knowledge than the average graduate and have a very successful practice. I also know people who excelled at school, could get a glowing recommendation from any instructor, good results in clinic, but have a real tough time getting a practice going. The people who succeed have energy, drive, purpose, and determination. Unfortunately, a strong business drive isn't always paired up well with a capacity for the healing arts. I'm not saying all of this to be discouraging, but to get you thinking about what is on the horizon. Know your strengths and weaknesses so you can capitalize on the strengths and be best prepared to compensate for your weaknesses. IMO, too many people coming out of acupuncture school are not doing enough planning ahead, are saddled with 50K or more in debt, were not taught how to get a practice going, and have a really rough time. And there is no school out there I've ever seen that is willing to address the cold hard reality of post-school life. Nor do they adequately prepare you to have a practice. For instance, if you need to take out loans, try to estimate what you think you can pay in a monthly payment and then take out whatever amount gives you that. My one personality observation for those who have successful practices is they have a good dose of the fire element and energy to back it up. These people always succeed. If you happen to be an introverted earth type, then just be aware that you're going to have to get out in the world and meet people to pull this off, and it will be more difficult. But also be aware that there is a tremendous amount of resources out there to help you out. There are also people out there who are making over 500K a year at acupuncture, one near you in milwaukee. So finances don't necessarily have to be a road block. It depends on the type of acupuncture practice you want to have. And my comments now may not be accurate four years from now. The profession is undergoing alot of changes. I went through similar issues as you. Finances, reduced lifestyle, etc. Most of this for me was the resistence of my psyche. But continuing to work like I was just made me increasingly miserable year after year and changes I would make would provide temporary relief, but not satisfy the emptiness I felt in my profession. In the end if we don't satisfy the needs our soul, we pay the price. Well, this was a bit wordier than I wanted to be, but hope it helps. --brian --- In Chinese Medicine , " purfectautumnday " <purfectautumnday> wrote: > > > Hello Everyone > > I am considering a new career in TCM. I'm currently weighing the > pro's and cons. I have done some reading and love the TCM philosophy > along with the idea of helping people. My main concerns are my age, > I'm 40, and going back to school so late in life worries me. Another > concern is I live near Madison,WI and the closest school is 1 1/2 hrs > away so the commute will be tough. Also from doing some research on > sites I noticed that building a practice is a slow process. I need to > keep my current full time job to make ends meet. I know that once I > commit to this I will be in it for the long haul. I just dion't want > to regret it later. Has anyone gone through a similiar situation as > mine? Do you have any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.