Part time, small business

[AllWashedOut]

Hi, I'm mid-40s, kids coming up to secondary soon. I've done odd jobs for years mainly in tutoring. Currently doing changeovers for family holiday home. I'm looking to add more to my life. An idea occurred that I could make use of a small independent room we own to start a part time business.

This is my thinking: train in a complementary therapy and offer 2/3 short days a week.

Apart from upfront costs, I've never worked in healthcare. Degree is in Biology but not human. Although I have worked with adults it's never been in the care setting.

Am I mad? Has anyone else attempted this? How did it go for you?

Not mad. But think about the negatives carefully. Do you like people? Do you like people week enough to see them at close quarters regularly knowing some if them will be difficult? Do you want strangers in your home? Whats the parking like near your house and would the neighbours complain? Do you need planning permission? A friend did a massage course that was quite involved taking 6 months or so with a qualified (so not just a weekend have a go type thing) that she enjoyed but ultimately decided wasn't worth pursuing for actual work.

Don't know where that week came from...

My concerns are as you've noted. How will the people side of things go for me? I don't know. I've worked in service industries and liked it. I find interacting with people energising. On the other hand I'm terrible with conflict. I'd find it hard to address payment disputes or no-shows for example. The location is good with parking etc. I need to research all the ancillary costs like insurance and council tax. More costs . Why did your friend not pursue the massage? I thought about adding aromatherapy massage to the list once I have the primary business (Bowen's). What attracts me is positive 121 contact with other humans, supporting them with their lives. The rest of the time I operate largely alone. This would be about bringing a new string to my bow.

I think because of the worries you have. She enjoyed the massage part but running a business and having to deal with people being unpleasant was more anxiety than she needed. I guess working for someone else would reduce that but then it's probably not as financially rewarding. Maybe that's a way to test the water? Work as a receptionist for a spa so you get a feel for the customers and how it all works?