Hello, I’m Everett. I’m 43 years old, a husband, and the father of three children under the age of five. After spending more than a decade working in the tech industry, I found myself at a crossroads. My work no longer brought me any satisfaction, and I was pouring countless hours into a career that wasn’t meeting the financial needs of my growing family.
I knew I needed a change, but as an adult with a family and an established career, the idea of going back to university for four years to start from the bottom of a new field felt daunting, if not impossible. I needed something that would allow me the freedom and flexibility to fulfil my role of father and husband, as well as the ability to financially provide for my family, especially as we face unique challenges. Two of my children have been diagnosed with autism, and my wife has taken on the vital role of full-time caregiver, making it necessary for us to rely on a single income.
Finding the Right Career Path
In my search, I focused on finding a profession that:
- Was in high demand.
- Didn’t require years of schooling.
- Offered the freedom to prioritize my family.
- Could provide a stable and sufficient income.
After months of research and dead ends, my wife suggested I consider becoming a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) because of my long-standing fascination with the human body and my respect for healthcare providers.
As I delved deeper into the field, speaking to other RMTs and healthcare professionals, and continuing my research, I realized that a career as a Registered Massage Therapist offered everything I was looking for.
The more I learned, the more excited I became. I discovered that the RMT Diploma Program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) could be completed in only 20 months – a timeframe I felt was reasonable for such a significant career pivot. WCCMT’s reputation, bolstered by over 40 years of experience training massage therapists, and endorsements from alumni, made it an easy choice.
Balancing Family and Education
The program was far more challenging than I anticipated. Balancing full-time classes, practicum hours in the student intern clinic and at outreaches, and the demands of family life was a constant juggling act. My wife’s unwavering support was instrumental. She took on the lion’s share of parenting responsibilities, which allowed me to dedicate myself fully to my studies.
I also found creative ways to involve my children. My four-year-old loved learning anatomy with “Marvin,” my study skeleton. Watching him excitedly identify bones on himself and teach his siblings was a heartwarming reminder of why I started this journey, helping me stay connected to my family while progressing in my education.
Lessons Learned and Unexpected Rewards: Overcoming Personal Challenges and Finding My Stride
Despite my initial fears as an introvert, I discovered that working with the public became easier with each interaction. My confidence grew incrementally, transforming what once seemed intimidating into a deeply rewarding experience. The genuine human connections I’ve developed have been incredibly fulfilling. The most profound moments come from patient feedback. Hearing statements like, “You’ve taken my pain away,” “I haven’t felt relief like this in years,” or “I feel like I have a new lease on life” validates every moment of my career transition. These testimonials remind me that my work directly impacts people’s quality of life.
Translating Tech Skills to Healthcare
Surprisingly, my technology background provided unexpected advantages in massage therapy. The analytical skills I’d honed in tech-breaking down complex problems, systematically analyzing symptoms, troubleshooting issues, and crafting precise solutions—translated seamlessly into this healthcare profession. This professional overlap gave me confidence during my career transformation.
Embracing a New Learning Journey
My initial fear of failure quickly dissipated as I realized that mastery comes through consistent practice. Memorization, I learned, is not about rote learning but understanding how to engage with information in a way that resonates with my unique learning style. By developing personalized study strategies-visual diagrams, hands-on practice, and connecting theoretical knowledge to practical applications-I transformed challenging material into comprehensible insights. This approach not only helped me succeed academically but also reinforced an important life lesson: adaptability and a growth mindset are more crucial than innate talent.
How to Succeed as a Mid-Life Career Changer
Here are a few strategies that helped me succeed:
- Take it seriously from day one.
Pre-study and stay consistent. This program doesn’t allow for cramming. - Plan your time.
Prioritise your tasks and stay focused. - Prioritize your health.
Sleep is critical—not just for focus, but for maintaining a positive mindset. - Lean on your support system.
Whether it’s family, friends, or peers, you’ll need people who believe in you.
Advice for Others Considering a Change
If you’re feeling stuck in your career, especially mid-life, start exploring your options now. Time spent feeling unfulfilled and stagnant is time you can never get back. Training to become an RMT has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but also one of the most rewarding.
Speak to other RMT’s, visit schools, and imagine what a new career path could look like for you. Change is possible, no matter your age or circumstances.
Reflections and Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my journey to becoming an RMT I feel an immense sense of pride. This experience has been proof to my children and to myself that it’s never too late to pursue a new path. My only regret is not having done this sooner.
To anyone considering a career change, my advice is simple: don’t wait. The life you want might be closer than you think—you just must take that first step.
If you’re considering a career change or want to learn more about becoming a Registered Massage Therapist, visit WCCMTs website, request information or contact us today to speak with an admissions advisor.
