Anthony,
Glad to hear things are going well for you so far in your massage school. Please keep us posted, esp. if anything should change.
You asked if some of the things about you might be a problem later on practicing.
I would say your age is a plus. Right or Wrong: The public perceives older males as more knowledgeable and authoritative. Use this to your advantage when you start marketing for your own practice.
Your looks are not as important, however, visible body piercings may be a hindrance depending which aspect of the massage profession you finally choose to practice. Obviously, the demographics of your clientele would also decide if this is a plus or minus.
When I first started out, I too had one body piercing (an earring) left over from my seafaring days. Back working on a ship, it was no problem, perhaps a part of the local color of seafarers. However, when I started practicing massage, I first started out in a chiropractic office in a small-to-mid sized city with a fairly conservative demographic. Being a male massage therapist to begin with was a hurdle, thus, having an earring would have made it more difficult, so I took it out. Had I started up in a more progressive city, or sought a clientele perhaps a bit more on the Left, I think the earring would have flown.
You being from Chicago, I do not think body piercings will be such a stumbling block, unless you seek employment in the medical field. Keep in mind, however, your appearance will always be judged by a prospective client, therefore, always present yourself professionally: well-groomed and dressed properly.
Your comment about body building will also be a boon for you. If you will be promoting a health centered practice, clients observe their therapist's own body weight and health status. Projecting your own good physique will validate any health/wellness philosophy your practice might be promoting.
When you do graduate and begin to practice, please be sure to add a listing to the Male Massage Therapist Directory. Be sure to start up a website also . People are looking for male therapists on the web. I see it everyday from my SiteBuildit! website traffic reports. Let us know of any other important issues that arise at your massage school during your education.
