Physically Demanding Jobs

[Jschange]

So if all goes well, I'll be an  in a few weeks.Oone of many things that drew me to the field is the option to earn a healthy income on a part time basis.

However, many  I've met claim that you 'cant' work more than 20 hours a week, or you burn out. And it just flat out makes no sense to me. What makes it so different from other physically demanding jobs? I do understand that I need to practice self care and factor in admin time, but people in demanding jobs often work 40+ hours a week.

Does anyone have any insight as to where this attitude comes from, and if I should expect to work so few hours?

The current plan is to scale up to 24 hours at one location, then start working for myself 2 days a week (higher pay per appointment. Harder to build a client base,  and then as I succeed there to scale back on the original location until I hit a desirable savings rate)

[Abe]

Please clarify what an RMT is.

[Tom Bri]

The problem is repetitive motion. Set yourself up for early loss of ability to do the job if you don't ease into it and build strength. Athletes only train for a few hours a day, or risk injury.
I am an older guy who has done a lot of manual work, and I ache in several places. I can fortunately still do most things I ever could, but at the cost of pain if I do too much. So, yes, it is like other manual labor jobs.

[Bracken_Joy]

Nurse here. My body definitely hurts a lot less after 2 12's than it does after 3 12's (or 5... I've done that too). That being said, so much of it comes down to being in good shape, keeping good body mechanics, etc.

Then again, I do prefer to work part time, so what do I know =P

[Jschange]

Thanks for the input. I agree that staying in shape, using good ergonomics etc are very important.  As I ease into it, I guess I will find out how much is the right amount for my body. I hope that I can do 2 2-3 years of high (30 hours a week) while I pay off loans and jumpstart savings, but if not, I will just work a few more at the end. I love the field, so I'm not planning an early retirement, just financial independence.