After fifteen years of teaching yoga, I have to say, it is still my dream job.
Right now I am in Hawaii for a month. That would not be possible with a traditional 9-5.
My schedule is completely within my control.
I can be home during most days with my toddler, work on my books and courses and teach when it works for my life.
Even when I was single and living alone a just a few years ago, I ran a financially successful business that included only classes and clients I adored working with and learned from constantly.
I feel fortunate to have been able to cultivate the entrepreneurial drive and build relationships that helped to make this possible.
But I realize that sadly, my experience with the business of yoga is rare.
Many teachers struggle with burnout and financial difficulties. In my book The A-Z of Being a Successful Yoga Teacher, I share many of the practical tools I use to help other instructors take their business seriously.
But the first few years of establishing yourself take work plain and simple.
In preparation for my spring Elemental Yin Yang Teacher Training I have been going through past articles and notes from classes designed for newer teachers surrounding their business set up and today I wanted to share a few pieces of advice important for every new teacher.
Don't Quit Your Day Job (at first)
Teacher training grads never want to hear this. I know I didn't when I finished my first 250 hour course. But if you think of this career as a business you wish to build and sustain for the longterm, you will approach things in a rational way.
Starting any small business includes opening a business bank account, speaking with a bookkeeper or accountant to get information on taxes and what you need to know to keep your books up to date.
A savvy business owner will also want to start part time at first to dip their toes into the realities of the industry and save 6-12 months of living and expenses to cover them as they transition.
Some teachers don't do this and they do certainly survive and thrive. But most people that fail to adequately plan financially and practically will burn out or have a difficult time making ends meet.
Don't Underestimate How Much Energy Teaching Takes
I have heard many confident but misguided new teachers say that they love teaching so much they could teach all day. But the truth is if you are delivering high quality classes giving your attention and energy to everyone in the room, you can NOT teach more than a few classes a day.
Are there teachers out there who teach 20+ classes a week?
Yes.
But every single instructor I have ever met who does this can't do it for more than a few years before they either burn out, lose their enthusiasm or stop teaching quality classes.
Save yourself the trouble.
Give your students the best you have to offer consistently and make sure you are arranging your financial life accordingly as you build those classes.
Work Hard to Find Private Clients
Your work as a yoga teacher need not be confined to studio classes alone. A huge part of my teaching business has been working with small group private clients.
Think outside the (yoga studio) box.
I have taught in boardrooms for corporate clients at lunch, rented spaces to host yoga retreats and taught students in their homes (but only in situations where I knew and trusted the client- don't be unsafe).
Not only do these classes usually pay more than the average studio class, they allow you as a newer teacher the benefit of working with the same clients week after week as you develop your voice and your style.
As you become more confident in your approach, you can expect that your public classes will simulantiously start to grow and help you become more established in the yoga community.
I hope these simple tips save you the years of energy it took me to figure these things out. Share the best advice you received as a new instructor in the comments below.
Photo Credit: The Yoga People