This is Part Two of my Teacher Schedule Series. When to Add a Yoga Class to Your Teaching Schedule. If you missed How to Know When It’s Time to Drop a Yoga Class, head back to read it.
When to ADD a Yoga Class
You’re bubbling over to share. If you’re teaching one class or four and you have this, “I wish I was sharing this info” – ask to pick up another class, find a second studio to teach, start adding pop-up events or workshops to the calendar.
Notice your schedule! I was teaching 4 Yin classes a week and was asked to pick up a 5th. I love love love Yin Yoga, but my energy throughout the week was just too low-key, sluggard. Another Yin was not the answer. The studio suggested a Vin-Yin class, which I thought was a good compromise so I picked it up. Unfortunately, it wasn’t good enough. I grew bored after 3 months and had to switch with a teacher.
Be sure to notice your energy and types of styles you’re teaching all week, there should be a balance.
If you’re sculpting your way through the week you might not want another Power Class, you might need a slower style. I’ve learned over the classes – teachers need balance too!
Something to remember, which can be hard to grasp at first. Being a full-time yoga teacher is still not making enough money. Our idea of full-time is nowhere near 40 hrs a week. If you want to pick up another class just for more money, you’re better off with a pop-up event or a monthly workshop! They require less time and pay far more.
Adding to your schedule should take some consideration. Here is what I ask myself …
1. How does my body feel right now? I have injured myself a few times now with too much yoga – stretching – and not enough strengthening. If the body is sore or over-stretched it’s not wise to pick up more stretching classes.
2. How does my calendar feel right now? Am I running from place to place, missing out on life outside the studio – just to put myself into the studio more? I need room for wide open spaces! If I don’t have time for it now with my current schedule, I’m not going to cut it out completely for another class. Right now I have 3 evening classes, which means 3 missed dinners with my family. There is no way I’m picking up a 4th evening class regardless of style or pay!
3. Is it hard getting subs now? If you’re having a hard time getting subs now image what will happen if you’re sick or need time off. I once was teaching 5 classes and had the hardest times getting evening subs. My father-in-law passed and we needed 2 weeks off to travel out of state for the funeral. Some of those classes ended up canceled. If you can’t get subs now you might be better off teaching the extra class at another studio rather than your home-base.
Teaching yoga is such a great gift. But it does require being honest with yourself. If you’re just doing it to please your studio owner, that’s not a good enough reason. I don’t like feeling like I let my boss down – she has called me out a few times to ask, “are you saying yes because you really want to? I don’t want you to burn out.” She’s a great boss. I’ve had some not-so-great bosses in the past who didn’t care. They just wanted the schedule full. Hiring was exhausting so she was content to overwhelm the current staff and act like it was our responsibility to pick up extra classes.
It truly is important to know yourself and be truthful with WHY you want to add another class to your schedule.
If a class is not the right answer, I highly encourage you to consider leading a Yoga Workshop. It’s a great opportunity to share the exact thing you love with a group of people who are incredibly interested. It also pays far more than a studio class. The planning requires more work, but it doesn’t put a heavy strain on your schedule. I’ve started a Workshop Series you can read to help prepare you for your first one!
Above all else remember to take care of yourself. You don’t need to exhaust your schedule, driving all around the city, feel like you’re in fight or flight mode for one more class. It should be as easy add to your schedule – not stressful!
from my mat to yours ~
Stef