5 Mistakes to Avoid Teaching Yoga Full Time

When I quit my 9-5 job to pursue teaching yoga full time, it felt like diving headfirst into the unknown. I was passionate and excited, but I quickly realized there was a lot I had to learn. Like many new full-time yoga teachers, I made plenty of mistakes along the way.

If you’re thinking about or are already teaching yoga full-time, here are five common mistakes to avoid—and lessons I’ve learned to help you thrive:

Mistake 1: Downplaying Your Role

When someone asks, “What do you do?” how do you respond? Early on, I found myself awkwardly replying, “Oh, I’m just a yoga teacher,” bracing for followup questions like, “That’s your full-time job?” or, “You make money doing that?”

Here’s the truth: When we downplay our role, we reinforce the misconception that yoga teaching isn’t a “real” career. It is! Your work helps people live healthier, more mindful lives. So own it. Instead of underselling yourself, confidently share who you help and how: “I help busy professionals manage stress and find balance through yoga and mindfulness practices.” It’s not just a job—it’s meaningful work, and you should be proud of it.

Mistake 2: Poor Time Management

Without a clear job description or set working hours, teaching yoga full-time can feel overwhelming. I made the mistake of jumping from one project to another without structure, leaving me scattered, frustrated, and not completing much.

The fix? Hold yourself accountable by prioritizing your time. Break down your tasks into categories like teaching, admin work, marketing, and personal development. Create a schedule that accounts for these areas while protecting your downtime. Remember, balance is key—you can’t pour from an empty cup!

Mistake 3: Just Wing It

When I first started teaching full time, I didn’t have a clear plan for my career. I assumed I’d “figure it out as I go,” but that lack of strategy cost me valuable time and energy.

Don’t make the same mistake. Define your goals early on: How many classes or clients do you want to teach? How much income do you need or want? Do you specialize in a specific style or niche? Having a plan gives you direction and helps you make intentional decisions that align with your vision.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Your Finances

One of the biggest missteps I made was not paying close attention to my numbers. I wasn’t tracking my income, expenses, or savings—and it left me financially stressed.

As a yoga teacher, you’re running a business. That means knowing your finances inside and out. How much do you need to cover your expenses each month? Are your current rates sustainable? Track everything and set financial goals to stay on top of your money. This clarity will give you peace of mind and help you make smarter business decisions.

Mistake 5: Avoiding Business and Tech Skills

When I started, I focused solely on finding jobs to teaching yoga and improving my teaching, thinking that would be enough. Spoiler: It’s not. Teaching full time also means learning new business and tech skills—two areas I avoided for too long because they reminded me of my 9-5 job.

To be successful, you’ll need to market yourself, build an online presence, and manage your operations efficiently. While technology can feel intimidating, it’s essential for growing your business. Start small: Create a simple website or email list, and get comfortable using social media or other tools to connect with your audience. These skills will help you build a sustainable career.

Teaching yoga full-time is rewarding, but it’s also one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. By being aware of these mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a faster path to success and create a career that aligns with your passion.

In the next episode of Full Time Flow, we’ll dive into the topic of social media. Is it necessary for yoga teachers? Is it possible to avoid social media entirely if you’re not a fan? Stay tuned!