Just Get a Job at a Yoga Studio
“Why don’t you just get a job at a yoga studio?” Is often well-meaning yet unhelpful advice from people who don’t quite understand the world of teaching yoga.
I understand why people think this way. In a traditional job you apply to a place that hires for that role, interview, and once you land the job, you’re all set. Unfortunately, teaching yoga full time is not that straightforward.
A career as a yoga teacher usually consists of piecing together many part-time jobs to create a full-time income. Teaching at a yoga studio (or multiple) is only one piece of that puzzle, but it’s certainly not a requirement.
Based on my experience, here are some of the reasons you may or may not choose to teach at a yoga studio.
Reasons you may want to teach at a studio:
Connect with the local yoga community. Studios are a great place to build relationships with people in your area that already have an interest in yoga.
Teaching diverse populations. Public classes give you the opportunity to teach a wide range of people with different body types, levels, conditions, and needs. It’s an opportunity to build your experience as a yoga teacher.
Regular Schedule. If you get a class on the weekly schedule you get to build a relationship with regular attendees and it provides you with some predictable weekly income.
Subbing Opportunities. Often you’ll join a yoga studio on the substitute list. Classes frequently need coverage and you can pick up additional classes that fit your schedule for an extra earning opportunity.
Credibility. If you’re new to teaching, working at a studio can help build your credibility and establish yourself in the local yoga community.
Personal Practice. Many studios offer free or discounted classes to their teachers, allowing you to attend classes and grow your personal practice.
Network with Other Instructors. Connecting with fellow yoga instructors can be invaluable for your learning and career development.
Reasons you may NOT want to teach at a studio:
Limited Compensation. Studio group classes tend to offer lower payment compared to other teaching opportunities, which may impact your overall income.
Teaching Requirements. You’ll be expected to teach the specific format or style that the studio offers, which might not align with your personal teaching style or philosophy.
Scheduling Conflicts. Studio schedules often include working early mornings, evenings, and weekends, which might not be a fit for your personal life.
Competition. In some areas, securing a teaching position at a studio can be competitive, requiring time and investment to attend classes and network with current staff.
Community. If you already have a solid client base or community, you might not benefit from the added exposure that comes with teaching at a studio.
Group Format. You prefer working with individuals in a 1:1 setting.
Teaching at yoga studios has been invaluable in refining my teaching skills and growing my community of yogis and teachers.
I also enjoy leading group classes. There's something magical about guiding a group of people as they breathe and move together. However, relying solely on studio group classes isn't a viable path to a financially independent career.
Whether you choose to teach in a yoga studio or not there are many paths to success. In the next episode of Full Time Flow, I’ll share my 7 yoga teacher jobs and other ways to teach yoga outside the studio.
