As I celebrate my 8th year as a full-time yoga teacher in Long Beach, California, I want to share with you the major lessons I've learned throughout my journey. Long Beach, being part of the Los Angeles County, is a bustling hub for yoga in the United States. LA is the birthplace of so many renowned yoga teachers and studios, the yoga market here can be both an advantage and a challenge due to its saturation. In this blog post, I'll outline eight essential lessons I've gained as a full-time yoga teacher, hoping that they resonate with you as well.

1. Never Stop Learning:

Continuing education is vital for any yoga teacher's growth. Completing a 200-hour YTT is just the beginning; I've found that my journey of learning has no end. Embracing a beginner's mind and staying humble allows me to remain open to new knowledge. More importantly, applying what I learn in real-life situations and my teachings enhances my skills and makes me a better teacher and person.

2. Diversify Your Income Stream: is

Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket by diversifying your income stream. This can be achieved in two ways: teaching at multiple locations and having multiple income sources. Initially, I said yes to teaching at various places to gain experience, but later, I narrowed it down to one or two studios that became my primary focus. When unforeseen circumstances arose and I quit my main studio job, I was so grateful that I could rely on other locations that I could teach right away because I was already on their payroll, have built relationships with, or was on their sub-list.

Additionally, having side gigs outside of yoga teaching is beneficial. I've explored options like being a virtual assistant, dog walking, and pet sitting. Not only do these side jobs offer additional income, but they also provide a break from yoga, allowing me to stay refreshed and motivated.

3. Value Community:

Community plays a massive role in a yoga teacher's career. Building connections with other teachers creates a supportive network where we can share experiences, advice, and opportunities. Collaborating with fellow teachers on workshops or events boosts the success rate and widens our reach.

Moreover, having a healthy and supportive community of yoga teachers can help us find new opportunities, get new ideas, ask for advice, and uplift each other during challenging times. By tapping into each other's resources and student base, we can create joint events that benefit everyone involved.

4. Learn to Manage Your Energy:

Teaching yoga can be draining, and it's crucial to manage your energy effectively. Determine your limits and avoid overcommitting yourself. Taking at least one day off a week is essential for rejuvenation. Discover what activities or environments help you re-energize; it may be spending time alone, being with loved ones, or engaging in activities that bring balance.

Moreover, it's equally crucial to set firm boundaries to protect your energy. Avoid giving too much time and energy to someone or something that drains you. Prioritize self-care and ensure that you can show up as the best version of yourself to teach and serve your students.

5. Don't Be Picky (Especially at First):

In the early stages of your yoga teaching journey, avoid being overly selective about where and whom you teach. Embrace opportunities to teach diverse demographics and locations, as they provide invaluable learning experiences. Teaching at various places allows you to discover what resonates with you, helping you to specialize your teaching skills later on.

By being open-minded and saying yes to a variety of teaching opportunities, you gain a deeper understanding of your strengths as a teacher and what kind of environments bring you the most fulfillment. These diverse teaching experiences can lead you to uncover hidden talents and passions you might not have discovered otherwise.

6. Promote Yourself, Not Someone Else:

While promoting the yoga studio you teach at can be beneficial, don't forget to promote yourself as well. Building your own community and audience is vital for growth. Instead of solely focusing on the studio's promotion, invest in marketing yourself and your unique offerings. Remember, your success depends on you, not solely on the studio's success.

As a full-time yoga teacher, you are essentially running your own business. It's essential to create your own brand, share your teachings through social media or other methods, and build a personal relationship with your students. This way, you can develop a loyal following who appreciates your unique style and offerings.

7. Know Your Rights:

Be well-informed about your rights as a yoga teacher and employee, and don't be afraid to ask for fair treatment. Some studio owners might unknowingly take advantage of teachers due to a lack of business knowledge. Research, seek advice, and ensure that you are being treated fairly and compensated appropriately for your work.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as an independent contractor or employee helps you make informed decisions about where you teach and what agreements you enter into. It's essential to advocate for yourself and communicate your needs clearly with the studios or venues you work with.

8. Have a Business Owner Mindset:

As a yoga teacher, you are also a business owner. Learning about business, tracking your finances, and cultivating your own community are essential aspects of thriving in this profession. Collecting email addresses and building your subscriber list allows you to maintain direct communication with your community, enhancing your independence from social media algorithms.

By adopting a business owner mindset, you position yourself for long-term success. Create systems to track your income and expenses, invest in marketing strategies to expand your reach, and continually innovate to offer unique and valuable services to your students.

Conclusion:

I hope these eight lessons from my journey as a full-time yoga teacher provide you with valuable insights and guidance. Remember, the path to becoming a successful full-time yoga teacher is not easy, but it's fueled by passion and love for what we do. I offer a mentorship program for yoga teachers to teach and discuss these aspects of being a full-time yoga teacher. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a rewarding and fulfilling journey on your own yoga teaching path!