As soon as I got here, I started sending my resume and applications. It sounds like you’re already thinking outside of the box but have you tried gyms, rec centers, religious facilities, aging care facilities, hospitals, country clubs, etc? Yoga has gotten so popular and is recommended for so many types of people now that the sky is the limit. I was hired on at our local YMCA, which at the time was such a blessing because the branches have experienced some incredible growth over my almost 5 years now and offered me opportunity that I would never have expected. I also have been teaching at a local upscale gym which helps me to keep my skills sharp and work in a more studio-like environment. It’s funny because I no longer teach in a studio anymore, I found it to be more time for less pay.

OH! I just thought to tell you, a critical way to get your foot in the door is to contact every studio owner and gym group fitness coordinator you can find and see if you can be on their sub list. Instructors get sick, injured, have sick kids, etc and there is a constant need for subs. It’s a really easy way to get your foot in the door in various places. Also, talk to studio owners about auditioning for them. Invite them to your park classes!

It gets more competitive all the time because there are always more teachers finishing up their certifications but who knows, you might be the next Darren Main in a few years and routinely have 100-200 students taking your classes in San Francisco (which 500-100 euros isn’t bad for a little more than an hour’s work!). Best of luck to you. You’re on the right path.

And thanks again to Mrs. Anonymous Side Hustler for sharing this with us today! Very very cool stuff, you’re awesome.

I can’t stress enough how positive this experience has been for me but before I started, I was really nervous (doubted my abilities, worried about the money, etc.). My only regret was not doing it sooner. I’m lucky that my husband convinced me to take the leap of faith and just sign up. The initial payment was a tough pill to swallow but it’s allowed us a financial freedom that we didn’t have before and for a truly negligible 3-6 hours of my week. I wrote this for J$ awhile back and I’m still turning down work and opportunities regularly because I don’t have the time. A co-worker of mine recently started teaching full-time and studios continue to open and flourish in our area.

I think yoga/fitness have a lot more room to grow. Fitness gets more and more importance every year and group fitness classes will continue to draw people (just like me) that are more likely to get the workout in with other people to hold them accountable. Yoga, in particular, draws people in because it’s a workout followed by some light meditation and relaxation. The busier we get as a society, the more that it becomes a necessity.