She Strengthens

The Surprising Ways a Side Hustle Can Impact Your Life

As I reflect on my own journey with yoga, I’m reminded that not every side hustle is a perfect fit, even if it involves something you’re passionate about. I began practicing yoga at 12 and continued to nurture my love for it throughout college and beyond. However, when I decided to take a teacher training seminar, I was surprised to find that it didn’t bring me the joy I expected. Despite the initial disappointment, I didn’t regret taking the seminar, as it allowed me to lead pay-as-you-can classes at a women’s shelter and improved my home practice.

The Importance of Finding the Right Side Hustle

This experience taught me that it’s essential to distinguish between a hobby and a side hustle. Just because you love something doesn’t mean it will translate well to a side hustle. It’s crucial to find a balance that works for you and your lifestyle. This month, I had the opportunity to chat with Emily, a friend who had a vastly different experience with yoga teacher training.

Emily’s Journey: Finding Balance and Financial Freedom

Emily, a part-time yoga instructor and full-time associate at a local PR firm, shares her insights on balancing her dual roles and how her side hustle has impacted her life.

A Day in the Life of a Yoga Instructor

Emily’s schedule is a delicate balance of teaching yoga classes, working at the PR firm, and making time for her personal life. She typically teaches early morning classes, followed by a quick dinner break, and then heads to another studio for an evening class. She tries to reserve her weekends for relaxation and spending time with loved ones.

Finding Her Way to Becoming an Instructor

Emily’s journey began when she took a yoga teacher training course, which led to a discounted “trainee” position at a local studio. She eventually landed a contract position at another studio after auditioning. Her hard work and dedication have paid off, with an hourly rate of $24-30 per class.

The Financial Benefits of a Side Hustle

Emily’s side hustle brings in an average of $250-300 per week, with some weeks reaching as high as $400. She allocates her income towards paying off student loans, building an emergency fund, and saving for upcoming weddings. Her ultimate goal is to become certified to lead teacher training programs, which would require 2500 hours of practice.

The Pros and Cons of Having a Side Hustle

Emily loves the diversity that her side hustle brings to her life, allowing her to switch gears from her PR job to teaching yoga. However, she acknowledges that it can be challenging to be “on” and engaging with people after a long day at work. Despite this, she finds that her extroverted personality helps her thrive in both roles.

The Impact on Long-Term Plans

While Emily hasn’t ruled out the possibility of becoming a full-time yoga instructor, she’s cautious about the potential stress and impact on her passion for the practice. For now, she’s content with continuing to teach and expanding her skills through extension classes.

A Side Hustle Can Bring Financial Peace

Emily’s side hustle has helped her achieve a significant financial goal: building a stable emergency fund. With her yoga income, she was able to save six months’ worth of expenses much faster, providing her with a sense of security and peace of mind.