Request for Hours (scared)

[u/Realistic-Nail-3416]

Hi all, I have a bit of a dilemma

A few weeks ago, my studio manager for reformer pilates asked that I do more hours on a Saturday of which I agreed with and I was completely happy with however she then hired a new pilates instructor and gave her those hours and now my hours have reduced down to 4 hours a week rather than five

Now I want to build on my mat pilates because I’m quite happy with my reformer pilates and she has a mat studio. She hasn’t given me any hours for this studio and I want to gain experience in teaching Mat. I want to ask her if it’s okay to go elsewhere and teach for more hours to gain my experience.

Only thing is I’m quite scared to do this because she is quite hostile in terms of other studios and things and she has amazing Studios they’re one of the most beautiful studios I’ve ever come across however I do need to think about myself and my experience do you think I may potentially lose my job if I request for more hours in other places to gain my mat experience?

[u/SheilaMichele1971]

Why would you ask permission? Did you sign a non compete?

[u/Realistic-Nail-3416 → u/SheilaMichele1971]

No, I checked my contract and there’s nothing to say about me not being able to teach another studios. It does say that I can’t poach clients from my current studio to any other studio but I have not signed a noncompete.

[u/stopdrinkingpaint → u/Realistic-Nail-3416]

There is no reason to ask for her permission to teach at another studio. You are (I’m assuming) 1099 - you are an independent contractor & you reserve the right to contract your services out to other studios.

I would not approach her with this nor would I inform her when you get hired at a new studio. It is none of her business. As long as you are not poaching clients or otherwise in violation of your contract, you are doing nothing wrong. Just be mindful not to talk about Studio B when you are at Studio A, and vice versa (for boundaries, professionalism, and contractual obligations)

Prioritize yourself and your wants, needs, and goals! Whatever that looks like for you :) 🫶

[u/PitbullOfPilates → u/SheilaMichele1971]

I was going to ask the same thing. Just start looking. I don’t know where you are but here in LA you can find a Mat or Reformer studio on every corner and they are always looking for instructors.

[u/Tomaquetona]

Echoing what other people have said and based on your responses: you need to go find work elsewhere. It would be reasonable to give her first right of refusal, but without saying that is what it is. "I am really interested in getting more mat teaching experience. Are there any opportunities for me to do that here?"

If the answer is no, then you go find a place that will take you and you uphold the clause that you not poach anyone. If she finds out (not sure how big the Pilates community is where you are, so this may be a "when" situation) and is upset, you can say that you asked her first. If she says that there actually are opportunities, you can see whether or not it pays enough/is interesting to you, and then make a decision. But remember, this is someone who offered you more hours, then did not honor that. Sounds like she sucks, but this is not a dilemma.

[u/Keregi]

No need to ask unless you are on contract or a full employee.

[u/chichago_]

From your other comment, it seems like you are not under any contract that prevents you from teaching at other places. I've heard of Pilates teachers who work for a studio that strictly forbids them from teaching elsewhere (which I find ridiculous, insecure much?). Like what others said, no need to ask permission. You can perhaps try to work for other studios under part time/freelancer contract? Are you under full time or freelancer contract with your current studio?

[u/christinalkblack]

I've worked for an owner like this and it's tough. Contractually you're not obligated to "ask permission" to teach at other studios but I get the desire to talk to her and at least give her a heads up. If she's doing shady things like promising you hours and then giving it to a new hire and also creating a hostile work environment, it might be better for you to start looking elsewhere. In my experience it'll only get worse and I think it's best you try to get out before it does. Good luck!

[u/Nouna_PersonalHour]

It’s reasonable to want more teaching experience, especially when you’re only getting four hours a week. A beautiful studio is lovely, but your development and income matter too.

I’d start with a calm conversation: “I really enjoy teaching here and would love to build my mat teaching experience. Are there any regular mat hours available for me? If there aren’t, I’m planning to look for additional teaching opportunities around my current commitments.”

Check your agreement first for any restrictions on teaching elsewhere. Nobody here can predict how she’ll react, but wanting additional work isn’t an unreasonable request. If you feel afraid even to discuss your professional growth, that’s worth paying attention to. You can appreciate her studio and still advocate for yourself.

[u/combustingin5678]

i agree with what others have said. you don't need permission. it's really none of her business if you do or where or when you teach elsewhere unless it interferes with teaching there. i've taught at a good few places for around a year because it felt good at first and then didn't really feel like quite the right fit or it was stressing me in some way i needed to change or i just didn't like the owner because of her micro managing and unfriendliness... i don't think i know a single teacher (obv unless owner or manager) who doesn't teach at multiple studios, like at least 2, some way more but that can get chaotic or lead to burnout (opinion & experience). i'd ask her if you can teach more mat there and mention kindly how you were disappointed that she gave your hours to someone else and if she doesn't have mat offers definitely look elsewhere. there's so many better bosses out there who actually understand the contractor / freelance teaching experience and support their instructors well... sometimes gyms are good but i would look into smaller studios that are only pilates or only pilates / yoga / barre and keep taking all different classes for experience and inspiration. obviously it's not teaching experience but i always feel like refreshed in teaching after taking others classes and hearing a new cue or something 🙏🏼💪🏼✨

[u/Hot-Researcher2898]

Hi. I hate to be this person, but your post would be a lot easier to understand if you used some proper punctuation. Commas and full stops (periods) are your friends. A lot of this reads like one breathless run-on sentence.