Avoiding Weekend Lessons
Found in: About Business, Scheduling, Studio Management, Studio Policies
Francine V., Australia
Has anyone ever been through this…….. I don’t want to work weekends anymore. So I have to shift some students to midweek. I know I can make it work, but that means someone who already has a midweek spot, has to move to a later time to let siblings come back to back. I’m frightened to ask them because I know they like that spot. But I feel that if they don’t want to move, then I can’t teach them anymore, even though I love them. Because I really want my weekends for myself and my family now. I am self-employed so my work can fit in with my family. Not so that I fit in with my students. Am I being selfish and stubborn? I haven’t done up the accounts for next term yet. How would you handle this?
Ruth P., North Carolina
I’d ask first before stressing. It may be a mute point. I’ve been pleased how flexible my folks can be in a pinch. Good luck!
Stephen R., California
I would make the changes that you feel you need to do Francine. Remember, this is your business and you construct it how you want. I moved all my Mondays to Tues-Thurs over the summer to have a more consolidated schedule. I currently have four days off a week and I’m very happy with that right now. I will probably add Fridays in the fall when it starts to pick up again. I really am loving all the free time right now!
Joan H., Canada
Agreed – go for it! One of the best pieces of advice I received 8 years ago when I started teaching from my “mentor” SM teacher was to teach only on 2 days of the week – she had a studio of 50 students and only taught on Tues and WEd. I did that for the first 5 years or so, and then added a 3rd day – it was either that or have longer days, and I opted to keep my evenings free and teach T, W and Th. I love my schedule – I never teach past 7 pm, and have 4 days off from Friday to Monday. You can make it happen Francine!
Senya B., California
It’s good that you have mentally prepared yourself that they might not be able to move, however you may be pleasantly surprised. And honestly you need to do what you need to do. It’s fair to want weekends free, maybe it will take some planning, but it will all work out 😉
Joanne D., Australia
I would just say you have had to make some scheduling changes and their lesson for next term will be at …. I’d let them know that you are fully booked and if this time doesn’t suit them to let you know and you would be happy to put them on a waiting list for a different day/time
Ian B., California
Most parents are used to having these sort of schedule shifts every so often and they themselves will ask (or require) them from time to time to fit their own family needs and schedule. So treat it as a normal, expected thing that they should reasonably negotiate and you won’t get much flack. There are exceptions of course because whenever you pose something slightly inconvenient to anyone, there is a tendency to complain. Some people complain. Others adjust quickly and try to make it work. In either case your reasons for the shift are valid.
Be bold…and dare to assume that your students and families can operate reasonably, with great character and compassion 😉👍
Cate R., Australia
Good for you Francine Vegvary to reclaim your time for yourself and your family. I only teach Tues,Wed, Thurs. Another suggestion is to open up an a couple of early spots or even zoom class before school.
Original discussion started June 26, 2020