The Winds of Change: When Clients Want to Teach

I think most good teachers who've been teaching awhile have lead at least a client or two more deeply into the work, more deeply into the industry. 

We've had two clients already complete their Pilates teacher training and another 2 are planning it as a second career once they retire from their current professions. One of those on the delayed plan has a goal of being the Pilates teacher at her assisted living center, which she's sure she'll have to eventually move into, but I keep telling her, if she sticks with Pilates, she just might never have to leave her own beautiful family home. 

This is an excerpt from an email exchange with a client who's in the process of re-jiggering her life.  If my response seems, well, over the top, please remember that I am a Pilates Evangelist, I am the Pilates Nun! 

And please trust me on this, when she says I "can be brutally honest" she's giving me permission to be brutally honest, not stating that I am brutally honest.  I'm kindly honest.  I'm not brutally honest.  I promise.

Here we go:

Dear Rebecca,

I quit my job yesterday.  I am going to stay on for a few weeks and then take some time off over the summer to figure myself out and where I go next.  I've even consider Pilates instructor training and would appreciate your input on if you think I'd have what it takes :)  You can be brutally honest.  Anyways, I love you guys and may have to adjust my schedule slightly during my unemployment but I'll let you know as summer gets a little closer and I have it all figured out myself.