I went from instructing at two big flight schools that had more than enought students than I could handle, to teaching an hour every other day. I moved back home to hawaii, where the aviation school scene is rather small here. I went through all the old records that the school had and called all the guys on there that hadn't finished their ratings. Some had finished, some had financial problems, but I found five that just got lost in the transition when their instructor went to the airlines. This is what I would suggest if you can, I'm also an independent contractor, the other is to get your name out and just hang out at the FBO and be the airport rat. I know it sounds tedious, but it really does help to get your name out. Hopefully this helps!!!!!!!! Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!