Why You Should Consider Tutoring as a Side Hustle?
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If you’re looking for side hustles to enhance your income, online tutoring could be a perfect choice. With knowledge in some particular subject or language or even specific skills, you can monetise this expertise while making a positive impact on students all around the world.
If you’re a teacher, college student, or involved in another field, online tutoring is a flexible way to help others in their studies. By devoting just a few hours each week to tutoring sessions, you may supplement your income or save for that dream vacation.
Here, we will discuss the top reasons why becoming an online tutor is the best side hustle and some potential challenges and solutions.
Why online tutoring is the best side hustle
The demand for online tutoring is increasing day by day. It is not just a trend anymore.
According to the report by Grand View Research, the global online tutoring services market was valued at $9 billion in 2023 and is projected to surpass $23 billion by 2030. This reflects the phenomenal growth of the tutoring market as demand keeps increasing for tutoring services every day.
Here are some of the reasons why you should make online tutoring your side hustle:
Flexibility
When you want a second income, flexibility is important. You already have some primary commitment, like a full-time job or school, that locks you down for certain hours. Online tutoring allows you to set a schedule and fit tutoring into the existing commitment.
You also get to select where you want to work. After all, it only needs a computer with a good Webcam, microphone, and strong Internet connectivity. You might teach from your living room in casual wear or maybe on the move.
Wide reach
Online tutoring is not only about flexibility; it’s about making your reach wider. Unlike traditional tutoring, where you are limited to students within your local area, online tutoring brings business right to your fingertips from a global marketplace. Whether it’s calculus or conversational Spanish, there’s someone out there who needs your help.
Teaching students from different backgrounds helps you learn more about various cultures and get insights. You will realise that despite all the differences, people have a lot in common across the globe. This perspective can make you an empathetic and effective teacher.
Little or no setup cost
The biggest challenges in setting up a side hustle are usually the upfront costs involved. In online tutoring, these costs are minimal. You do not need to consider any expensive up-front payments for a physical space, commuting, or pricey teaching materials. You just need a reliable Internet connection and a computer.
Many online tutoring platforms even provide the teaching materials you need, saving you both time and money. With this, you’ll have more time to teach and less time to spend on planning, enhancing the quality of your sessions. By keeping your costs low, you can maximise your earnings and keep more of what you earn.
Diverse teaching opportunities
The most exciting thing about online tutoring is that you have a vast range of subjects to teach. Be it maths, science, languages, test preparations, or even music, there are learners for any skills you may have.
Online tutoring platforms offer their services to any learner, whether a kindergarten student or an adult who wishes to learn new things. You will have the flexibility to choose whom you want to teach: kids, teenagers, or adult learners – anyone can find a side gig in this online tutoring world.
Potential challenges & solutions
While online tutoring is a good side hustle, it also brings some challenges. But don’t worry; you can overcome them with careful planning and determination. Let’s explore the top challenges you may encounter in your tutoring journey and their solutions:
Balancing tutoring with your main job
One of the most significant challenges of an online tutor is proper time management. If one is already doing a full-time job, the addition of tutoring may lead to burnout. Juggling your primary job responsibilities, tutoring sessions, and personal life requires careful planning.
Solution:
The key to effective time management is organised scheduling, with allotment for time to tutoring, time at your main job, and time for your own activities. Use tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Asana to manage tasks and plan the day. Set clear boundaries and communicate your availability to the students upfront on when they can book sessions. Start off with just a few hours per week and increase your workload slowly.
Check your schedule regularly and adjust it based on your productivity time. This way, you are not overwhelmed and keep a healthy balance between the main job and tutoring.
Addressing different learning styles and educational needs
Every student is not the same in learning, nor are their educational needs. While somebody would catch on to something with just a little effort, somebody else might need a little longer and probably even a different teaching method to get there. In an online course, managing different learning styles can be challenging as the tutor can’t use physical cues, and there is no real interactivity.
Solution:
To effectively cover all the learners’ styles, first assess the student’s preferences. Some could be visual learners who need diagrams and videos, while others could be auditory learners who need discussions or lectures. You’ll need varied teaching methods like visual aids, verbal explanations, or interactive exercises.
Also, regular feedback from your students would help to identify which approach suits them well. Encourage students to share their learning preferences and be flexible enough, too.
Connectivity and platform issues
Technology can help you reach students from any place around the world, but it also brings challenges like poor internet connectivity, platform glitches, and unfamiliarity with online tools. These things can disrupt lessons and impact the learning experience.
Solution:
For technical issues, ensure you are well connected to the internet and can rely on mobile data or a backup source of Wi-Fi. Familiarise yourself with the special features and functions of the platform you use, like Zoom, Google Meet, or any other. Make sure to run a few trials before your session to check if the camera, microphone, and teaching tools are all functioning as expected.
It is also good to have a backup plan in case of unforeseen technological failures. If a video tool suddenly fails, proceed with the lecture conducted over the phone or via a messaging tool. Let your students know about such backup plans in advance and what to do if something doesn’t go according to the plan. It is important to stay updated on the current technology and how to troubleshoot common problems.
FAQs on tutoring as a side hustle
Q1. What subjects are most in demand for tutoring?
Subjects in great demand for tutoring are maths, science, and English. Other highly demanded areas are languages like Spanish, coding and programming, and test preparation such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE. Demand varies depending on the location and educational trends.
Q2. How do I structure my tutoring sessions?
Begin by reviewing what was covered the previous time, and then introduce new material in a clear way with examples. Allow time for asking questions and clarification at the end, then summarise key themes and homework/practice activities.
Q3. How do I manage time effectively as a tutor?
Plan tasks in a calendar and specify the slotting time for each student. Lesson plans should be prepared, and specific goals should be set for each session. This would also help prevent burnout by using tools like timers to track time throughout sessions and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Conclusion
Tutoring is indeed a great side hustle for many reasons. It offers flexibility, allowing you to work around your schedule, whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a stay-at-home parent. The extra income is a big plus, especially since it often pays more than other part-time jobs.
Additionally, helping others understand a subject can be incredibly fulfilling. It also sharpens your own skills and keeps your knowledge fresh. While there are challenges, like finding students and managing time, the benefits often outweigh these hurdles. So, if you’re looking for a flexible and meaningful way to earn extra income, tutoring could be the perfect fit for you.
If you want to get started with this attractive side hustle, Teach Bunny is your perfect partner to ensure a rewarding tutoring journey!