Being an English as Second Language (ESL) tutor requires a great deal of patience, patience and more patience since every student is uniquely different. And often times, though two students may have the same English level (e.g. beginner, intermediate or advance); their performance may greatly vary in terms of their speaking, listening or comprehension skill for instance. Thus patience in this field is truly a necessity.
I have gained several loyal students in my career in this industry. And in our daily lessons, they share part and parcel of their lives like their goals, family affairs, stresses and anything in between. I rejoice with them when they joyfully discuss about a successful job interview, a promotion or a simple dish they created for dinner.
I get jealous too when these loyal students begin to find joy or excitement in learning with other tutors. But that's how it is in this industry. The students have the prerogative to choose their tutors. Some hop from one tutor to another. Once, this "hopping" student hang up on me after getting pissed because she heard me typing in the background. But generally, my students are polite and very kind. I even had several proposals to teach them private lessons and offered a tempting hourly fee. On hindsight, I am loyal to the company I work for and I don't like to risk losing my job.
I love being an ESL tutor because I do it comfortably and conveniently from home and I am able to bring home the bacon too!
What do you like and dislike about your work?
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It sounds like a wonderful gig and you get to do what you love and help others improve too... Win Win all around. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHope you/your loved ones are safe in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.
Sending prayers and blessings your way!
Elizabeth
I really admire what you are doing. It is not an easy job. In most ways not nearly as easy as teaching young children.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are both retired. Beginning in 2004 our city became the home of many refugees from Somalia and other parts of Africa, and a few years ago a large group of Burmese refugees also were brought to our city. We started first mentoring an African family, who, during these past nine years have worked to have their own home through "habitat for humanity" and in the past year have gained their US citizenship. They are a hard working family with many children.
Right now I am working with a woman from the Sudan, trying to help her learn the English language. She never learned to read or write her own language, which perhaps is making her ability to grasp reading more difficult. I think too the fact that she does not understand the meaning of many of the words we take so for granted does not help either. She has been here for about 10 years and is raising quite bright and intelligent children.
My husband and I also help tutor Burmese children with their homework. They are so much fun, and so excited to learn.
I guess I am trying to say, I totally appreciate what you are doing. You are giving these people such an important gift. May God bless you and give you the wisdom, insight, and yes, the patience, to do this important job.
I'm sure you're having fun doing online tutor, Farida! I used to do online jobs, too. I hope you can get independent contracts so you get all the fees! :)) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI like my work and enjoy it a lot. I like doing all the things that must needed to be done as part of the administration. I only dislike the pay..I hope I have a higher salary since I am the bread winner now of the family...but I am learning ways to save with http://www.mommyunwired.com/ tips.
ReplyDeleteIn my line of work, sometimes I got a feeling of being lazy in the morning. The work seems like you are doing it in a routine basis. thinking of my family will definitely inspire me to work.
ReplyDeleteIt never occurred to me that tutors could become jealous of other tutors!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are an ESL teacher! I salute you, sis. I tried it once, and I ran out of patience! :D
ReplyDeleteIn what company are you teaching? I used to work for NeungYule before.. :)
ReplyDeleteYour very good of what you do. I learned a lot of new word from your post and 'm sure your student feel same way. I pretty much like my job it work out with my schedule so far.:)
ReplyDeleteMost of the people don't like their job they just doing it because of the money, I m glad you love yours that's the most important you love doing your job in that way you don't stress out everyday.
ReplyDeleteHmmm.. Right now kasi I really want to become a stay at home mom. But sbai nga nila I don't need to rush since my work is okay naman. Un lang I don't feel I'm growing in my work. It's already a routine na. I feel like na-master ko na etong level na eto then I just stayed on that level. No growth na. Still, I am lucky and blessed. Maybe this is the way things should be at this moment.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently a stay at home mom, but when I was still working in sales, one thing I hate most is hours of work. Usually working 12hrs or 18hrs a day with only 1 day off.
ReplyDeleteI wish I have the opportunity to do what you do, Ms. Farida. But a few factors in my life is still hindering my plan of applying for a job online. Anyway, once everything is settled, I'm sure to try working online, too, as it will really really help our family. God willing, next year, I hope I could fulfill this plan. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy being a tutor..kudos to you for taking on this job.
ReplyDeleteYou are admirable for being a tutor, Farida! I don't think I have the patience. I have a shortage of it whenever I am tutoring my eldest daughter. I think writing would be my best bet as a work-from-home-job. Do you want to do a sponsored post for a site called dressfirst.com? They are looking for more bloggers.
ReplyDeleteIf you are passionate about your work, it will show :) You must really have extra-patience to be teaching English as a second language :)
ReplyDeleteSa Rarejob ba ito? Hehe. Ako noon I'll get so attached to my loyal students. There was one old lady who reserved my slots everyday. Pero bigla naging every other day. She was also taking classes pala with my classmate. Akalain mo, na-hurt ako! She was so nice kasi. :-)
ReplyDeleteMy corporate lawyer - cousin together with her dentist sister and psychologist sister enrolled in an ESL Course, for "future" use. As I listened to them, I felt I would love being an ESL teacher, too, if given the chabce! ... I actually love my present job though!
ReplyDeleteTeaching a language is probably very hard. It must be really exhausting at times and one has to have a mountainful of patience.
ReplyDeleteIt must challenging to be an online tutor when you cannot see your students. I am more into writing because I do not have to interact with people. Sometimes I need to tkae a break and find some inspiration to keep writing. After some time, my brain stops being creative.
ReplyDeletebeing a tutor a tough job. I salute you for being one.. :)
ReplyDeleteBeen an English teacher for koreans one-on-one and I can say this job is very fulfilling and i love kids!
ReplyDeletei have been on sabbatical since 2010. i loved my job back when i was still working. the only thing i'm not so thrilled about was the deadline in accounting or hr.
ReplyDeletel like my work so much. But I just don't like the office intrigues.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really want to work from home. That's one of my dreams yata na di na magkakatutoo. :(