Hey everyone, ever thought about maybe trying out online tutoring?
Yeah.
It seems like it could be a pretty cool side hustle,
or even like a full on career change, you know?
Definitely.
Or even if you're just curious about like what it even is.
Today's deep dive is for you.
We're gonna be checking out this YouTube video
called Eight Online Tutoring Jobs to Work from Home.
Interesting.
And it says beginner friendly, which is nice.
Yeah, for sure.
And this is from Superhuman's Life.
Okay, cool.
We're gonna be taking like a deep dive
into all these different platforms that are out there.
And seeing like what they have to offer,
how they compare, and like what really stands out
about each one.
Sounds good.
So it's amazing to me how many platforms
there actually are out there.
It really is.
Like it's not just about teaching English anymore.
You can teach like anything from English to kids in China
to like helping someone pass their college calculus exam.
Really?
It's crazy.
That is pretty wild.
Everything's happening online these days.
It really is a diverse landscape.
Yeah.
And what I think is really fascinating
is how this all kind of reflects
a much broader shift we're seeing in education overall.
And we're moving beyond the traditional classroom.
And like embracing this more personalized
on demand approach to learning.
That's really cool.
So the video highlights eight different platforms.
Okay.
VIP kid.
Mm-hmm.
Family kids.
Magic years.
Got it.
Howl,
Reply,
Italki,
Okay.
And Chegg.
That's a lot.
It is a lot.
It is.
But it's really nice to see them all side by side like that.
Right.
Cause then you can really highlight the key differences.
Yeah.
For example, you'll see a cluster
that's focused on teaching English to Chinese students.
Oh yeah.
Like VIP kids,
Kids.
Right.
And magic years.
Yeah.
And they each have their own like little quirks.
They do.
Like kids, they provide all the curriculum.
Oh wow.
They have a huge time saver.
Plus they have these like cartoon teaching assistants.
What?
Imagine that like getting help from a cartoon.
Oh, that's gotta be fun.
It's pretty cool.
Yeah.
I mean those cartoons are more than just cute visuals though,
right?
Oh yeah.
Definitely.
Like they're strategically designed to really engage
those young learners.
Right.
And make the lessons a lot more interactive.
Yeah.
Kids really understands that keeping a kid's attention online
Yeah.
is totally different.
Right.
Than like a traditional classroom.
It's exactly.
So you gotta have a different approach.
But what about those of us who like aren't certified teachers?
Oh yeah. Good question.
Are we just like out of luck?
No. Not at all.
Okay. Good.
Cambly is a great example of a platform
that doesn't require any teaching certifications.
Really?
Yeah.
They prioritize conversational English practice.
Oh cool.
So it's perfect if you're a native speaker
with strong communication skills.
Oh.
So it's more about like actually speaking the language.
Right.
Exactly.
Not necessarily teaching the technicalities of it.
Yeah. So if you're looking to like dip your toes
into tutoring.
Yeah.
Without like a ton of upfront requirements.
Yeah.
Cambly might be a good place to start.
That makes sense.
Yeah.
Okay.
So it's all about finding the right fit
for like your experience and your goals.
Right.
And speaking of which.
Yeah.
One key thing to think about is like
the balance between flexibility and earning potential.
Oh, that's a good point.
Yeah.
Like platforms with lower barriers to entry.
Yeah.
Like Cambly.
Right.
So they might have more flexibility.
Okay.
But they might also have lower payweights.
That makes sense.
Whereas platforms like Magic Ears
which requires a bachelor's degree coaching experience.
Oh wow.
They might have a much more rigorous application process.
Yeah.
But they also offer higher earning potential.
Right.
So it's like.
Like choosing the right tool for the job.
Yeah.
You wouldn't use a hammer to screw in a light bulb would you?
Definitely not.
No.
So it's about figuring out what's most important to you.
Exactly.
Is it like the flexibility and like the ease of entry?
Or is it maximizing your earning potential
like right from the start?
And then if you're thinking beyond just teaching English.
Yeah.
Pre-Ply and I talk you open up a whole world of possibilities.
Well, yeah.
Pre-Ply is all about language learning
but it's not just English.
You know.
You can teach any language.
That's awesome.
And connect with students from all over the globe.
Wow.
It's like a United Nations of language learning.
I love that.
And what's interesting about Pre-Ply is that
while they take a commission from each lesson.
They claim that their top tutors
can earn around $550 per wint.
Really?
That gives you an idea of the earning potential
if you can like build a really strong student base.
That's pretty impressive.
It is impressive.
Wow.
And then italki seems to have like a different vibe.
Yeah.
The video mentions that tutors actually set their own rates.
Oh wow.
Which could be great for experienced teachers
or those with like niche expertise.
Absolutely.
And italki also distinguishes between community tutors
and professional teachers.
Oh yeah.
I was wondering about that.
What's the difference?
So a community tutor profile is for people
who maybe don't have formal teaching qualifications.
Okay.
But they have a passion for sharing their language skills.
Right.
So think of it as like a more informal
conversational approach to teaching.
Okay. So it's kind of like having a language exchange
partner but with a bit more structure.
Yeah.
And maybe focus on specific learning goals.
Exactly.
Okay.
On the other hand,
professional teacher profiles are for those who like
actually have certified teaching credentials.
Oh okay.
They often offer more structured, less than specialized
courses.
Okay.
And they might charge higher rates
because of their experience and qualifications.
So it's like a tiered system.
Exactly.
That caters to all different types of learners
and teaching styles.
Yeah, precisely.
And Itaki's model provides options for both casual learners
and those seeking more formal instruction.
Right.
So it really broadens their appeal.
Got it.
But if we're talking about a truly diverse platform,
Okay.
You gotta talk about CHEG.
CHEG is like the wild card in this mix.
It really is.
It's not just about languages.
No.
They offer tutoring in everything from biology to business.
Wow.
They cater to all ages, even working professionals.
I love that you call it a wild card.
Yeah.
It really shakes up the traditional image
of online tutoring.
Yeah.
What's really interesting is that despite covering
such a vast range of subjects,
Yeah.
CHEG still boasts a competitive earning potential.
Really?
Yeah.
The video mentions tutors earning around $20 an hour.
That's amazing.
Yeah.
So it seems like CHEG could be a great option
for those of us with expertise outside of the traditional
language teaching realm.
Exactly.
Imagine you could be teaching someone advanced calculus
or helping them write a business plan all from your home office.
That's so cool.
That's pretty awesome.
And that brings up an important point for you, the listener.
With so many options available,
it's crucial to consider what you bring to the table.
What are your skills, your passions,
your areas of expertise.
Wait.
Yeah.
It's like we're building a tutor profile
like right here on the spot.
Right.
But skills and passions aside,
there's the whole practical side to this too.
That's for sure.
How tech savvy do you need to be to even teach online?
That's a great question.
Yeah.
And it is definitely something to consider.
Like all these platforms, they rely on video conferencing,
digital whiteboards, maybe even some interactive tools,
depending on what subject you're teaching.
So yeah, being comfortable with technology is essential.
OK, so basic computer skills are a must.
Definitely.
But it sounds like some platforms might even require you
to learn their specific software or tools.
Exactly.
And some platforms offer more training and support than others.
Oh.
So if you're not super tech savvy,
that might be something to consider when you're picking a platform.
I got it.
It's like Q-Kids, where they're provided curriculum
and those cartoon assistants.
They're like the easy bake oven of online tutoring platforms.
OK, I love that analogy.
So Q-Kids might be good for someone
who wants more of a structured plug and play
approach.
Right, exactly.
But what if you're like someone who
thrives on creating their own content and setting their own pace?
Then a platform like Italki, where
you have way more control over your curriculum and your pricing,
that might be a better fit for you.
Got it.
It's more like you're being given a fully equipped kitchen.
Yeah.
And being told to whip up your own culinary masterpiece.
That's a good one.
Yeah.
So it's all about finding that right level of structure
versus creative freedom.
Right.
And speaking of freedom, another thing to think about
is the application process.
Oh, yeah, true.
Some platforms are way more stripped than others.
Like how VIP kid requires teachers
to be from the US or Canada.
Exactly.
OK.
Platforms catering to younger students,
especially in the Chinese market.
They tend to have more stringent requirements.
Yeah.
Because they want to make sure the quality and safety
of their teaching environment is top notch.
That makes total sense.
Yeah, you're dealing with kids.
Yeah.
Parents want to know that their kids are in good hands.
Oh, they're back.
Even in a virtual setting.
Right.
So magic years, for example, not only requires a bachelor's
degree, but also teaching experience.
Wow.
And a neutral accent.
Wow.
They really are attracting a more experienced pool of tutors.
It seems like it.
Yeah.
But that doesn't mean beginners should be discouraged.
No, definitely not.
Platforms like Cambly with their more relaxed entry
requirements can be a great way to just like get your feet wet.
For sure.
It's about finding the right starting point for your journey.
That's a good way to put it.
Yeah.
And remember, even if you don't have formal teaching
credentials, you might have valuable skills or knowledge
in like a really specific area.
Right.
And platforms like Chegg with its diverse range of subjects
are perfect for sharing those unique skills.
Yeah.
It's like everyone has something to teach.
I think so.
Yeah.
You could be a coding whiz, a history buff, music theory
expert.
Right.
Whatever your passion is, there's probably someone out there
who wants to learn from you.
Definitely.
And that kind of brings us to the bigger picture,
like the why behind online tutoring.
OK, that's important.
The video focused on the how, the practical steps
to finding these jobs.
Yeah.
But it's equally important to consider your motivations.
For sure.
This is where things get really interesting for our listeners.
Yeah.
Is it the flexibility to work from anywhere?
Is it the financial freedom of setting your own hours and rates?
Yeah.
Or maybe it's about sharing your passion for a subject.
Oh, yeah.
And connecting with students from all over the world.
That's a good one.
Yeah.
It could be a combination of all those things.
It probably is for most people.
Yeah.
The beauty of online tutoring is that it can cater
to a variety of motivations.
What stands out to you as the most compelling reason
to become an online tutor?
Yeah.
It's a really personal journey.
Yeah.
And that makes me think about the video we're diving into.
Uh-huh.
Like, it lays out all the steps to find these tutoring gigs.
Right.
But it doesn't really dig into the emotional side of it.
I see what you mean.
Like, the practical steps.
Those are important.
But the why is really what fuels your passion
and what keeps you going.
For sure, especially when you hit those challenges.
Exactly.
So for those of you listening right now,
what sparks your interest in online tutoring in the first place?
Yeah, good question.
Are you looking for a creative outlet?
Mm-hmm.
A way to connect with people who share your interests?
Right.
Or maybe you have some specialized knowledge
that you're just dying a pass on.
Or perhaps you're drawn to the idea
of making a real difference in someone's life.
Yeah.
Even from miles away.
That's awesome.
Yeah.
Those are all such powerful motivators.
They really are.
And I think that's what makes this whole deep dive so fascinating.
We've gone from exploring the nuts and bolts of these platforms
to uncovering this deeper why behind online teaching.
It's like we peeled back the layers.
Yeah.
And revealed the heart of the matter.
I like that.
And that brings us back to you, dear listener.
OK.
We've explored eight different platforms.
We have.
Each with its own personality and approach.
For sure.
We talked about flexibility versus earning potential,
the importance of technology.
Yeah.
And different levels of structure versus creative freedom.
It's a lot to think about.
It is.
But ultimately, the best platform for you
is going to be the one that aligns with your own unique goals.
Right.
Your skills.
Yeah.
And most importantly, your why.
Your why.
Yeah.
So as we wrap up this deep dive, we encourage you to keep exploring.
Check out the links in the show notes.
Definitely.
And dive a little deeper into the platforms
that sparked your interest.
Yeah.
Go for it.
And remember, the world of online tutoring
is constantly evolving.
It really is.
New platforms are popping up.
Yeah.
Technology is always advancing.
Right.
And the demand for personalized learning is only growing.
It is.
So whether you're a seasoned educator, a subject matter
expert, or just starting out, there's
a place for you in this exciting digital landscape.
Definitely.
The key is to stay curious.
Yeah.
Embrace the learning process.
Right.
And never be afraid to try something new.
I agree.
Who knows?
You might even discover a passion you never knew you had.
You never know.
And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself sharing your story
on a future episode of the deep dive.
That would be awesome.
Until then, keep diving deep into the world of knowledge
and happy tutoring.