Online English Teacher

Teaching English online to students in China was my gateway into remote work. At the time, I felt trapped in the chaotic U.S. education system. A friend’s Facebook post about teaching opportunities caught my attention, and I realized that VIPKID, the company she mentioned, was one I had previously dismissed as a scam. However, after reaching out for more information, I decided to take the plunge and quit my teaching job.

Fast forward two years, and this role has been fantastic! I adore it. Initially, I worked part-time as I built a roster of regular students. This also coincided with my move to Southeast Asia, allowing me to earn while traveling.

Now that I’m back home, I have a steady group of students. The time zone difference means early mornings and late nights, but the short commute makes it manageable.

> “…start over. It’s a chance to rebuild your life the way you wanted all along.”

Online Private School Teacher

My newest venture in earning from home comes from an online private school job I found through Upwork. My profile showcased my teaching and writing background, and I was contacted by the school’s founder when I was seeking additional income.

Initially, I hesitated due to the pay being slightly lower than my other teaching role, but I recognized the value of gaining remote work experience. With about 10 hours of work each week, it adds a significant boost to my earnings.

The school year starts next week, and so far, the setup seems promising. I’m learning that stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to rewarding experiences.

Upwork

As previously mentioned, I also freelance on Upwork, a platform where individuals can offer their skills to clients. It’s a great resource for finding writing jobs.

While some people criticize Upwork, I find it beneficial. Yes, there are clients offering low pay, but there are also many opportunities that allow you to choose wisely. I’m able to work from home, saving on commuting costs and time, so I’m open to accepting slightly lower pay for valuable experience.

The positives of Upwork outweigh the negatives for me. I’ve secured regular clients here, including two for writing blog articles and the new teaching job.

Poshmark

Another avenue for generating income at home is Poshmark, a marketplace for buying and selling clothes and other items in the U.S. While it's not a major money-maker for me, it provides easy cash while helping me declutter.

Just yesterday, I sold a swimsuit that no longer fits, gym shorts I hadn’t worn in a year, and sandals I wore once, totaling about $20. While I could have earned more, it’s satisfying to make some money and promote sustainability by allowing others to enjoy these items.

Medium

Many of us here on Medium use this platform as a means to earn from home. While it doesn't cover my rent, my earnings have steadily increased, allowing me to indulge in small treats. Writing here combines my love for remote work and writing while generating income.

Other Side Gigs I Enjoy

While these two roles may not directly contribute to my income at home, they are flexible and can be done almost anywhere.

First, I enjoy dog walking and sitting through Rover. Although I’m currently not active on the app due to the pandemic, it offers great flexibility. You can adjust your location, set competitive rates, and get paid to spend time with pets—ideal for any animal lover.

Another opportunity is babysitting, which requires more effort to find families needing help. However, it can be a fun and flexible way to earn money if you enjoy spending time with children.

Reflecting on my past 9-to-5 job, there was little flexibility, and my well-being was often sacrificed. Now, with multiple ways to earn from home, I have the freedom to take days off as needed.

Life has significantly improved since I found diverse income streams. I can incorporate activities like journaling, meditating, and spending time outdoors into my daily routine, creating a work-life balance that suits me.

Having worked remotely for two years, I may still be learning the ropes, but I’m content to explore creative avenues for income. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the key is to embrace the challenge of finding fulfilling work.