Whether you’re hoping to make some extra cash during the summer months or looking for a way to turn your teaching expertise into a home-based full-time income, more than a few possibilities exist. Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing you are in the teaching profession.
You probably noticed that I avoided including any reference to a part-time income in your ‘spare-time’ after school. Those teaching know that being a teacher is never a 7-3 Monday through Friday job; spare-time, can that even be included in the same sentence with the word teacher? In my experience, the two words don’t fit together. Teaching is a wonderfully rewarding profession, and I count it a blessing to be in the teaching profession, but the time commitment goes far beyond the school day.
Part-time Income Opportunities for Teachers:
Some teachers choose part-time jobs that have nothing to do with teaching, just for changing pace and atmosphere. If you want to switch gears outside the classroom altogether, I recommend the retail or sales industry. You might enjoy working for a major retailer, or a small shop specializing in items of interest to you may be more enjoyable. I can think of one particular retail shop I would love to get a discount with; my long, hot baths would undoubtedly be cheaper, and I’d probably own a bottle of every shower gel fragrance they make if I could receive a percentage discount! Speaking of deals, you might consider this when seeking a job since the value will often be an essential puzzle component in choosing the best career to maximize your time and efforts.
If you would instead do something more closely related to your profession, you might pursue a job as a tutor at an established learning center. Tutoring services are springing up everywhere. Just do your homework (no pun intended) and make sure the educational philosophy and reputation meet your expectations. Online public schools also hire teachers and other academic staff, as do colleges and universities with online programs.
You might also choose to work in a summer program or daycare center during vacation breaks. Some companies want teachers to fill in while employees take a vacation and others hire seasonal help to meet the demand of more students attending the full-day program when school is out for the summer. It may be an excellent way to establish a relationship with the center and work with them year after year during your breaks from your classroom when the school is closed for summer, spring, and winter breaks.
Home-Based Income Opportunities for Teachers:
There are several home-based jobs; you should probably do some soul-searching and decide what type of business or work you would enjoy. Begin by asking yourself two questions:
- Work for myself or for someone else?
- Does the opportunity have to be related to the field of education, or do I want to experiment and try something new?
Consider wickless candles, cosmetics, books/educational supplies, and network marketing companies to start your own company. Most companies allow you to make home parties or just direct sales depending on the company. Others will be home-based, and you will work using your computer and telephone for most of your work. You can type in ‘home party plan businesses’ or ‘network marketing businesses’ to begin your research in these areas and find a business that best suits your interests and needs. Most true home businesses will require some investment for start-up ($10 and up) and offer significant tax incentives, mainly if operated solely from your home. So do your research before committing!
If you prefer to work for a company from home, try searching for ‘work at home positions in job search engines. In addition, many businesses use independent freelancers. Some examples would be inbound telephone representatives, transcriptionists, contributing writers, editors, online teachers (public online schools do exist), online college faculty/staff, and the list goes on and on.
So, jot down your objectives. Next, decide how much money you hope to earn and how many hours per week you can devote. Then, determine if you want a home business or a home job and whether it needs to be directly related to education. Now, update your resume and finally- do your research and a full-blown job search and application campaign. Consistent effort in your research and application process should result in income opportunities that meet your needs!
