Tell us about your current job

Most of my time is spent working as a private tutor teaching Maths and Economics. I teach children from 8 years old up to university level. About half of my tutoring now takes place online with the other half face to face in the student’s home. I run my tutoring through a company called Producing Inspired Pupils Ltd! 

I also spend some time working for an EdTech start up producing online revision courses for A-Level Economics. 

What and where did you study after school?

I went to Oxford University to do a BA in Economics & Management. I also went to Edinburgh University and received a post graduate degree in Global Development Challenges. 

How did you get from answer 2 to answer 1?

I actually wanted to go and do a ski season after graduating! I went on some tutoring websites to earn some money for a season. Someone got in touch with me to ask them to tutor their children in the Bahamas! I moved out to the Bahamas for a year and home schooled their children. I really loved the job and couldn’t quite face the idea of becoming ‘employed’ upon my return. So, I continued working as a self-employed tutor and have never stopped! 

I’m particularly lucky with the subjects that I teach in that the demand for tutors in both of these subjects is huge and so I’ve never really struggled to get the work I need. 

How does your formal education feed into your present career (if at all)?

I guess fairly directly as I spend a lot of my time teaching Economics! Having taught the subject for 10 years, I definitely find that I now have a much better and deeper understanding. My formal education also obviously offered me lots of opportunities to see teachers in action. My maths teacher in particular was incredible and taught me loads about building effective relationships with students in a way that helped them to learn without feeling patronised. 

What things have you learnt outside of formal education that have been helpful to your career?

I had a part time job as a ski instructor on my local dry ski slope for 5 years. Looking back, this was such a great time of learning to be a teacher. It taught me all sorts about interacting with people but most importantly it taught me how to build their confidence and the impact this could have on their ability.

I also had a part time job as a play worker for children with special needs. This was really useful as I have gone on to teach children with autism, ADHD and dyslexia and I have a much better understanding of how to best help them. 

What are the really useful skills for someone in your job to possess?

I think children respond best to someone who is warm, encouraging and can easily build rapport. The job requires the ability to communicate clearly and to be very organised (I’m talking diary management!). I would also say that, although I’ve been teaching A-Level Maths for years, I still find it really, really hard. I honestly think this makes me a better teacher! I have to work really hard to understand a concept and, in doing so, I come up with lots of ways to help me understand and remember the method. These can then be passed on to the student in an accessible way. 

What does an average day at work look like for you?

I’m working really hard this academic year to make sure I give myself a good amount of time off. The problem with being self employed is that you feel you need to take the work when it’s there. This attitude has meant I’ve not really had a proper social life or rest for much too long. So, this year, I have really prioritised finding day time hours. Obviously, most students want lessons after school or at the weekends. I’ve started taking on some International students who want day time sessions due to the time difference. I also prioritise A-Level students who are able to do sessions during their free periods. So, most days I have a fairly relaxed morning and then have lessons between about 12 and 7pm. I teach 4/5 hours a day, 6 days a week. Although this doesn’t sound like a lot, tutoring does tire me out more than working on my laptop because you have to be completely ‘on it’ for the lesson - enthusiastic, encouraging and lots of talking!

What’s the best thing about your job?

Seeing young people grow in confidence and have their ‘aha’ moments is my favourite. 

Also, (sorry, 2 best bits!) being your own boss is wonderful. I can choose when I want to work and I really never have those Sunday evening/Monday morning blues. I’m completely responsible for what I do and that is empowering. 

What’s your least favourite aspect of your job?

The lack of colleagues. This is really hard. If anything were to stop me from tutoring it would be this. I’m working on some different ideas to help, including working for a charity who arrange volunteer tutoring at the local school.

What advice would you give to someone seeking a job like yours?

In order to find students, there are lots of great websites out there including First Tutors, The Tutors Network and Tutor Hunt. Most of my work has come from these websites rather than agencies. Leaflets in local coffee shops, advertise on parenting facebook groups and personal recommendations once you start are all great. Charge your worth - people will think there is something wrong if you charge a price which is too low. 

For the actual lessons, particularly with maths, start with the really foundational concepts. Get these rock solid and then repeat, repeat, repeat. This will build up the student's confidence and makes it so much easier to teach the harder concepts. 

Enjoy, have fun, build relationship with the students and you will find this career to be incredibly rewarding! 

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Amy Chang, Education Officer