As a developer, your skills are in high demand, and it seems like this will continue to be the case for years to come.
I, like many others, aim to escape the confinement of a 9 to 5 job and experience financial freedom. As a young student without a full-time job, I invest my money in the stock market and take part in internships, providing me with a solid financial foundation to achieve my goal.
These two income streams made me wonder: “Could I use my passion for programming to make some extra money?”
The short answer? Yes, I can. But how could this be done?
Tutoring
Tutoring is known as private, academic support in an individual or small group setting, often provided by someone with expertise in a subject or set of subjects. Along with gaining the monetary benefits of tutoring, those that tutor can also be rewarded with several invaluable skills.
Unlike other side hustles or part-time jobs, tutoring is actually quite easy to start and the work hours are often incredibly flexible, meaning that you can tutor based on your availability.
Some ways to start tutoring are:
- Job search websites
- Networking through LinkedIn
- Asking around your neighborhood
Job Search Websites
This is probably the most common way to find jobs, whether they be tutoring or not. Aggregators like Indeed and ZipRecruiter simplify the process of searching for jobs by combining opportunities from hundreds of different companies. Use this method to quickly find numerous job listings that you can tailor to your preferences.
Networking through LinkedIn
This method is quite simple: reach out to connections on LinkedIn that may run STEM academies in need of teachers. This is how I acquired my current tutoring position. If you have previously worked with some of your contacts, you may already have established some credibility that eases the process of being hired.
Asking Around Your Neighborhood
Though it might be harder to get a job through this method, it is likely an easy way to start, especially if your neighborhood has many families with children that would benefit from additional academic support. Knowledge in the field of computer science is increasing in demand, and many are trying to enter the field at a younger age. By providing children with the foundations of computer science, you are helping to equip them for success in the future.
Skills
Whenever I think about teaching others, I remember the quote, “If you can’t explain it simply, it means you don’t understand it well enough” by Albert Einstein. This quote emphasizes the need to be versed in your subject area. It also highlights the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your teaching methods to ensure your students succeed. By doing these two, you will better understand the concepts that you are teaching. You will also develop public speaking skills through presentations and working with students. These skills are applicable to many aspects of your life, and you can start developing them through tutoring.
Financial Benefits
Although some tutoring can be done pro bono, there are many opportunities that pay for your services. The hourly pay can vary significantly, starting from about $15 per hour and often rising to $60 per hour. You can often charge more for 1-on-1 private tutoring, helping you to maximize your income.
Another great benefit of tutoring is the flexibility. Currently, I am teaching for only three hours per week — two hours during the week and one on the weekend. During the week, I teach in the evenings, a time convenient for both students and me. Those working a 9–5 can do the same: tutor in the evenings after finishing work. Another benefit of having flexible hours is the ability to only work a few hours a week. This means that you can earn some extra money on top of your primary source of income without having to work for many additional hours.
Tutoring is a simple way to not only earn extra money, but also help the next generation of students achieve their full potential to make a positive impact on society. If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider following me and clapping.