The Fun and Rewarding Way You Could Make an Extra $40,000 a Year
For Ella Tyler, helping students prep for tests through online tutoring keeps her brain sharp and her bank account flush. Here, she tells how she does it — so you can start earning too!
“While browsing Craigslist for a side job to supplement my retirement, I came across an ad seeking Law School Admissions Test [LSAT] tutors for Varsity Tutors, an online live-learning platform. I had done well on the LSAT many years ago and enjoy teaching others, so I thought, Maybe I have something to offer students to help them succeed.
“I applied for the job, was interviewed, and had a mock tutoring session, which I was thrilled to pass with flying colors. The site is user-friendly and offers a scheduling platform so that my students and I can find mutually beneficial times to work together. Varsity Tutors provides instructional materials, though I also use some of my own to add a personalized touch for each student. Sessions are one-on-one; I try to explain how a problem is structured and how it can be solved. Then the student practices answering questions one at a time. Sometimes I’ll hear their dogs snoring or playing with a squeaky toy, which always amuses me!
“I get paid by the hour, and the number of hours I work varies depending on how soon the next LSAT is, but I’m on track to make $40,000 this year. The job is so rewarding: I make money to put toward the upkeep of my 125-year-old house, I help students work toward their dream of getting into law school, and the work reminds me that the ‘old brain’ is still sharp!”
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
