I used to spend approximately 10 hrs a day flipping between social media networks.
With my work and interactions I was constantly communicating online.
Not all of this communication was constructive...
Eventually the usual distractions creeped in and less and less time was dedicated to Business, and discussions became more of general chit-chat between friends. As the British say: Taking the Piss! LOL (OR downright flirtatious!)
The moment I passed my 120 hour TEFL course with i-to-i ( https://www.i-to-i.com/tefl-courses/120-hour-tefl-course.html ) my whole outlook on social interaction changed!
Now I had the opportunity to get paid to socialize and educate online versus just interacting to distract myself from my mundane existence!
I deleted FB first, and decided to use that time focusing on my new career path!
Other social media platforms soon followed as I immersed myself in everything TEFL.
TEFL, I discovered, is much MORE than I ever dreamed possible...
I kid you not!
The potential is Infinite, from teaching English, to Exam prep like IELTS or TOEFL, teaching famous artists or international executives, I was instantly hooked!
Online became my new obsession and I cut everything else out that I did not need....Or that did not generate revenue in some way.
Sounds strange or greedy, possibly mercenary even, but it actually works and is possible!
It is a most fascinating Adventure discovering like minded people. Learning about their lives, cultures, favorite foods, cool songs or movies, etc.
I would call this phase 1 of online. Discovering the various kinds of students, cultures and possible online companies...
Phase 2 would be the desire to become a better teacher and study further. I disliked not knowing the answers to students questions as much as not feeling confident or qualified to answer such questions.
I sacrificed food and beer to afford mini courses and applied my mind exclusively to upgrading my knowledge.
Never before had I enjoyed learning like I do now.
As a secondary bonus to Online Teaching comes Online marketing through personalized referral links. This is a great way to promote companies as well as yourself, not to mention the financial incentives.
With such a variety of Companies, Methodologies, Student demographics, pay ranges and class sizes, the road of discovery is long and insanely fascinating.
To date I have had the opportunity to explore and work in almost 15 companies. So many remain unexplored and the financial possibilities remain untapped.
I found what suited my immediate needs and capabilities. I gained experience and developed my personal style.
In English we say: I jumped in the deep end.
With no prior experience, or even the tools of the trade, I took a chance and made a life changing decision.
And it worked.
As an underdog clawing my way up and over challenges and financial constraints, the process was probably more difficult than it would be for most.
Moral of the story?
If you want it, you will find a way...
Excuses are just a verbal form of procrastination.
A pivotal moment for me was the first student to realize their dreams of studying in America. Intense work was done with Conversation Practice, IELTS prep, Advanced Vocabulary and Phrases, Pronunciation etc.
After a year this student had achieved what even he thought of as impossible; he was accepted at one of the top Universities in America with 4 additional secondary offers from other Universities. Plus an IELTS score of 7.5 and a good command of English.
Then Corona happened and his dreams dissolved. After some lamenting we created a Plan B. So instead, he got a job in an English school in a new city, and moved just after graduating University.
He then toured China giving English lessons in person and earned an amazing salary.
Eventually he realized his dreams of studying in America and is doing well in Boston University. He is studying to become a doctor.
Suddenly changing lives and making dreams come true is possible.
Online is the most life-changing choice you will make...
Do yourself a favor,
Don't delay and make that choice today.
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