We all know that teachers are not in the profession for the money. That's why a lot of us teachers need to supplement our income with a side job so that we can make some extra money from home.
There are several options you can choose from, including teaching English online, selling products on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers, or joining a direct sales company like Zyia Active, or becoming an affiliate for Aloette.
I've tried out the best side jobs for teachers so you don't have to and I'm going to share all the pros and cons with you here, so keep reading!
These side jobs are NOT just for teachers. Anyone who wants to make some extra money can try these!
Learn more about me and my journey as a teacher and content creator in this podcast episode on Serve Then Sell.
Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers
If you are already making printables for your classroom, then selling them on Teachers Pay Teachers is very easy and a no-brainer. Especially if you make a lot, enjoy it, and are good at graphic design. It is especially helpful to have products that are unique and would appeal across multiple grade levels or age groups.
I have been selling some of my classroom printables on Teachers Pay Teachers for a little while now and I end up making a little bit of extra income every month. Truthfully, it's not much as I only have a few products in my shop right now, but it's not hard, and if you've already made the products for personal use, then the hardest part is already done.
Pros:
Easy to do, passive income (though it helps to promote the products on Pinterest and with a blog), little to no overhead costs
Cons:
You only receive a percentage of every sale as TpT takes a large percentage, so you don't end up making a whole lot of money. There is a learning curve, especially if you are not proficient in graphic design.
Teaching English Online
I taught English to Chinese students online through VIP Kid. It was a good experience, though you do need time to dedicate to the "hiring" process, as you have to do a couple of demo lessons, as well as take some online courses and pass the corresponding tests. Once you are approved to teach, you open your schedule and hope that Chinese parents select you to teach their children.
Pros:
Fun to meet children from other countries, lessons are already laid out for you so minimal planning is involved, you likely have the props that you'll need to use already so there are few overhead costs. You set your own schedule, though you have to teach during times when Chinese students are not in school and are not sleeping (ie middle of the night and early mornings/late evenings).
Cons:
You have to teach during times when Chinese students are not in school and are not sleeping (ie middle of the night and early mornings/late evenings). Yes, took that sentence right from the pros section, as I was not fond of waking early in the morning to teach or teaching late into the night. Also, though I was getting scheduled a lot at the beginning, it tapered off as the children went back to school. I started with VIP Kid around the time that China went into lockdown for COVID, so the children were out of school and I was getting booked more often. Once they went back to school, my schedule started to be empty. Your schedule can end up being spotty, with open spots here and there, so be careful when opening slots, and do so strategically.
Direct Sales/Affiliate Marketing
I got into direct sales first with Zyia Active, and now I represent Aloette Skincare and Beauty as well. I love this type of marketing, as I treat it like an affiliate to my blog and the commission that I receive far exceeds any other affiliate programming, such as reward style or amazon affiliates.
Pros:
One of the things about direct sales that sets it apart is your ability to do the job anywhere at any time. From your phone or computer, you have access to everything you need. Commission payouts are larger than affiliate programs, and you get to purchase the products at a significant discount. Many people go into direct sales just for the personal discount, and some then find themselves building a business because they love the products so much.
Cons:
With most direct sales companies, there is an upfront cost of the "kit." The kit usually comes with some of the company's best-selling products to get you started, as well as promotional materials like catalogs and samples. Every company is different so you'll have to do some research here.
Usually in the kit, you get these products at a significant discount, so the value of the kit is way above what you pay (this is a pro!). Many companies also require that you sell or purchase a minimum amount is a certain amount of time or you become inactive. Also, check for additional fees like annual memberships or website fees. These vary company by company. (Aloette's kit is only $20 and you get over $50 in product and there are no website or membership fees...it was a no-brainer for me to join this company).
Keep reading for more information about direct sales companies and how I chose which ones to partner with.
What is Direct Sales?
Direct sales companies rely on reps to sell products directly to consumers in a non-retail environment. This is one of the ways that they are able to keep prices lower than their competitors for the same high-quality product.
How much time is involved?
You can devote as little or as much time as you have to your business. Keep in mind that the more you put in the more successful you'll be. That being said, as little as an hour or two a day can result in a substantial amount of spending money, depending on how you leverage your time.
The beauty of direct sales is that it is a job that can be done anywhere and at any time, like I noted above. You make your own schedule.
How do I sell?
At the time of writing this article (April 2021), we are still in pandemic times, so in-person get-together are limited or non-existent. Online or social selling has become the way that many direct sellers (myself included) have been doing business. Leveraging platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest...whichever one you love...you can run a home business.
You're already on these platforms being social, so why not use it to market a product and make money?
How much does it cost?
Think about if you wanted to open a boutique: you'd have to rent store space, buy inventory, pay for employees, etc. None of these are issues with direct sales.
Yes, with some companies, you may have to spend a few hundred dollars to join, but with others, you may only have to spend $20 (like Aloette!). Every direct sales company is different so do your research to determine what fees are involved to maintain the business after you buy the starter kit.
What company should I choose?
When choosing a company, you should consider a number of factors. First, what are you passionate about? Do you love clothes? Do you love skincare and beauty products? Jewelry? Food/Cooking? Crafting? There are so many companies to choose from, so pick one based upon something you love.
Both Zyia Active and Aloette are relatively new to the direct sales space. The beauty of that is that there are not as many reps and so there is more opportunity to grow within both of these companies.
Who Are You and Why Should I Partner With YOU?
My name is Kim, and my goal is to empower women to feel confident in themselves through personal style. I love partnering with direct sales companies because it has allowed me to live the lifestyle that I choose. Currently, I am working with both Zyia Active and Aloette Skincare and Beauty as they fit perfectly into my lifestyle and I have always loved fashion and beauty products.
I am a teacher as well as a mom and wife. I love to mentor others and think outside the box to create a business that is doable, exciting, and fun. I don't believe that the only way to sell is through a party.
By joining me in this journey, you will not only get to be a part of an amazing company, whether it be Aloette or Zyia Active, but you will also be able to take advantage of the expertise that I, as well as the women on my teams, offer.
With me as your coach, you will have the opportunity to make money, meet new people, get discounts on products, receive invaluable training and incentives, such as bonuses and trips, and join an inspiring and uplifting community of other brand reps.
Learn more about me and my journey as a teacher and content creator in this podcast episode on Serve Then Sell.
If this sounds good to you, let's chat! This is a big decision and I would love to answer any questions you have and find out if we would be a good fit for each other.
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