Turn Your Knowledge Of English Into A Digital Nomad Job

If you can’t figure out what to do as a digital nomad job, consider taking what you already know and doing it online. I’m talking about your native language: English! You can literally go out and teach english after getting a certification. No need to reinvent the wheel.

Many people when they first start out traveling, they fall in love and try to figure out a way to make money to continue funding their travels. This is when many travelers turn to teaching English. There are a few options: you can choose to teach online or you can live in a country and teach it there. This gives you the opportunity to really experience a local culture.

Allow me to introduce you to the 5th woman in this series of digital nomad jobs, Brooke Lambert, who is an online english teacher. Brooke has the pleasure of teaching people her native language while being able to travel the world. I’d say that’s a win-win!

Digital Nomad Job:

Is it still possible to be an English Teacher?

According to Yahoo Finance, English is the most second language spoken in the world. While many learn it in school, there are still several ways you can teach English to those who may not have access or who need additional tutoring. The market has evolved over the years as the landscape has become more competitive thanks to apps like Duolingo and Busuu, but there is still a demand for native english speakers.

TEFL says that while it may not be as easy to get a job as it was pre-pandemic, or even the pay level you want right out of the gate pre-pandemic, that not all hope is lost. There is still a market and if you work hard at it, you can certainly turn it into a thriving business. Read here if you’re interested in finding out why I made the jump to full-time travel.

I asked Brooke to give me the breakdown of her business as an online English teacher for a digital nomad job. She breaks down what it is that she does, what she likes and doesn’t like about her career, what a typical day is like in this digital nomad lifestyle, what others need to do in order to break into this industry, and more.

Let’s dive right in, shall we?! ↓

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Digital Nomad Job:

Interview With Psychotherapist, Nancy Diaz

Summary of what your digital nomad job entails

I teach children English as a second language through fun online interactive platforms. I choose when and how often I want to work and I just show up and teach. The companies provide the students, bookings, classes, and the platform to teach on! It involves caring about children and foster a love of knowledge, like all teaching positions it requires patience.

What made you get started with this digital nomad job?

Before I found online teaching I was a gig worker. I worked in the live events industry mostly working at music festivals. I would travel so often I could not have a normal job due to taking time off and being out of town, but I was hardly making enough just working events.

Through listening to travel podcast’s I found out about online teaching and was immediately interested. It sounded too good to be true, a job where I could work when I wanted to, where I wanted to, and would allow me to pursue my passion of working live events.

What’s a typical day like for you as a digital nomad?

Since I am currently living on Pacific time I wake up at 2:30 AM and teach till 6AM but then I am done for the day. 🙂 Sometimes I go back to sleep, go on a drive or go for a morning hike. I teach nights in China which are much better hours on the east coast, Europe, and Asia.

Best thing you love about your job + the lifestyle

I can work any where with high speed internet. Teaching online allows me to take trips and spend time with family I would normally not be able to do. When I got and visit my family I am able to stay for months at a time because I am able to take my income with me.

Also I love that the companies do all the work and I just show up and teach. It has allowed me total control over my time and I choose when I get to work and when I want off.

Least thing you like about your job + the lifestyle

Waking up at 2:30 Am I am grumpy pants till the coffee hits and I see my kiddos smiling faces 🙂

Average income whether that’s based on an average sale, hourly, yearly, per project, etc.

Average hourly income is $20 I typically make about $1500 every month. I could work more and make more but I choose not to.

What qualifications did you need to get in order to do this career?

The requirements for the companies I work with are a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL or TESOL certification, and you must be a native English speaker from a native country. Some companies require teachers to be from North America, others do not.

Advice to those who are looking to pursue this field as a digital nomad job?

Do it! I waited for months till I pulled the trigger and started. Also do not waste time with the wrong teaching company, with some many online English schools there is a perfect match for you!

Best tips on how to be successful working remotely and/or while traveling?

Invest in good tech that is light and portable, including a light laptop and a portable lamp. Make sure that you email the Airbnb to see if the internet is fast enough and if possible if the router is in the space. Check the pictures where you are staying to make sure there will be a quiet place for you to teach.

Did you face any criticism getting started, from family or friends, in your digital nomad or remote work lifestyle, and if so, how did you overcome their judgment?

My parents still ask me when I am going to get a job. They never seem to complain when I visit them for a month at a time though. lol

What’s your favorite quote?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Micheal Jordan

Your best travel tip or budget travel tip

Don’t be afraid to travel around your own backyard or country! Traveling does not always mean having to travel internationally, plus its usually cheaper.

Digital Nomad Job:

Extra Resources

If teaching others to do something you already know how to do sounds like something you can do, then becoming an online english teacher might be for you! Afterall, everyone could benefit from learning English from education, work, and social opportunities.

Certification or Licensure

To become an online english teacher, you will need an interntionally recognized TEFL or TESOL certificate.

Apply here to get your TEFL certification

Platforms to apply:

• 51 Talk
• Amazing Talker
• Cafe Talk
• Cambly
• English Hunt

To learn more and get a full list of places you can apply along with a breakdown of information such as pay, requirements, and min. hours, you can read it all here. 

Podcasts:

• The TEFLology Podcast
• New Teachers of English As A Foreign Language Podcast
• TESOL Pop

Digital Nomad Job:

Summed up as an Online English Techer

Teaching english is a great option for many to dip their toes into the digital nomad lifestyle. I hope you found this valuable and can see that there’s still opportunity out there to pursue this field. To learn more about Brooke you can check her out on instagram here or her Youtube channel here. 

Stay tuned for the next  post in this series on digital nomad jobs going live where I’ll announce on my Instagram.

xx, christine

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