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The way we study, work, and communicate is constantly evolving. Nowadays, working from home (WFH), remote, and hybrid working arrangements have become familiar in many situations, and homes have, in many cases, permanently replaced offices.
This transition is quite significant, but another shift has made an even bigger impact on people’s work lives. The Great Resignation was a 2021 phenomenon in which an increasing number of frustrated employees left their unsatisfying jobs to pursue a career where they could be their own bosses.
Many expected this to be just a craze and to fade out once the bubble had burst, bringing to the surface the challenges of being self-employed and the instability of freelancing. Instead, younger generations are following suit and launching the Great Resignation 2.0.
To be or not to be your own boss
When remote work first became mainstream, most people enthusiastically welcomed it—after ironing out a few initial hiccups, of course. This warm reception wasn’t surprising, considering the many benefits working from home (WFH) brought to the table:
- No more commuting. Let’s face it—daily commutes have always felt like a drain on time and money, which we tolerated simply because we had to. WFH lifted that burden, giving employees a newfound sense of freedom.
- Flexible schedules and workspaces. Remote work also lets people structure their day in a way that suits them best, whether adjusting their hours or setting up their workspace for maximum comfort and productivity.
- Greater autonomy. With more control over their time, employees can weave personal tasks and work commitments together in a way that fits their lifestyle.
Who wouldn’t want more flexibility in their work life? The opportunity to choose when and where to work from, which kind of work and how much of it to take on, sounds idyllic–almost utopian. Challenging – definitely, but not impossible.
Let’s have a look at some of these challenges:
- Blurred work-life boundaries. When your home becomes your office, it’s harder to mentally “clock out.” Many find themselves answering late-night emails or squeezing in one last task, leaving them feeling stretched thin in both their personal and professional lives.
- Home distractions. It’s tempting to think, I’ll just tackle this chore quickly before getting back to work—but before you know it, the day slips away, and work tasks pile up.
Funding your lifestyle as a digital nomad
There are many online jobs that allow you to embrace a more flexible lifestyle, but teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is more than a job, it’s a career. If you have a true passion for the language and for teaching, you can develop your skills and build upon your experiences to create the right path just for you.
But before you jump in, you’ll need to decide if you want to build your own independent teaching business or if you’d rather work with an established online language school. Both options have their perks—it all depends on your goals, time, and how much control you want over your work.
- Option 1: Going independent – freedom and responsibility
If you choose to strike out on your own, you’ll have full control over your business—but that also means handling all the behind-the-scenes work.
This means that you’ll need to build your own brand. You’ll need a professional website to showcase your services and a solid contract to protect both you and your students. You’ll need to market yourself to attract and retain students by actively promoting your lessons through social media, word of mouth, or even ads. You’ll design your own curriculum and keep your classes engaging, which takes time and creativity.
The main advantages of this option are that you can set your own rates, work directly with students, and keep all your earnings, as there’s no middleman involved. However, it does require a lot of hard work and dedication, especially at the beginning and if you have no prior experience running a business.
- Option 2: Working with an online language school – less hassle, less flexibility
If you’d rather skip the business side, partnering with an online school can be a smoother start.
You won’t need to worry about marketing, and the legal aspect will be handled by the school; they’ll find students for you and deal with contracts and payments. This option will also save you time, because some schools provide lesson plans and materials–just review them and teach!
It’s clear that working with an established online school can streamline your work considerably, but it’s at the expense of some freedom and flexibility. While you’ll have less admin work, you’ll also have less control over how you teach.
Although you’re able to choose your availability, most online schools will require a minimum number of teaching hours per week/month. Another compromise you’ll need to make is that you might not be able to set your own rates. Some schools pay a fixed hourly wage, while others take a cut of your earnings.
Which path is right for you?
If you love autonomy and don’t mind the extra effort, going independent could be rewarding. But if you’d prefer a ready-made system with steady students, a language school might be a better choice. Some teachers even do both—starting with a school for stability, then branching out on their own later!
Either way, freelance online teaching is a flexible and fulfilling way to earn money, and it allows you to explore the world while you help others improve their language skills. But this lifestyle can be demanding: it’s important to look after your body and mind while living abroad. Culture shock and homesickness can hit anyone at any time during their long-term stay abroad, but there are simple ways to prepare and cope.
Before you go, connect with TEFL communities or expat groups in your destination through social media; this helps you know what to expect and can even lead to making friends before you arrive. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language will boost your confidence and make daily interactions smoother. To combat homesickness, pack a small sentimental item from home, like a photo or keepsake, and schedule regular calls with family and friends to stay connected.
Tech for teaching: your bread and butter
It goes without saying that you can’t work remotely without technology. The good news is that you likely already have most of what you need to teach online—just a laptop with a built-in camera and mic will get you started. But if you want to really improve your setup (and your students’ experience), a decent headset is a smart investment—especially if you’re teaching from busy places like hostels or cafés.
As well as your equipment, your teaching environment plays a key role in the impression you make on your clients. Even if you’re on the move, try to carve out a dedicated teaching space. The best way to prepare for online teaching is to find somewhere quiet, with good lighting, where you can focus without distractions.
Digital nomads – the next generation
Whether you’re teaching from a beach in Bali or a quiet café in Lisbon, remote English teaching gives you the freedom to design your own life. It’s not always easy, but with the right setup and mindset, it’s totally doable—and definitely worth the adventure.
The Rise of Flexible Work for Digital Talent