When the world shifted to remote everything during the pandemic, I was a university student looking for a way to work remotely while finishing my studies. Remote teaching caught my eye early on—I kept seeing English teaching jobs online, and since I was already studying English with an interest in education, it felt like a natural fit. My plan was simple: get certified, work remotely as a tutor just while I finished school, then figure out what’s next.
But what started as a “temporary” side gig quickly became so much more. Remote teaching didn’t just help me pay the bills—it unlocked my path into entrepreneurship and, most importantly, gave me the freedom to work and live on my own terms, wherever I choose.
Starting Small: From Student to Remote Tutor
Back in university during the pandemic years, the future felt uncertain, but remote work was clearly here to stay. I dove into researching what jobs I could do from my laptop and quickly noticed how many opportunities existed for English tutors online. I began tutoring and reviewing essays for an online education company while juggling classes, using my free time to earn some steady part-time income.
After completing my TEFL certification, I officially started teaching ESL remotely. Teaching gave me much more than a paycheck—it gave me real-world skills in managing schedules, communicating effectively online, invoicing, and using digital tools. These skills would later become the foundation for expanding my career beyond teaching.
The Remote Work Revelation
Teaching online opened my eyes to a new way of working—one without the traditional workforce constraints. No commute, no rigid hours, and no geographic limits. Suddenly, I realised that this kind of work wasn’t a stopgap or a fallback; it was a gateway to a new lifestyle.
The flexibility and autonomy I experienced inspired me to explore other income streams online. Teaching remotely was my launchpad into freelancing writing, creating digital resources, and even teaching part-time at the college level. I saw firsthand how my skills were transferable and scalable across different projects and opportunities.
Instead of boxing myself into one job or industry, I now have a mix of roles that keep things flexible and aligned with what I actually enjoy. Teaching is still something I can return to whenever I want, but now I also get to follow my curiosity, experiment with new ideas, and build things that reflect who I am.
Location Freedom: Living Life on My Own Terms
The most life-changing benefit of this journey is the freedom to live and work anywhere. Because my work is online, I’m not tied down by geography. I can travel, explore, and chase new opportunities without sacrificing my income or career growth (move across the world coming 2026).
Looking ahead, if I ever need to supplement my income while I build up my ventures in writing, education, and digital products, teaching online is an option I can count on. That kind of flexibility gives me room to take creative risks and focus on what actually excites me.
Why Remote Work Is More Than Just a Trend
My story is one of many that show how remote teaching can be so much more than a side hustle or a temporary job. It can be a powerful stepping stone to entrepreneurship and a location-independent lifestyle.
If you’re thinking about remote teaching—or any online side gig—don’t underestimate where it could lead. You might start out just looking for extra income, but end up unlocking an entirely new way of working and living. Sometimes the “temporary” path ends up changing everything.
Bio: Alessa Hickman is a writer and educator with a background in social work and English. She has taught ESL and college courses in writing, social sciences, and professional development. Drawing on her experience in both freelance writing and teaching, Alessa helps people communicate clearly and effectively through diverse written content and creative projects. Connect with Alessa via her website: https://www.alessahickman.com/ or via LinkedIn
