Could you use extra money? That is a silly question. I don’t know about you, but I can always use some extra money. A couple of years ago, I found a unique way to make extra money on the farm. In this article, I am going to share it with you, in hopes you can also bring in some extra income on the farm.
A Farmer’s Dilemma
Farmers are dependent on the markets: the cattle markets, crop markets, milk market. Some years it is a great place to be when the markets are high. However, usually, it is a very stressful and frustrating place to be. Farmers have very little control over the markets. Unfortunately, the weather and the government control the markets.
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Two years ago, I was looking for a way to make some extra money to expand our chicken and calf businesses. I started thinking outside the box to find a unique way to make extra money on the farm. A way that didn’t depend on the markets.
I wanted to be able to work from home since we homeschool our children. You can read here about farming and homeschooling and using Schoolhouse Teacher in homeschool. After searching the internet for LEGITIMATE internet jobs, I came across a company call VIPKID. After a lot of research, I applied. There was an extensive hiring process, but I was hired!
Working for VIPKID has been a blessing in my life. It has taken some financial stress off our family and allowed my children and I to expand our calf operation. We also purchased a guardian dog for our chickens.
What is VIPKid?
VIPKID is an online teaching platform based in China. They hire native English speaking teachers to teach Chinese, school-aged children English skills using predetermined lessons based on the child’s skills. The classes usually take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Beijing time. Living in the Central time zone, this is usually between 6:00-8:00 a.m. or 7:00-9:00 a.m. depending on daylight savings time. China doesn’t observe daylight savings time.
Therefore, teaching English to Chinese children takes place early in the morning. It works out very well for me because I love to wake up early. You can read more about my early morning routine here. It is a way to make extra money on the farm without disturbing our family’s schedule.
According to fast company.com, “Beijing-based VIPKid is giving American teachers an income boost from halfway around the world. Under co-founder and CEO Cindy Mi, the online learning company contracts with more than 30,000 North American instructors and matches them with some 200,000 primarily Chinese pupils (ages four to 12) for one-on-one video sessions in English—along with a growing stable of other subjects. VIPKid’s student population grew four times from how many children it served at the end of 2016.
Class Format
Students follow up live video lessons with online learning. Approximately 5% of teachers who apply are accepted. Educators rave on Facebook and YouTube about the ability to teach classes from anywhere (and to typically make about $20 an hour, usually in the time before or after school). Parents seem to share their enthusiasm: The platform has a 95% student-retention rate. In 2017, VIPKid’s 25-minute-long classes were forecasted to bring in $760 million in revenue—up from $300 million the previous year.”
My Experience with VIPKID
I started teaching with VIPKID in October of 2017. It has been a wonderful experience. I have fallen in love with my Chinese students. Learning about Chinese culture is very interesting. Scheduling is flexible and there isn’t a minimum number of classes to teach. However, there are bonuses when you teach more than 45 classes a month. I am in control of my schedule. When my father was ill and eventually passed away, I was able to take time off to take time to care for him and grieve after he died. You can read more about farming through grief here.
Hiring Requirements
The hiring process is somewhat extensive. There are two main requirements. You must hold a four-year degree (bachelor) and you must have some teaching experience. Teaching experience can include daycare, classroom, Sunday school, etc.
One more consideration to make is your internet connection. You must have a somewhat strong internet connection. I needed to upgrade my internet speed to be able to teach the class. You are teaching in real-time: think Facetime or Skype. Internet speed should ideally be 25mb/s minimum.
Free VIPKID Coaching
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
If you apply under another VIPKID teacher (like me) that teacher will coach you through the hiring process. I would love to help you earn extra money on the farm through VIPKID. There are many benefits beyond the extra money. It is a very rewarding experience. I love teaching Chinese children English. Watching children learn and increase their English language skills is exciting. It is rewarding to develop relationships with children halfway around the world and become a part of their lives.
How does earning around $1000 a month working part-time from home sound? You can do just that with VIPKID! Check out my referral link to see if you qualify. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. When you click on my link, we will be in direct contact and I will coach you through the process for free!
Teaching for VIPKID has been a huge blessing in my life. Do you know anyone who teaches English online? How do you earn extra money on the farm? I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment or send me a message.
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