Side Hustles as a Teacher
Well, you know the saying, nobody becomes a teacher to become rich!
For as long as I’ve been teaching (11 years!), I’ve always had at least one side job, usually two, to help pay all the bills while also putting money away in savings accounts. A lot of teachers I know take on jobs over the summer, like waitressing, but those hours don’t work well as a mom of two - most restaurant jobs end late in the evening by the time cleanup is done. Here is how I’ve been able to earn money on the side as a teacher and mom.
When I first began teaching, my teaching salary was very minimal, so I took on coaching the JV field hockey team at my school. I held this job for two years, and I loved it. It kept me active with field hockey, a sport I’ve played since middle school, and helped me form strong bonds with students outside of the classroom. After that, I took over the Varsity field hockey coaching position and ran the entire program for three more years. It was a lot of work and required many, many hours on the field and traveling to games. My son was in early elementary school at this time and didn’t have time-intensive activities of his own yet. He used to really enjoy coming to practice with me, and he especially loved riding the buses to games and hanging out with the players. As he got older, though, his activities increased and it was harder to be away until 5:30 or 6 in the evening. Making dinner and being present for the bedtime routine was a challenge, so I gave up that job. I still really miss coaching at my school - nothing makes you feel more integrated in your school community and culture than running a sports program.
During those same years that I coached, I also worked at a local horse barn cleaning stalls and taking care of the horses. Growing up, I rode horses and took lessons, so this was also fun for me. The pay was nothing to brag about, but the hours were perfect. My son is at his dad’s house every other weekend, so I worked both weekend mornings that my son was gone, in addition to school breaks and vacations. This job kept me active, outside, and around horses, one of my favorite animals. Once I met my current boyfriend, I slowly cut back my hours and ultimately stopped working there that same year.
This brings us to around 2019. During that summer, I completed training to become a field hockey umpire, and took on my first games that Fall. This allowed me to stay in the field hockey community, but gave me the flexibility I needed and the freedom to create my own schedule based around my needs. I am still officiating field hockey games now, and was just reffing this weekend at a club tournament (rain, wind, and chilly weather in June!)
Umpiring is a challenge for me and I have to really focus and think while doing it. It’s very different from playing or coaching, and requires me to think on the spot and make immediate decisions. I’ve gotten a lot better over the past 4 years, but still have things to improve on. I enjoy the mental challenge and getting myself out of my comfort zone.
Another thing I’ve done since taking on AP classes eight years ago is teach at Saturday sessions and do extra help after school. The Saturday sessions are only a few times a year, and are funded by a non-profit program in the state.
These are just some options for teachers to earn extra money on the side. Ideally, I wouldn’t need to work extra job(s) for more money, but the state I live in has a high cost of living. Luckily, I happen to enjoy my side hustles!