Educators come to Outschool with diverse intentions and aspirations. Some see it as a creative outlet, teaching a class or two each week for personal fulfillment or supplemental income. For others, Outschool represents an opportunity to expand their teaching career into something more entrepreneurial. If you’re finding yourself intrigued by the idea of turning your teaching hobby into a meaningful side hustle, you’re not alone. This transition can be both empowering and daunting, but it’s filled with possibilities.
However, it’s important to address the term “hustle” itself. For many, particularly in light of ongoing challenges with teacher salaries in the United States and beyond, the idea of a “hustle” can carry a negative connotation. It can feel overwhelming to add yet another responsibility to an already full plate. But this stage doesn’t have to be permanent–and the choices you make during this phase can determine how long you stay in it and whether you can move beyond it. Let’s explore the key differences between a hobby, a hustle, and what comes after, actionable steps to shift your mindset and approach, and strategies to grow sustainably so you can exit the hustle stage when you’re ready.
Understanding the Difference: Hobby vs Hustle vs Growth Stage
Hobby: A hobby is casual. You’re teaching for enjoyment or a bit of extra income without significant pressure. You might experiment with class topics, schedules, and formats without focusing heavily on growth. Success metrics are often secondary to personal satisfaction.
Hustle: A hustle is more intentional. It involves goal-setting, planning, and optimizing your approach to teaching. You’re not just looking to enjoy the process–you’re looking for results. This might include increasing enrollments, building a loyal learner base, or improving your class listings and marketing strategies.
Growth Stage: The growth stage is where your teaching shifts from a side hustle to a thriving, sustainable business. At this stage, you’re leveraging systems, scaling your offerings, and balancing your workload with a focus on long-term success. You’ve established clear boundaries, streamlined processes, and diversified income streams to ensure stability and fulfillment.
Steps to Transition from Hobby to Hustle
- Clarify Your Goals
Define what success looks like for you. Is it earning a specific amount of money each month? Is it growing your presence on Outschool or refining your teaching skills? Clear goals will guide your next steps.
- Evaluate Your Class Offerings
Are your classes aligned with demand? Research popular topics, review learner feedback, and consider how you can refine or expand your class catalog. Focus on classes that attract repeat enrollments or can be part of a learning pathway.
- Optimize Your Listings
Treat your class listings as marketing tools. Ensure your titles, descriptions, and media are engaging, clear, and professional. Highlight what makes your classes unique and why learners will benefit.
- Create a Consistent Schedule
Offering classes at regular times increases your visibility. Consistency helps families plan and demonstrates your reliability as an educator.
- Build Relationships with Families
Communication is key to retention. Send follow-up messages after classes, provide personalized feedback, and tell families about other classes they might enjoy. Building trust and loyalty will naturally lead to more enrollments.
- Do the Legwork
While Outschool provides valuable educator tools and data, it’s essential to go beyond them. Research market trends, connect with other educators for insights, and track your progress independently. Being proactive will help you identify opportunities and refine your approach.
Moving Beyond the Hustle
Once you’ve established your footing in the hustle stage, you may find yourself ready to move toward more sustainable growth. Here are some tips for transitioning out of the hustle:
- Create Scalable Offerings: Consider translating your current classes into other formats to reach more learners without significantly increasing your workload.
- Invest in Professional Development: Take advantage of resources like the Educator Library or Outschool’s webinars and explore opportunities beyond Outschool. Industry conferences, online courses, and networking with other educators can provide fresh insights and skills to enhance your business.
- Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by setting realistic business hours and being transparent about them with families. A balanced approach prevents burnout and ensures longevity.
Embracing Your Journey
Whether you view Outschool as a passion project, a side hustle, or the foundation of a full-fledged business, your journey is uniquely yours. The choices you make today–from refinding your classes to building strong relationships with families–will lay the groundwork for future success. While the hustle phase might not be where you want to stay, it can be a valuable step toward achieving your long-term goals.
Remember, every successful business starts with a first step. By approaching your teaching on Outschool with intentionality and focus, you’re not just creating opportunities for your learners–you’re creating opportunities for yourself. And that’s something worth celebrating.
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