Where do I start? First, a little bit about me. I was a teacher in public school for ten years. I loved my job and I want to go back every day. I miss it. I loved the kids and if I could have every single student that I have ever taught back in my class I would do it in a heartbeat. Life takes you in funny directions. I was diagnosed with MS my second year of teaching. I managed to keep it under control, or the illusion that I had it under control. I would work with IV's in my arm if I had to as long as I was at work with my kids. The tides turned my eighth year of teaching when I gave birth to a beautiful little girl who also happens to have CF. I tried to make it work for another two years but I was a bad teacher, a bad mom, and very sick. The stress between both of our illnesses was too much to handle. After ten years I resigned from teaching to be a stay at home mom.
I was denied Social Security disability but I was granted long-term disability from the insurance I had through the school district I worked for. This was a blessing. In that time frame, I had another daughter who thankfully does not have CF but she was just recently diagnosed with Celiacs Disease. My family has definitely won the genetic lottery. When the girls got older I decided to start looking for online teaching jobs to supplement our income a little bit. This is when I got hired at VIP kid. I would get up very early in the morning and teach Chinese students how to speak English. I never put much effort into it since it was just something to do. I only worked maybe five-ten hours a week.
I continued with VIP kid for a year and then got burned out, it was easy to be excited about seeing students every day and I was working 7 days a week. My schedule was up to me so I just closed down my available spots still keeping my contract active so I could go back if I wanted too. This spring I got word that I was losing my disability. Their reasoning was that even though my disability keeps me from being able to be in a classroom I could still sit at a desk for 8 hours and do office work. I had the option to contest the decision and my doctor was willing to help me. Hindsight is 20/20. I chose to believe that I could work and wanted to work as long as it was at a desk. I also decided to document my MS problems once I went back to work so I could re-apply for social security disability when things got really bad and have proof to back up my claims. In addition, my youngest was starting kindergarten and I did want to get out of the house. The problem is that I am one step above a Masters degree and there just are not that many jobs where I live. I apply for everything but I never get hired. I can get a job probably in a big city, however, we do not believe it is in the best interest of our oldest daughters to move and take her away from her school and friends. CF is a traumatic disease to have and uprooting her away from what is familiar seems like a bad idea.
I did find a job, that did not pay anything near what I was used to making, even on disability but I actually enjoyed it. I did medical coding and billing in a doctors office. I liked having somewhere to go every morning and I was allowed to have my kids at work with me if I didn't have anyone to care for them. I could also come and go as needed for my doctor's appointments or my kid's appointments. In reality, it was a dream job. How many bosses have you ever had that lets you bring your kids with you and gives you the flexibility to leave when needed? Unfortunately one of the doctors left the practice so there was not enough work to keep me there and I was laid off. I was heartbroken and terrified not knowing how we were going to keep a roof over our heads.
That brings me to now. Luckily my husband works a lot of overtime so he is able to cover all but one of our bills and living expenses. I opened up my schedule again and I am teaching enough to cover our mortgage but we have no extra to save for our future or even cover Christmas and other fun extras, or even not fun extras like tires for our car which we need badly. I am searching for jobs but I live in a small town and the interviews I have had I get thanks but no thanks. It is really heartbreaking because I know I can do a good job even though my education is in teaching. I even apply for jobs where you only need a high school diploma but don't even get an interview. I suspect that they don't even call me because they do not think I will work for what they are willing to pay. The thing is, I realize I am starting over career wise and I realize that I cannot expect to be paid what I was making as a teacher with a Masters degree. I am okay with that.
I do have the option to substitute teach and I may end up doing that. I am terrified to do that though. The biggest reason is that my blood infusions for my MS seriously suppress my immune system. Five months working in a doctors office and I got 4 colds that did not go away. I was sick for at least two weeks each time and two of those times I had to go on antibiotics to kick it. I was not even near sick people, my office was way at the other end of the hall. I cannot imagine going back into a classroom where kids love you and hug you and share every germ possible with you. I am afraid I will spend more time home sick than actually working.
I have been watching youtube videos from other VIP kid teachers. It turns out if I market myself the right way and put in a little effort I can make enough money part time to where I do not need to find a different job. If I just double the number of classes I am teaching right now I will make what I was working 40 hours a week at a doctors office. If I double my bookings I would only be working 25 hours a week. I think this is a much better idea. I can be free to go to different appointments and be home for my kids after school. And let's face it, less time working means better health for me. My MS has been getting worse recently and I intend on staying on my feet for as long as I can for my girls.
I have also discovered I can make a lot more with VIP kid by recruiting more teachers. VIP kid is growing at a crazy rate and they are constantly looking for more teachers. I know this sounds like Multi-Level Marketing but it is really not. You just get a one time bonus if you find someone and they get hired. I actually love the idea of training other teachers. I once worked with a student teacher and I loved it. Being a mentor to new teachers is a dream. There are other opportunities within the company as well such as mentors, curriculum, and leadership opportunities which I would love because my most recent degree is in educational leadership.
Needless to say, this can be a great opportunity for my family if I put in a little extra effort. I do have the option to do youtube videos but there are so many I would just be one of many. In addition, my MS has caused some cognitive issues which means I lose my train of thought often and I forget what I am saying or I say things wrong. I think writing is a better idea. I have always been a much better writer than a public speaker. I may put videos in this blog for prospective recruits but I will just have to see.
I am still actively applying for jobs so if one comes up I may take it, or if we really need the money I may end up substitute teaching but for right now this is the course. Even if I do get a job I will probably still do this as a side gig. We have plenty of medical bills that need to be paid.
If you are interested in applying for VIP kid you can apply at the link below.
https://t.vipkid.com.cn/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=ee938623613a9ad6cfb9d3f57e135812&refereeId=3372211
Happy Teaching,
Kortney
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