Considering a career in teaching English, but worried about the stress that comes with a traditional classroom setting? You’re not alone. While Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) can be incredibly rewarding, the classroom environment isn’t for everyone. The good news? There’s a booming world of online TEFL teaching jobs, offering a flexible and stress-reducing alternative that can actually be beneficial for your mental health.
Why Online TEFL Teaching Might be the Perfect Fit for You
The freedom and flexibility offered by online teaching jobs can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing, especially when compared to the demands of a traditional classroom setting. Below are just some of the many positive mental health impacts of teaching English online jobs.
1. Freedom from Commute Stress
The daily commute, common for in-person teaching jobs, can be mentally exhausting. However, in an online teaching job, you’re free from the stress of traffic jams, unpredictable weather, and the hustle of crowded public transport. By teaching English online, you’ll gain back time for yourself each day, giving you space to exercise, pursue hobbies, or enjoy peaceful moments before and after your work. Having a relaxed start and end to your workday can significantly reduce stress, helping you feel refreshed and prepared.
2. A Comfortable Teaching Environment
As an online English teacher, you can create a workspace that fits your needs and personality. Some find that the sensory aspects of a traditional classroom, like bright lights and constant movement, can contribute to anxiety. By teaching English online, you can control your environment—choosing lighting, setting up plants, or adding items that bring you comfort. A calming setup can make a big difference in your daily outlook.
3. Flexible Schedules = Better Work-Life Balance
Balancing personal and professional lives can be a challenge in many teaching jobs. However, with online teaching opportunities, you often have more control over your schedule. Many online English teaching careers allow you to choose your hours, making it easier to manage family time, relaxation, and exercise. This flexibility can significantly reduce the risk of burnout, allowing you to maintain a steady balance between work and personal wellbeing.
4. Less Pressure and More Control Over Your Workload
Classroom-based teaching careers often come with extensive lesson planning, meetings, and administrative tasks. In comparison, online English teaching positions tend to involve simpler, more streamlined lesson preparation. Some online platforms even provide lesson materials, freeing you to focus on teaching rather than endless prep work. With a lighter workload, you’ll have more mental space to stay creative and feel less stressed.
5. Building Connections on Your Terms
Traditional classroom teaching can come with social pressures and demands to build strong connections with large groups of students, parents, and colleagues. In online teaching jobs for English teachers, interactions are often one-on-one or in small groups, allowing for meaningful connections without the added social pressure.
Tips for Boosting Mental Health as an Online TEFL Teacher
While online teaching careers come with many mental health benefits, here are some strategies to keep your wellbeing at its best:
Set Boundaries
Even though online English teacher jobs are often flexible, it’s crucial to set limits. Try not to take on too many classes in a day, and allow yourself breaks to recharge.
Stay Active
Working from home can mean sitting in front of a screen for long periods. Schedule regular exercise breaks to keep your energy and mental clarity up.
Keep Social Connections
Online teaching can sometimes feel isolating, so staying in touch with friends and family or even joining an online teacher community can provide additional support.
Practice Mindfulness
Take a few minutes each day for mindfulness practices to help you stay calm and focused.
The Mental Health Benefits of an Online TEFL Qualification
If you want to teach TEFL online but haven’t yet earned your TEFL qualification, getting qualified through an online TEFL course brings additional mental health perks. Studying online allows you to learn at your own pace in a relaxed environment, and you’ll avoid the pressure of commuting or attending in-person classes.
Completing your TEFL qualification online also gives you firsthand experience with online learning, which can make you an even more empathetic, effective online English teacher.
Start Your Online TEFL Journey Today
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder so many people are drawn to online TEFL teaching jobs. If you’re ready to make a positive change in both your career and your mental wellbeing, we’re ready to help you achieve that goal.
Our online TEFL courses open up opportunities for online teaching English jobs that offer flexibility, autonomy, and mental health benefits. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier work life with i-to-i today.
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This post was originally published at The Benefits of Online TEFL Teaching for Your Mental Health on the i to i TEFL Website.
