Online tutoring jobs may sound like easy money, that you can make from the comfort of your own home. However, like most things in life, there is a bit more to online tutoring jobs than meets the eye. It makes sense to make sure your expectations are realistic before you start.

If you have some experience as a tutor or teacher, you'll probably have the basic skills needed to make a success of your online tutoring jobs. You'll also need other skills on top of that. Here are some examples of what you might encounter in online tutoring jobs.

1)Technology challenges. You don't have to be an internet aficionado, but you will need to have a grasp of the online medium and what works best for your subject and your students. Don't automatically expect your students to have all the computer skills that you have, or that they need! You may end up having to help your students with tasks, from effective use of search engines for projects to using whiteboards. Helping students make the most of the online medium may be a particular issue with older learners, but don't assume that the younger generation are all computer whizzes!

2)Who are your students? Well, they could be almost anyone, from a wide variety of backgrounds. Perhaps you've done online tutoring jobs with people in your local area before. It could be very different if you take on learners from other countries, or whose first language is not the same as yours.

3)Why are your students seeking help? Their reasons can be diverse, and may require special skills on your part. For example, some learners who make up your online tutoring jobs uptake may be falling behind at school or college. Online learning is often a choice for young people in tough circumstances, such as school exclusion or teenage parenthood. These students will require different help from those who are trying to convert their B grades to A grades. Expect to spend time tailoring your service to different needs.

4)Finding students. You may be really good at what you do, but don't expect students to materialize from nowhere. You'll have to sell yourself, with a good CV and profile on tutoring websites, or wherever you advertise your services. Word of mouth is always a good way to build up a clientele, but expect it to take some time and a good deal of effort.

5)Getting rich. It's probably not going to happen, unless you have very specialized skills that are hugely in demand in the online tutoring jobs world.

6)Job satisfaction. Whether you're taking on online tutoring jobs for a bit of extra cash or as a career move, if it suits your temperament you can reasonably expect to form satisfying relationships with online learners and helping them to achieve success. You can have the satisfaction of setting your own schedule and being your own boss. Online tutoring jobs are a flexible option for anyone with education experience and the passion to impart knowledge.