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Is Teaching English Online Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know in 2026

BySherry Arkfeld Updated

If you’re dreaming of ditching the 9-to-5, packing your laptop, and earning money from anywhere, you’ve probably come across the idea of teaching English online.

It sounds simple: talk to students, help them improve their English, and work from anywhere with WiFi.

But is teaching English online worth it?

Short answer: Yes, it can be. Just know what you’re getting into before you dive in.

My Experience Teaching English Online

My first non-corporate job was teaching English online with iTutorGroup. I taught students in China, both kids and adults. Honestly, it was pretty fun.

I didn’t need to speak Chinese or Mandarin or create my own lesson plans. The company gave me everything I needed, including the curriculum.

All I had to do was show up with energy, smile a lot, and keep the conversation going.

A woman with curly brown hair wearing a red polo shirt smiles next to a colorful sock puppet with orange hair, blue-and-green stripes, and glasses. The backdrop features repeated “iTutorGroup” logos, suggesting an online teaching or tutoring environment.

The biggest challenge was the hours. I was based in a totally different time zone, so I either had to teach super early in the morning or late at night. There were a few mid-day classes, but not many. If you’re in a time zone closer to Asia, that part won’t be as tough.

Overall, it was an easy way to make money and test out a more flexible lifestyle.

So, Is Teaching English Online Worth It?

Here’s what you need to consider.

The Pros

1. It’s flexible. You can work from almost anywhere as long as you’ve got a good laptop, solid internet, a quiet environment, and an appropriate background.

2. Low barrier to entry. Most companies don’t require a teaching degree. If you speak English fluently, have a clean background check, and a basic TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, you’re good to go.

3. Built-in structure. Most platforms provide all the lesson materials. You just show up and teach. No lesson planning, no grading papers.

4. Cross-cultural connection. You’ll talk to students from all over the world. It’s a great way to learn about other cultures and make real human connections. That’s how I learned that China has only one time zone. I also learned that it’s shaped like a chicken.

5. Entry-level friendly. If you’re transitioning out of corporate life or trying out digital nomad life, it’s a solid stepping stone. That’s exactly what it was for me.

The Cons

1. The hours can be rough. Teaching kids in China? That usually means evenings or early mornings if you’re in the U.S. Not ideal if you’re not a morning person.

2. Pay isn’t always great at the start. Most beginner rates hover around $10–$15 per hour. You can earn more as you build a student base, but it takes time.

3. Unstable income. Some weeks are packed. Others, crickets. It’s hard to predict.

4. No benefits. You’re a contractor. That means no health insurance, no paid time off, and no employer-funded retirement plan.

5. It’s exhausting. Unless you’re a super extrovert (I’m not!), it gets tiring being peppy all the time.

What Makes Teaching English Online Worth It

Teaching English online is worth it if you approach it the right way:

  • Stack platforms. Don’t rely on one site. Try a mix—Cambly, Preply, iTalki—to keep your calendar full.
  • Use tech backups. A portable hotspot can save your teaching rep if your WiFi cuts out.
  • Get certified. A 120-hour TEFL course boosts your credibility and opens more doors. I recommend this one by Premier TEFL.
  • Join communities. Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and online forums are great for finding jobs, sharing tips, and getting support.
  • Set boundaries. Protect your schedule and your mental health. Block time for breaks and say no to burnout.
A person gestures with their hands in front of a laptop displaying a virtual classroom session, with eight students and a teacher participating in a video call. The background includes a chalkboard with a world map and bar chart drawing, hinting at an online learning environment.

So, Should You Teach English Online?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you want location freedom over a high salary?
  • Can you handle a flexible but sometimes unpredictable schedule?
  • Are you OK with starting small and building over time?
  • Do you enjoy talking to people and keeping energy high on video calls?

If that sounds like a yes, teaching English online could absolutely be worth it.

It won’t make you rich overnight. And it’s not always sunshine and lattes. But it is a legit way to earn money while you travel, test out remote work, or transition out of your current career.

For me, it was the first step toward a more independent life. And if you play it smart, it could be a great step for you too.

Either way, you’ll learn something about yourself. And that’s always worth it.

Want more? I’ve outlined how to get started teaching online, including everything you need.

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Sherry Arkfeld is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and copywriter living her dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world while exploring new places with her little dog, Shelby. Sherry is passionate about sharing her experiences to help other travelers and digital nomads. Sherry and Shelby are currently traveling slowly around Mexico with plans to eventually go (almost) everywhere.