Freelance Teacher Life
In previous episodes, I shared my journey as Lorenzo, the director of Language Atelier, and how I found my side job as a teacher more interesting and entertaining than the research for my PhD. Teaching soon became my primary source of income, prompting me to apply for teaching positions at various language schools.
A teaching career in Prague
My first opportunity came from a friend who was leaving Prague and recommended me to the school where he had been working. I began teaching at a company in Dobříš, a small town just 30 minutes from Prague. This marked the kick-off of my teaching career, as I soon applied to all the major language schools in Prague, leading to a significant turn in my life.
I started working with four schools, and gradually my schedule filled up with early morning and late afternoon/evening classes. Initially, I had gaps in the middle of the day, which I tried to fill by organizing private lessons and taking care of everyday activities such as grocery shopping and cooking lunch.
Moving around Prague to teach to the students
Occasionally, I would work on my PhD, but it was clear that my priority had shifted. I struggled to find motivation for my research, as I was genuinely enthusiastic about my job as an Italian teacher, which was incredibly fulfilling.
Consider that in the “pre-COVID era,” online classes were rare, and almost every lesson required me to travel to meet students in person.
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