VIPKid Reviews

Pros

Easy to do from home. No commute, no child care, no savvy business clothes, no commuting in the snow, and the best part is every day is "bring your cat to work day!" My cat, Bootsie, loves my job as much as I do! No kidding, I've had parents post reviews on my cat! The kids love it! Payment is once a month. I don't mind that because then it its a big check. You know what to expect and money is in the account on time. I love the children I teach. It is amazing how close you get to the family from the other side of the world!

Cons

You'll read that there is not enough work. I don't think that is accurate. I've been with VIPKID going on six months. My first contract is at an end. My first month I made $55.00. The next month I more than doubled that, and every month after has been going higher and higher. I am now teaching about five hours a day and making very good money for wearing pajama bottoms and an orange t-shirt. My monthly is in the four figure range. The thing is you have to give the parents a reason to schedule with you. Sitting around waiting for bookings to come is not good. You won't get far teaching only trial students; although, trial students become regular students and they will remember your smiling face. The trick to getting more bookings is to take advantages of their certifications in different areas. In November I got certified to do the major courses and my schedule is now completely and totally packed. I literally have a very full schedule, teaching around eleven classes a day. You hear a lot of complaints about missing classes. When you teach, even at a school, attendance is important. As far as online schools go, VIPKID is the most liberal. I could have worked with DaDaAbc and made a lot more money. Their attendance policy is HORRENDOUS! You are locked into a schedule that will not vary, cannot travel. I have two homes and I could only teach at one. My travel was stopped. VIPKID encourages their teachers to live a life. Its great stories for the kids. When I am at my place in Brooklyn, they are pretty amazed to see NYC. My students get to see a variety of things, which VIPKID was pretty smart to encourage their teachers to live a life.

Pros

You choose your schedule. There is no minimum or maximum hours per week or month. Once you get the hang of it (give 6 months or so) it’s really easy with little to no prep time. Your days are free to work another job or be a SAHM or sleep. My bookings have always been decent.

Cons

The hours can be rough and the more classes you want to teach, the earlier you are going to have to get up, or the later you have to teach at night. Tech on your end or theirs will inevitably go wrong and they aren’t forgiving at all. If you can’t get into your class for whatever reason they mark you as a no show and charge you $10. That’s on top of not being paid for the class. They will tell you to send a ticket, but I’ve only had 1 out of 4 of those excused. It’s frustrating and causes a lot of stress. That said, I suppose missing 4 classes in 3 years isn’t terrible, but there is a limit of 6 per contract before you are reviewed and possibly fired. The pay used to be better. They lowered pay for existing contractors, but expect the same work. You can also expect a decent amount of unpaid time to prepare, certify to teach classes, and take workshops.

Pros

The students are so driven to learn. Many of my students have become like a niece or nephew. I feel honored to teach them twice a week for almost 3 years. I have worked as a brick and mortar teacher, but felt very restricted on when I could take a family vacation. With this company, I am able to travel during the off-peak season. I wear a VIPKid t-shirt and yoga pants to work! The savings on a professional wardrobe and no driving makes up for the cost difference of a B&M job. I also love not grading papers or doing lesson plans!

Cons

Because this is my full-time job, I work over nights like a nurse or firefighter. I don't mind, but when I'm finished with my classes, I go right to bed (9am-5pm with blackout curtains). I often don't leave the house for days because I work from home. BUT, considering the pandemic, it has been a blessing to not HAVE to leave home! I have each evening with my husband before he goes to sleep (5pm-10pm). That's all most working couples have anyway, really. No honestly, I don't see a down-side! :D

Pros

Work from home, create your own schedule, the more classes you teach, the more money you earn per class.

Cons

You have to teach early morning hours if you are based in the US. You are financially punished for canceling classes already scheduled within 24 hours. Basically, you pay the company when you have to cancel class which is unethical (they deduct it from you pay). But if you don't have kids and no life which prevents you from canceling classes, this job is for you!

Pros

Work from home in comfy clothes and environment Ability to block the schedule if you know 2 weeks in advance Most students are wonderful, adorable and fun

Cons

12 hour time difference makes the hours not desirable for most No booking guarantees No chance for advancement or raise: recently just got our bonuses taken away and I’m now losing $50 a month compared to before Must have very high internet speed and equipment, still can cause problems which will ALWAYS be blamed on the teacher Students can cancel up to 24 hours ahead without penalty but that leaves a hole in the schedule that likely won’t get booked.... Takes time to prepare and make props for classes: unpaid of course You are hired as an IC so you will have to file taxes and set aside 15-30 % of your profits making it even less financially lucrative. No incentives.... Inability to block or refuse rude or inappropriate students