From High Heels to Headsets: My Journey as a Work-from-Home ESL Teacher

There was a time when my mornings began with a rush choosing the perfect outfit, slipping into high heels, and making sure I looked every bit the part of a store operations manager. I managed three large retail stores, filled with branded and imported goods from elegant bags and stylish shoes to luxurious apparel and perfumes. It was a fast-paced world, especially working in a duty-free shop where many balikbayans. These are Filipinos living or working abroad who return home to visit and would shop for their loved ones. They would often buy pasalubong, a cherished Filipino tradition that means bringing home gifts or souvenirs for family and friends.

I loved that chapter of my life, but it came with its own challenges like long hours, endless standing, heavy responsibilities, managing staffs, the whole branch and the daily battle with traffic. I would leave home early and come back late, often exhausted from the commute and the demands of the job. I was basically married to my job, I had no life back then.

Now, my life looks completely different and in so many ways, more fulfilling.

Today, I work from home as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. My classroom? A quiet corner in my home. My dress code? Well… let’s just say it’s business on top, comfort at the bottom!😉☺️ As long as I look presentable from the waist up, I’m good to go. There have even been days when I rushed into class wearing shorts or a towel (yes, really!) because I was running late. No more fancy pants or high heels, no more worrying about traffic, and definitely no more exhausting commutes.

Instead, I get to be present. My family sees me every day. I’m here for the little moments that I used to miss.

One of my greatest blessings is my incredibly supportive husband. On days when I teach straight from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, then rest for two hours with classes running every 25 minutes, he steps in without hesitation. He cooks for me and gently hands me my lunch during my tiny 2–3 minute breaks between classes.

Those small acts of love mean everything they keep me going through a packed schedule. These are moments when students are on their holiday break from school. I will resume again 5pm until midnight this will go on for one to two months because mostly my students are Chinese. It depends upon the country's school break. Yah, I know what you're thinking, I am basically tied to my chair, Hahaha, but I am enjoying every bit if it. I treat all my students as my kids so as a mom you don't get tired of teaching and talking to your children. For the adults I treat them as my friends so you don't get tired of teaching a friend, right?!😉☺️
Especially if they pay you to teach them! 😁😅

I started this journey working under a company, but over time, I built my own network of regular students. Now, they pay me directly no more commission cuts. It took patience, consistency, and heart, but it was all worth it.

What I love most about my job isn’t just the convenience it’s the transformation I get to witness.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a student go from knowing almost nothing in English to confidently expressing their thoughts and carrying conversations with ease. It’s like watching a flower bloom right before your eyes. Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from all over the world like Japan, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Italy, and even the Middle East. Ranging from as early as 5 year olds to teens to adults. Mostly about everyday conversations, Travel English, Business English, IELTS for the adults for kids it's basically learning English from the basics depending on their grade level.

Each student has a story. Each lesson is a connection.
And the most heartwarming part? When they tell me how grateful they are not just for teaching them English, but for the patience, empathy, support, and genuine care I give them. Those words stay with me. They remind me why I chose this path.

Working from home as an ESL teacher isn’t always easy. It requires discipline, energy, and a lot of heart. But it is deeply, beautifully rewarding.From managing stores to shaping minds, from high heels to headsets, this journey has changed my life.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.👍

I am still open for new students if you wish to learn English I would gladly teach you. Just send me a message🥰🤗

I hope, you too love the work you are in right now because at the end of the day you get to say to yourself, yes, I did good today!♥️❤️♥️

Thanks for reading til the end.

Remember, you are loved.
@aideleijoie♥️