I currently work as a private tutor, teaching mainly mathematics and English to the child of a family friend. Most of my students are middle schoolers, which means that I often have to revisit the subjects I studied many years ago. Preparing for lessons sometimes requires me to review textbooks, practice problems, and grammar rules that I have not touched in a long time. Although this can be challenging, I find it rewarding because it not only strengthens my teaching ability but also refreshes my own knowledge.
In Korea, the minimum hourly wage in 2025 is 10,030 won. According to labor law, if someone works more than 15 hours a week, the hours that exceed this limit must be paid at one and a half times the normal rate. While many part- time jobs pay close to the minimum wage, tutoring usually provides a higher hourly wage compared to other forms of work. Still, it is important to understand the labor standards because they determine how fair compensation is calculated and how workers’ rights are protected. In my case, since my tutoring hours do not usually exceed 15 hours per week, the rule about overtime pay does not apply very often. However, I am aware of it and it reminds me that even small jobs should follow basic labor protections.
As for how I use the money I earn, I try to balance necessity with leisure. A part of my income goes to everyday expenses such as food, transportation, and occasional entertainment like movies or hanging out with friends. Another part is saved for larger goals, including travel and personal purchases. Saving gives me a sense of security and also motivates me to continue working steadily. However, I do not simply let my money sit in a bank account. I have also started to invest in the stock market, which has become both a learning experience and a way to potentially grow my income.
Investing in stocks is always a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers the possibility of higher returns compared to regular savings. On the other hand, it carries risks because the value of stocks can rise and fall unexpectedly. For example, some weeks I see a profit of about 5% to 10% depending on market conditions, but at other times my portfolio experiences losses. This fluctuation has taught me valuable lessons about risk management, patience, and the importance of long-term thinking. I also realized that successful investing is not about chasing quick profits but about making informed decisions based on research and analysis. In this sense, tutoring and investing share something in common: both require preparation, patience, and the willingness to learn continuously.
What I find especially interesting is how money earned from teaching middle school math and English can be connected to larger financial decisions like investing. Tutoring is not just about passing knowledge to students; it also shapes how I view my own financial responsibility. The effort I put into teaching directly funds my personal goals and gives me opportunities to grow in areas beyond education. Moreover, discussing investment and financial planning makes me more conscious of how young people, including the students I teach, might benefit from financial literacy in the future. Perhaps one day I can share some of these lessons with them as well, in addition to math formulas and grammar exercises.
In conclusion, working as a private tutor provides me not only with financial benefits but also with personal growth. It reminds me of the importance of revisiting old knowledge, respecting labor standards, and planning for the future. The money I earn is partly used for daily life, partly saved, and partly invested. Through this experience, I am learning that financial independence does not come from simply earning money but from using it wisely. Tutoring is, therefore, more than just a part-time job for me—it is a bridge between education, responsibility, and future financial stability.