Ever since I started working from home, lunch has always been the easiest thing to neglect. Most days, I relied on leftovers, a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and nuts, or nothing at all if a nap felt like the better choice. It wasn’t ideal, but it was convenient, and convenience usually won. Then one aimless scroll on TikTok changed that. I came across the … Continue reading My Latest Obsession: Soup Kits 🍜🍜
Mornings for a work-from-home mom like me start fast. One eye on emails, the other on the clock, and a schedule that barely leaves room to breathe. Working for around fifteen hours a day sounds flexible, but in reality, it’s long stretches of focus broken up by brief breaks. Coffee stops being a treat early on. It turns into fuel. That’s where the idea of … Continue reading Affordable Ways to Build a Coffee Corner You’ll Love
My ideal work from home space Working from home has its perks—no commute, flexible hours, and the comfort of being close to family. But even in a peaceful household, staying focused isn’t always as easy as it sounds. My teens, for instance, don’t interrupt loudly. They’ll quietly make a hand signal from the door, asking where their papa is, or if they can grab something … Continue reading Designing a WFH Space That Sparks Focus
It’s World Teachers’ Day, and I couldn’t let it pass without saying something to my fellow online tutors. After almost three years of teaching English from home, often with roosters cawing outside and my son’s electric guitar blasting in the background, I’ve learned that this job takes more than just skill. It calls for patience, humor, and a strong cup of coffee. Some days, the … Continue reading To My Fellow Online Tutors: 7 Things I Wish for You Today
When you teach English online, those little stars beside your name matter more than most people realize. As a work-from-home mom juggling ESL tutoring and content writing, I’ve seen firsthand how one number can make a big difference. My RareJob rating hovers around 4.90 — solid on paper — but mixed in with those high scores are the dreaded ones and twos. They sting. They’re … Continue reading Why Poor Reviews Hurt ESL Tutors More Than You Think
When I first started working from home, I thought I was saving a lot. There were no more early morning bus rides, no need to buy office clothes, and definitely no random coffee shop runs. Fast-forward a few months, and my electric bill was higher than usual, the internet upgrade was non-negotiable, and suddenly, our grocery budget seemed to vanish faster than the kids’ snacks. … Continue reading The Hidden Cost of Working From Home
“Why am I so nervous? They’re just students.” I whispered that to myself before logging into my first online ESL class two years ago. My hands were clammy, my heart was racing, and for a second, I considered pretending my internet went down. If you’ve been there, trust me—you’re not alone. Teaching English to foreign learners sounds exciting, but the reality can feel intimidating at … Continue reading Confident Teaching: Simple Ways to Beat Nervousness in ESL Classes
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available data and online research as of 2025. ISP performance may vary depending on your exact location, network traffic, and other factors. Always confirm details with your chosen provider before subscribing. If you work from home like me, you probably know the stress of a shaky internet connection. One minute you’re teaching a lively ESL … Continue reading Which ISP Rules in Your Area? The Best Internet Providers by Region in the Philippines
When I applied for my first ESL job, the part that scared me the most wasn’t the interview—it was the demo lesson. You know, that short class where you’re supposed to impress a hiring manager who’s pretending to be a student? Yep, that one. My hands were sweating so much, I was afraid the flashcards would stick to my fingers. If you’ve ever been there, … Continue reading How to Ace Your ESL Demo Lesson and Land the Job
“Why do my wrists feel like they’ve been lifting weights?” That was my first thought one night after wrapping up a full day of tutoring sessions and writing deadlines. I wasn’t doing anything extreme—just typing, moving my mouse, and tapping on a tablet for hours. But the dull ache? That was new. If you work from home, you probably know the setup struggles. Kitchen tables … Continue reading Wrist Pain from WFH? Here’s What You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
From My Corner of the Couch 