“Apology for being late due to heavy traffic.” It is the excuse our bosses often hear when we come to our office 10-15 minutes late. Traffic is never an excuse, but it is a fact that we have to face in our everyday commute. The bane of our existence. The reason why we are never on time.
But, what if you don’t need to leave your house to work? What if you can earn money at the comfort of your own home? Do you think being late on your Skype meeting, online classes and the like is acceptable? Of course not! It’s unprofessional and simply wrong. The person you were supposed to have a meeting with or the student you have to teach will have a negative impression of you (especially if it’s habitual).
Working at home does not necessarily mean you have to work on your own pace and time, unless you are an author without deadline. But, if you are an online teacher, you have no reason to be late.
Usual type of excuses for being late in class and how to avoid them:
1. I woke up late – This issue can be easily avoided. Use your alarm clock. Ask someone to wake you up.
2. I forgot that I have a class at this hour – Plan your schedule ahead of time. Write your open and booked slots on you planner, notebook or even your whiteboard. You can even use the alarm on your phone.
3. I entered AC early, but I covered the camera because it’s not yet time - You are expected to be 100% visible at all times. Once you entered AC you have to be prepared to speak with your student even if there is still 2 minutes before class time.
4. Someone talked to me, I forgot the time – Your teaching station needs to be quiet and free of distraction. Tell your family member to restrain themselves from talking to you before you conduct your lesson and while conducting the lesson.
5. My laptop is acting up – Be prepared- always. Check your equipment before you start your lessons. It’s always helpful to have a back-up.
6. AC updated and didn’t allow me to enter - Check you AC all the time before your class starts. Make sure it’s updated and working well.
Being late when you are working at the comfort of your own home is totally unacceptable. When you open teaching slots, you have to commit to your schedule. Remember to be professional at all times. Enter and exit AC on time, all the time. Happy Teaching! Written by: Lorry Virgo
Yes 51talk is good, I love my students but I hope the company will also consider giving a raise to teachers who have been here for years. Almost all commodities are becoming costly .
Long Live 51Talk.
Ilove51talk