(Part 2) Top products from r/WorkOnline

You should be able schedule the initial interview as soon as 12-24 hours after signing up. I think from my sign up date to hire date I completed the entire process in 4-5 days! Which was awesome because I desperately needed work at the time! You choose when to do the interview based on the available time slots. However, there are trying something new where you can do a completely self-recorded initial interview, which has some advantages I'm sure. You will have more control over exactly what you are sending them and hopefully show something professional enough to get above $18/hour and closer to $20 or $22!

I would not invest a lot into props unless you are hired by VIPKID. In every stage of this hiring process, you will have access to the power point of what class you will be pretending to teach, so you can find those props ahead of time around your house, or make a few simple drawings. So while in practice you will need a variety of versatile props, the interview is all about getting a very specific case correct. All I purchased was a large white poster board to hang behind me, some post-it note letters to create an alphabet on the sheet, and use markers to draw some colorful shapes/animals/people/etc. on it as well. I would recommend, however, buying a small handheld dry erase board! They are so versatile and it is a small investment cost to apply for this job and look way more professional. I also purchased a nice attachable microphone which I will link below. Don't get too obsessed with finding tons of awesome props, though. Many applicants often focus too much on props and not enough on their communication skills!

If you are hired, I also have a whole list of what props and setups to get then. I'm all about keeping it simple and not having my supplies take up a whole room in my house! :D

This microphone is awesome if you want to turn your good headphones into an amazing headSET!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R98JVVU?ref=emc_b_5_t

Just get an attachment like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00IRVQ0F8&pd_rd_r=DEJHY7WRFT67AY404A9J&pd_rd_w=5fpY3&pd_rd_wg=jPQH8&psc=1&refRID=DEJHY7WRFT67AY404A9J

or

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-headsets-separate-headphone-microphone/dp/B004SP0WAQ/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004SP0WAQ&pd_rd_r=FBN4YFJYQDXP8FHBXX06&pd_rd_w=VZKVa&pd_rd_wg=y9wMc&psc=1&refRID=FBN4YFJYQDXP8FHBXX06

I bought everything in B&H so that I didn't even have to wait for shipping!

Personally, I went to college for it. We used this book. Supposedly it's a really good book (I never actually read through it though, lol). Starting with C++ or Java is never a bad idea. They're a bit more structured than other languages, which helps you to translate your skills into new languages. However, they take a lot longer to really get rolling with and they can be tough to get used to. Whatever you do, I don't recommend starting with python. It's a very easy language and you can very quickly build bad habits. It's like learning to cook by starting with those just-add-water cake mixes. You might learn a little, but it isn't going to teach you how to bake a good homemade cake. Some people will argue otherwise saying it's beginner friendly, but as someone who started with C++ and has dabbled with python - I recommend starting with a structured language. My college wouldn't even let us touch python in class until 2 or so years in.

There were a few sites that were supposed to be good for practicing coding (not necessarily learning, but I do remember learning sections). Codeacademy was one, but I can't quite remember the other names. You could search through /r/cscareerquestions though - that's where I found them.

If you're only interested in web stuff, I think https://www.w3schools.com 's html/css courses are pretty solid. They're a bit more of "show you how it's done" type of thing rather than hands on teaching, but for html/css that's fine. Just type them out on your own so you can see it. Once you get a feel for it, go to a random website and try to mimic it. (One of the easier ones, ofc.) If you start with the C++/java then JS won't be much of an issue. The syntax is a bit different, but there's only a few things that catch me. PHP... I haven't found a good course on that one yet. I always struggle with it no matter how much I keep using it. I'm sure there's something out there, but the syntax has never been an issue for me... it just has some odd things that are hard to remember/figure out.

Edit: It also helps to mention what type of things you want to program. C++ and java transfer well into most languages, but if you're only interested in programming certain things, there might not be a need to even start with those. What types of things do you want to program? Software? Apps? Games? Websites?

Yeah.. navigating a classroom full of 13 screaming two year olds for hours on end... just a bit stressful..

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I remembered in a book I read, I think it was this one- (Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements ) that in a study, people who defined themselves as "successful" or as having a good overall "wellbeing" were those who loved their jobs. That statement was an eye opener for me.. I had no idea some people actually enjoyed their work everyday. All I ever knew was existential dread... The book is definitely a good read if you're interested. It's what got me thinking about my work, and inspired me to look for a job I could actually enjoy, the teaching one.

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I'm sure you will find joy in your work again, perhaps with the switch of a job. Surely the right one is out there. Relevant and engaging work is not always easy to find, and the search can quickly become exhausting. But sometimes, given time, the right job will find you.

If you don't already have a foot pedal, get one. They make it possible to rewind / play / pause without ceasing to type.

What software are you using for playback? NCH ExpressScribe is free and designed for use with a foot pedal.

It takes about twice the length of the recording to accurately transcribe. Your speed and accuracy will go up over time. You can practice by transcribing YouTube videos / television. In fact, closed-captioning companies often hire people to do live transcription, which has a much broader margin of error.

Some clients want tags, others don't. Tags are only really useful in cases where there are multiple speakers or a question-and-answer format. Ask the client first.

Your comfort is important for endurance, so make your chair and desk as ergonomic as possible. There is a very real risk of developing tendonitis in the wrist due to consistent typing; use of a wrist pad is ideal. Take regular breaks for stretching.

My advice: Listen through once, typing everything you can understand as quickly as possible. Listen through at a higher speed a second time, correcting mistakes and adding tags. Listen through a third time at an even higher speed to ensure you've done the best you can.

You could tutor in languages that you speak well through Cambly. https://www.cambly.com/en/tutors?lang=en

Also the book "sugar fix" may interest you. He explains how/why/what causes uric acid to build up and create high blood pressure in some.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Fix-High-Fructose-Fallout-Making/dp/143910168X&ved=2ahUKEwiGudXEhbXiAhVBiOAKHZ2ODYkQFjANegQIChAC&usg=AOvVaw1NuF5pptOAuTyTGfrBp6K9

Read this ...

http://www.amazon.com/Trust-Me-Lying-Confessions-Manipulator/dp/1591846285/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377087001&sr=8-1&keywords=trust+me+i%27m+lying