Retirement is often seen as the end of one’s professional journey, a time for relaxation and reflection. When I bid farewell to my hospitality career and returned home to Jeddah, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what the future held for me. Seeking a new purpose, I registered on popular online language learning platforms, italki and Preply, with the hope of teaching Urdu to eager learners. However, the initial days were filled with uncertainty and lack of students. Little did I know that patience and persistence would pave the way for an unexpected success story, transforming my retirement into a fulfilling and busy new endeavor.
The Initial Struggle: As I eagerly registered on italki and Preply, armed with a wealth of experience and passion for teaching, I envisioned a steady stream of students keen to learn the Urdu language. To my dismay, the first few weeks proved to be challenging, with no students enrolling for my classes. Doubt crept in, and I questioned my decision to embark on this new path. However, I refused to let despair take hold of my dreams. Instead, I decided to view this setback as an opportunity for growth.
Building a Presence: Recognizing the importance of establishing a strong online presence, I revamped my teaching profiles on both platforms. I highlighted my extensive background in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the communication skills and cultural understanding I had acquired over the years. Additionally, I crafted a compelling bio, showcasing my passion for teaching and my commitment to helping students master the Urdu language. To further enhance my profile, I included testimonials from previous students I tutored during my time in the hospitality industry, attesting to my teaching abilities.
Engaging with the Community: Realizing that building a network and engaging with the community would be pivotal to my success, I immersed myself in online language exchange groups, forums, and social media platforms. I actively participated in discussions, offered free language exchanges, and shared valuable resources related to learning Urdu. By positioning myself as a helpful and knowledgeable member of these communities, I gained the trust and respect of potential students, gradually expanding my network.
The Turning Point: After weeks of dedication and perseverance, I received my first inquiry. A student eager to learn Urdu reached out to me, and we scheduled our first lesson. The joy and sense of accomplishment I felt were immeasurable. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied students soon followed, leading to a steady influx of learners. As I established a reputation for providing quality education tailored to individual needs, my teaching schedule became increasingly busy.
Thriving in Retirement: Today, as I reflect upon my journey from retirement to a flourishing teaching career, I am filled with gratitude. What began as an uncertain path has blossomed into a fulfilling and rewarding profession. Teaching Urdu has not only allowed me to share my language and culture but has also kept me mentally sharp and socially engaged. The diverse students I encounter daily bring an immense amount of joy and purpose into my life.
Retirement may mark the end of one phase, but it is also an opportunity to embark on new adventures. My decision to teach Urdu after retiring from the hospitality industry was met with initial challenges, but perseverance and a proactive approach led to success. Today, my teaching schedule is filled with enthusiastic students eager to learn. I have discovered that retirement can be an extraordinary chapter filled with growth, passion, and the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others.
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