The three zones
| Zone | What belongs there | Planning rule |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching | Live lessons and any required time on the platform | Leave a small transition between demanding lessons. |
| Teaching support | Preparation, feedback, learner notes, and messages | Reserve this time before adding another live slot. |
| Recovery and operations | Breaks, meals, exercise, invoicing, training, and applications | Protect it as seriously as an appointment. |
Build the week from commitments outward
- Add fixed personal commitments and sleep first.
- Add regular learners at times you can maintain.
- Place preparation and feedback beside the lessons that need it.
- Open a small number of trial or flexible slots.
- Leave a weekly review window to adjust rather than constantly reshuffling.
Use time zones as a conversation
Show learners times in the platform’s time zone and your own calendar. Confirm the first recurring time in writing and review it whenever clocks change in either location. A convenient time for one learner may be exhausting or impractical for you, so set boundaries that support reliable attendance.
Track workload, not expected income
Count live teaching time, preparation, feedback, admin, unpaid trials where allowed, and travel or equipment tasks. Compare that total with your energy and other obligations. Booking volume and hourly asking prices do not predict earnings: cancellations, commissions, empty slots, payment terms, and local obligations all matter.
Weekly review questions
- Which lesson blocks had enough preparation and recovery?
- Where did messages or feedback spill into personal time?
- Which slots had repeated cancellations or time-zone mistakes?
- What one boundary would make next week more reliable?