It can be tough when you have just qualified as an English teacher. You’re full of enthusiasm and desperate to get going, but then you spend weeks or months applying for jobs around the world with no luck.
I fell into teaching for myself without really thinking about it. Word got around that I was a teacher, and friends of friends would get in touch and ask if I could give them a few lessons.
Tell your new friends, both expats and locals, and befriend other teachers who may not have the hours to take on new students but can happily recommend you.
Cancellations have always been my biggest issue. Whilst I was working for teaching companies I was paid for any cancellations, but with my own students it just became a part of the job.
You may be surprised by just how many people there are out there who simply want to improve their already-excellent English by conversing with a native speaker on a regular basis.