Is it cheeky to ask to be paid over the holidays?

Currently, you're sitting there, bleating about ONE client. I'd be bankrupt if I relied that much on one client

Absolutely. It's a dangerous position to be in. They could, at any time, decide they don't want to continue the lessons for whatever reason. They might decide the child doesn't need support any more, they might decide your teaching isn't bringing the desired results, they might move away, they might find a cheaper tutor, they might have a change in family circumstances and not be able to afford it etcetc. That's what tutoring is like. People come and go so you need to have strategies to replace people quickly and also always have extra money in hand for lean months.

I won't be working much over the summer but I've made sure to save money during the year so that it doesn't matter. Some students are coming towards the end of the holidays to get ready for a smooth start next year. There are always people looking for tutors for short periods of time over the summer to revise work from the previous year or to get a head start on the next year.

If you need money now, you need to chase new opportunities now. You're currently waiting for ONE client to fill your wallet over the summer. In all likelihood it's not going to happen.

You're an experienced tutor. Do a Google search of tutoring agencies and do a mail shot, asking about work. Send them a copy of your CV. You may think the hourly rate will be lower through agencies, but I get the same rate, agency or private.

Look for tutoring companies, and see if they have work available (I'm thinking along the lines of Kumon) although THIS will be lower paid.

Get on tutoring groups on Facebook. There are always parents on there, asking for tutors. Check them daily and JUMP on any posts ASAP. Have your spiel ready to go.

Currently, you're sitting there, bleating about ONE client. I'd be bankrupt if I relied that much on one client.

You can't really take anything from his response, other than he didn't say no, on the spot. At least you're getting it all sorted from September, moving forwards.

i do think they should have paid you something at least 50%. They will need you back from September so what do they think you will do over the summer where no one else is going to need a tutor? This is why a contract is so important.

Ok, but it's not the case that you aren't earning at all for 3.5 months is what I mean.

Anyway, there have been dozens of suggestions of how to diversify your tutoring on here, which you've mostly ignored. Perhaps it ought be worth looking over them again.

I wouldn’t be expecting him to come back and agree to pay you OP.

You need contracts in the future with all your families.

It is possible he is working and this is not as urgent for him. You can give him 48 hours and say, ‘I am sorry not to have heard back. As discussed earlier I will be taking on new clients to fill up X’s slot. Please do get in touch in September and I will see if I can accommodate you, but I can’t promise this. Hope you have a good summer. ‘

Most kids doing 11+ and grammar school exams will need summer tutoring right?

sounds like you don't have contracts, is that right?
It would be a good idea to start introducing contracts. It will remove all this uncertainty.

@Dogswimmingcompetition you had some great advice before. Maybe be proactive with some of those ideas?

I thought you were teaching so have income?

Leave it to him now. Don't pressure him. He hadn't said no x

I don’t know why people are being such dicks. If they’re wealthy I would have thought they’d pay a retainer just to avoid the hassle of finding a new tutor that their children like and get on with.

Just in case it’s of any use to you… I’m sure you’re already aware but there are tutoring companies like Kip McGrath who offer summer schools for tutoring. I also use an online company called Preply and I have a monthly standing order with them for 4 sessions a month. If I don’t make it then my tutor gets paid ( although I can re schedule them ). For our holidays when we’re away I tend at accept that I’m paying for sessions I’m not using.

Thanks for that info.

Unfortunately you need to have proof that you’ve taught in the classroom within the last 7 years for Edexcel (5 years for AQA)

I worked as a registered childminder,I generally only cared for children who's parents were teachers. I was always paid a retainer for the school holidays, generally 50% They also paid me two full weeks pay for when I went on holiday. I don't think you're unreasonable.

I’ve been the employer in this situation and it is an uncomfortable conversation. I live in an affluent area but we are not as well off as our neighbors. I wish I could pay tutors when not needed but we do not have the resources. I have been asked to float the summer and often it results in us parting ways. They find a wealthier family willing to accept that arrangement. In the near time you might want to look into tutoring companies for a short term hire. Many kids use the summer to increase their SAT score. Good luck.

This. It's unreasonable for them to expect you to hold their slot for months. A two week holiday but not the whole summer.