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AIBU?

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Original poster

To stop trying to do nice things

30 replies

HappyEnglishTeacher · 24/09/2026 19:12

I tutor nowadays, having taught in schools for decades - and I make a comfortable living. Due to this I always try to give something back to my community.

This year I offered FREE lessons for children who needed to resit their English GCSE ( including advertising the fact here on Mumsnet) I had zero response.

This week I've been trying to set up an online group for children taking a new style 11+. I'm offering it for £8 If you can afford - otherwise pay what you can or don't pay at all. This group will probably take around 5 hours of planning and admin each week for a 45 minute session. I've had one single person sign up.

I don't get it. I have no shortage of students for my regular lessons which cost between £50 and £65 - yet nobody is interested in anything more affordable.

In fact today I've had one man make vile comments on my FB ad calling me a scammer and others giving me angry face reactions.

Am I stupid for trying to do something nice?

OP posts:
Justaquestionplease · 24/09/2026 19:28

I'm always suspicious at offers of free anything...I assume there's a catch.

Original poster
HappyEnglishTeacher · 24/09/2026 19:26

TruffleSlinky · 24/09/2026 19:15

It's sad but I do think people tend to be suspicious of something that sounds "too good to be true" and assume there must be a catch. I'm sure that once your classes are up and running you'll get pupils by word of mouth.

I just don't think they'll get off the ground at this rate. 😂 I know I should have a thicker skin, but I was quite upset by being called a scammer when the ad had my picture on, my mobile number and my profile links to my web page. So even the briefest check would show anyone that I'm established and legitimate. I've even paid to advertise this group and have got flyers printed to put up in shops locally.

I'm going to keep trying because I do think it's a nice thing to do - but how awful that everyone's so cynical

OP posts:
nomoreraintoday · 24/09/2026 19:17

I would probably assume that something was ‘free’ because I would get hit with the hard sell after

ToastyToes101 · 24/09/2026 19:16

Honestly, people probably think if it's free, it must be rubbish, or there must be a catch (obviously neither apply in this case, but I would probably also be wary). People aren't usually that generous for no good reason!

How do you word the adverts? Is it obvious you are also a paid tutor and you're doing a few "pro bono" sessions?

TruffleSlinky · 24/09/2026 19:15

It's sad but I do think people tend to be suspicious of something that sounds "too good to be true" and assume there must be a catch. I'm sure that once your classes are up and running you'll get pupils by word of mouth.