Ask Micki: Tutee is making me uncomfortable.

Question: Hi, Micki, I need some help with an really uncomfortable, really awkward situation.  I just started tutoring someone a few weeks ago, and all of a sudden, out of the blue, he started making some really inappropriate comments.  I tried to brush it off the first time, but it kept getting worse.  Last time we met, he tried to rub my shoulders.  What should I do?  I don't want to be mean, or offend him and lose a client, but this is really awkward, and I dread our tutoring sessions.

Help!
[Name withheld by request] in CA


Answer: Hi there.  Sorry to hear about your awkward situation.  Any unwanted attention can be uncomfortable, but it is especially bad in a working environment.

First thing: you don't need to accept the unwanted attention.  In a firm, but polite way, let your tutee know that you are uncomfortable with the touching and the comments.  If you feel like you need a reason, tell your tutee that you aren't the touchy-feely type, that you are involved with someone else, etc. 

Above all else, tell your tutee that you want to keep things professional between the two of you, and the comments and touching can't happen. 

I know that you said that you do not want to lose a client over this, and I understand where you are coming from, but your safety and comfort needs to come before business.  If he is making you uncomfortable, it is worth the risk of losing him as a tutee if he refuses to respect your boundaries. 

That being said, I wouldn't worry too much about losing him as a client once you tell him to stop with the unwanted attention.  I have been in a very similar circumstance a few times over the years, and typically the tutee will be a bit embarrassed, apologize, and after a few minutes of awkward tension, things will return to normal. 

Last piece of advice,try to meet in a neutral, public area - believe me, it will make things much more comfortable in this situation.

Good luck, and as always, happy tutoring!

Tips from Charlie: In honor of Earth Day...

In honor of the upcoming Earth Day, I'm going to be highlighting some green ideas that will make your tutoring more eco-friendly.  So, without further ado, here are 3 simple ways to be a little kinder to the environment during your tutoring sessions!

1) Go paperless when you can
If you have learning tools or other handouts on your computer, send them via email to your tutee.  If you are tutoring your tutee in history, a timeline may be helpful, but it doesn't need to be printed out to be useful.  The same can be said of English grammar rules - many times the printed handout would be no more useful than having it on screen during essay writing. 

Even if your tutee prints out what you send, think of it this way: at least you are not both printing out the same document - half as much paper will be generated.

2) Be energy conscious. 
When possible, choose to tutor in an area with natural lighting - it's also easier on the eyes.  Try to travel by the most environmentally friendly method possible, to and from your tutoring sessions.  Even better would be to meet at a place where both of you are already going to be nearby, so you're combining trips.

3) Be mindful of your office supply choices.  
Use refillable mechanical pencils, reliable (and refillable) pens that last, recycled paper, and other recycled office supply choices.

Don't be surprised if your tutee begins to mimic your good choices.  Recently I had a tutee show off what she bought with the money her parents rewarded her with when she aced her final - a fancy schmancy mechanical pencil like mine!

Ask Micki: Bad Time to Start a Tutoring Business?

Question: Hi, Micki.  I have a question that started out as a friendly debate between my friend and me.

I really want to start a home-based tutoring business.  It has actually been a dream of mine for quite a few years, and I am finally in a position to start it.  My friend, on the other hand, thinks that it is a terrible time to start a tutoring business, and thinks I should wait another year. 

What do you think?
Thanks!
Jeffrey S., LA

Answer:  The short answer to your question is: Yes! It is always a great time to start a tutoring business, either online or in-person.  Whether the economy is good or not so good, freelance tutoring always does well. 

In terms of tutoring as a career choice, it is a rewarding path to take.  Tutoring (online or in-person) is a great home business to start, because you get to help tutees achieve their learning goals and work hours that are convenient for you.

In terms of business and finance, tutoring is an excellent business to establish because of the low start up costs, low overhead costs, and ease of advertising your tutoring services.  Besides learning the basics of good tutoring, you will also need a passion for the profession, and some general office supplies.

In short, I say, "go for it!" The economy may not always be good, but if you pursue your dream of beginning a tutoring business (and really put in 100%) you will undoubtedly be successful.

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!