Language Coach with Speak3 since 2021

“I love working for Speak3 and I feel like I have a purpose. Sometimes, as a disabled person, you can feel like a burden, but this job makes me feel like I'm contributing and is very rewarding. The students are hard-working and dedicated, and the feeling of pride when a student improves is immense.”

I began working for Speak3 around 18 months ago. In 2016 I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome caused by contracting viral meningitis and glandular fever. I was a professional singer/dancer and a performing arts teacher at the time and eventually this started to take its toll on my body so I had to start working part-time. In early 2020, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and was forced to give up work completely. I thought I'd never work again but luckily, in January 2021, I found Speak3.

The flexibility of working for Speak3 is perfect for disabled people. I can work hours that suit me and during a bad flare up, I can work for just a few minutes at a time, have a rest, and then continue later, as the time frame for completing work is generous. This allows me to work at a pace that suits my disabilities. Fortunately, this role falls under the Department for Work and Pensions permitted work rules, so I can work for just a few hours per week without having to take on too much.

If I need time off, the Speak3 team are very good at providing cover, even at short notice, although you can work from anywhere as long as you have a good internet connection. The team are very flexible and understand that my disabilities may mean I need extra support. This is provided around the clock and full training is provided and is ongoing. This has helped me to feel secure and supported in the role.

I love working for Speak3 and I feel like I have a purpose. Sometime, as a disabled person, you can feel like a burden but this job makes me feel like I'm contributing and is very rewarding. The students are hard-working and dedicated, and the feeling of pride when a student improves is immense. They are such nice children with excellent manners and they make teaching them an absolute pleasure. I would recommend the role to anyone, especially disabled people.

Abi

Language Coach with Speak3 since 2019

“For me, a major benefit of joining the Speak3 team was the ability to adjust my workload and to complete the work at hours that suit me. The team is very communicative and available pretty much 24/7.

There are often new and interesting projects to be involved in, which keeps things varied. No week is the same, and every student journey is totally unique. I have learned so much about language development, which has helped me understand my own child’s reading as well.”

I began working with Speak3 about 3 years ago, not long after returning to work on a freelance basis following an extended absence due to chronic illness. Several years ago I underwent a kidney transplant to treat chronic kidney failure. Although I am much better now, I have and will always have a compromised immune system and residual health problems. That makes regular full-time office work a major challenge at the best of times, and nearly impossible in the world of covid. Added to that, I have a young child to care for, so seeking work that would accommodate all of those pulls at my energy and time has always been tricky.

For me, a major benefit of joining the Speak3 team was the ability to adjust my work load and to complete the work at hours that suit me. My health considerations (as well as chasing after an energetic little one!) means that I can get tired at odd times. Knowing I can complete the work late in the evening or a bit at a time throughout the day takes the pressure off.

Every consideration is given to keep things flexible. If time off is required, you only need to provide the team with a heads up so they can arrange some cover for your students. Although, I have found that it is very easy to continue to complete the work from anywhere there is an internet connection. I even did some work from a campsite this summer! If you want to take on more students or fewer, it can be arranged. The team is very communicative and available pretty much 24/7.

Speak3 always advertised that the work was flexible, so I expected that from the get-go. What I did not necessarily expect was that I would enjoy the work as much as I do. It is challenging but also very rewarding. There are often new and interesting projects to be involved in, which keeps things varied. I find that each week is a bit like a puzzle to be solved. No week is the same, and every student journey is totally unique. I have learned so much about language development, which has helped me understand my own child’s reading, as well.

Megan