Why Everyone's Ditching the Job to Teach It

Once upon a time, being good at your job meant doing it- day in, day out. Designers designed. Developers coded. Marketers ran campaigns. But something’s changed. These days, the people who used to do the work are now teaching it. And not just in classrooms- on YouTube, Skillshare, Udemy, LinkedIn, personal blogs, TikTok- you name it.

Welcome to the tutorial economy, where sharing your knowledge can be just as profitable than using it for clients or companies.

Let’s dig into why so many professionals are pivoting from “doing the job” to “teaching the job” and why you might want to consider it too.

Passive Income: The Money’s Still Working, Even When You’re Not

One of the biggest reasons people are leaning into tutorials is simple: passive income.

Instead of trading time for money, creators are building assets like videos, online courses, blog posts, that pay them again and again. No need for client meetings, deadlines, or chasing invoices.

Just look at the numbers:

• Udemy has over 60 million students and hosts 200,000+ courses.

• YouTube tutorial creators often pull in $3,000 to $10,000 per month, just from ad revenue.

• Add in affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and premium content—yeah, the math checks out.

Creating tutorials lets you earn in your sleep, literally. And in a world where everyone’s looking for side hustles or ways to escape the 9 to 5, this model is wildly appealing.

From Local Work to Global Impact

When you do a job, your impact is usually limited. Maybe to one team, one company, or a few clients. But when you teach?

Your reach can be massive.

Thanks to the internet, your tutorial can show up on a screen in Tokyo, New York, Nairobi, New Delhi or Dhaka. One upload can reach thousands or even millions of learners. And people are hungry for this content.

Consider this:

• The global e-learning market is on track to hit $457.8 billion by 2026.

• Platforms like Coursera now boast 87+ million users.

• More than 70% of Gen Z prefers learning from online videos over traditional methods.

Your one idea could be the thing that helps someone land a job, start a business, or launch a dream project.

Learning Is Cool Again and You Can Lead the Way

Let’s face it: people want to learn, but on their own terms.

Online courses and self-paced tutorials let folks fit learning into their own lives. And with platforms like Coursera, YouTube, and Skillshare, they have millions of options. But high-quality, relatable, well-taught content? That’s still in short supply.

That’s where you come in.

If you’ve mastered a skill, there are likely thousands of people out there who want to learn it right now. And they’d rather learn it from a real human who’s been there, done that, and can explain things in plain language.

Flexibility, Freedom & Work-Life Balance

Tutorial creation is remote, asynchronous, and fully self-paced which is another reason it’s so attractive.

A FlexJobs survey found that:

• 75% of workers want more control over their schedules.

• 35% would take a pay cut for more flexibility.

Creating tutorials lets you work when you want, where you want, and on whatever topics you care about. Whether you're a night owl, a traveler, a parent, or someone who’s done with rigid office hours, this lifestyle works around you.

Authority, Trust & Personal Branding

Here’s a secret: teaching is the ultimate credibility hack.

When you break down complex ideas and share them with the world, you position yourself as a trusted expert. And trust = opportunity.

In fact, a LinkedIn survey found that:

• 92% of execs believe thought leadership builds brand credibility.

• 75% of professionals trust experts who create educational content.

The result? Speaking gigs, consulting opportunities, job offers, collaborations- you name it. People remember those who teach.

It’s Not Just About Money - It’s About Impact

Beyond income and influence, there’s something deeply satisfying about helping others grow.

Creating tutorials often leads to vibrant online communities where people support each other, share insights, and celebrate wins together. In fact, learning-focused Facebook groups have seen a 60%+ year-over-year jump in active members.

You’re not just teaching a skill. You’re helping someone change their life.

But Let’s Be Real - It’s Not All Easy

Tutorial creation takes time. A high-quality 10-minute tutorial can take 2 to 5 hours to plan, record, edit, and publish.

Plus, the digital landscape moves fast. In fields like tech, 75% of creators say staying current is one of their biggest challenges.

To succeed, you need consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning.

So, Should You Jump In?

If you’ve got skills and the ability to explain them clearly, there’s never been a better time to start teaching online.

You don’t need a fancy studio or a huge following. Just a good mic, some knowledge to share, and the drive to help others.

Whether you're looking for income, flexibility, impact or all of the above - creating tutorials might be the smartest move you haven’t made yet.

What Do You Think?

Are you already creating tutorials? Thinking about getting started? Drop a comment and let us know how you’re navigating the tutorial wave. And if you know someone who should start teaching what they know - share this with them!

The world is learning. You could be the one to teach it.