I am in the wrong line of work ...

Did you happen to come across the news recently about how much private tutors are earning an hour?

$250 an hour!!!

I take the taxi sometimes from outside my school and the taxi drivers will never fail to remark, after inquiring if I was a teacher, how well-paid teachers are in Singapore. I wonder what would be their response to the news then of private tutors commanding $250 an hour.

These are not the normal tutors who turn up at your home for an hour or two, sitting there with the kids while they endeavor  to teach them what they couldn't learn in school. These tutors charge about $50 to $75 an hour depending on their experience and the level they are tutoring.

The term 'private tutor' here is being used very loosely because said tutors are not doing any tutoring. These tutors are being hired on to complete the homework of the students while the students spend time on other projects, assignments or sleep.

Whatever happened to good old fashioned hard work?

 Parents who hire such tutors cite reasons such as too much tuition (!?!?), co-curricular activities and school assignments. I had to seriously raise my eyebrows at the first reason. Apparently, some of these students are enrolled in 'elite' tuition agencies that set a lot of homework. Unwilling to lose their place in these tuition centers, parents instead hire private tutors to complete the work set by them. Is your mind boggled yet? Mine is.

The interviewer goes on to mention that parents set aside $500 to $800 a month on services of private tutors to complete homework. If you ever needed evidence of income disparity in Singapore - look no further.

I think, no, I know I am in the wrong line of work ...  :P