Just a bit of background info on this post: I've been searching for a new role in creating educational resources since I was laid off from my last job over the Christmas period doing something similar. I was very good in my old position, being promoted to a quality auditor of other people's content. I've had experience teaching and tutoring too.
I found an advertisement for a company offering £25 per resource made. I assumed this to be a decent enough figure, it every individual worksheet, (small) PowerPoint, homework sheet, mark scheme etc. counted as one resource. After a successful interview, I got offered the role, and I was very happy. Unfortunately, I just learned in the induction meeting that they expect me to do the following for £25:
- Create a PowerPoint presentation of approximately 20-40 slides. Each slide should also contain notes for the presenter/teacher.
- 1 worksheet of approximately 8 pages containing classroom questions and homework.
- Answers and a mark scheme for all questions on the worksheet.
- Any modifications and revisions the company ask for will be without further payment.
- The role will end in July at the end of the academic year.
Also, they only want one, maybe two resources per week… So through this 'position,' I will only be earning between £25 and £50 per week. What's the point in my learning the job and doing it for such meagre pay and hours? In the interview, I was told that they want me to create high-quality standardised resources for all private teachers/tutors who work at the company. One of the interviewers told me that other freelancers in similar roles for other subjects than science were able to get this all done with high quality in between 1 and 1.5 hours, which I find hilarious and completely unbelievable. I was so confused in the induction meeting and thought I missed something really silly so I waited for the contract to come through, but my worst fears were justified.
I sent the company an email last night stating I would be happy to do this role for them alongside my tutoring until I find something permanent again, but I would want at least £100 per resource and I am waiting to hear back. I've also let them know the reasons why the pay is unreasonable for the high quality of work they want.
I know this might not be a field many of you are familiar with, but I've never freelanced before, and I need to know if I'm going insane with this awful offer or not. It seems more like a job for an undergrad student who wants some pocket money and experience, not a professional with years of experience already under their belt. However, the job listing required a relevant qualification and experience creating educational resources for science at the secondary level, so I have no idea what they're thinking.
Is this normal? Are they trying to take advantage of me? (The answer is probably yes, but I just need some validation, to be honest.)