Dan
(Creating Career Flexibility)

Dan, an online English tutor, was looking for a way to expand his skill set – something that would open up new career opportunities and fit alongside teaching, wherever he might be in the world.

With some experience of remote work already behind him and a long-standing interest in reading and writing, freelance proofreading and editing felt like a natural next step.

Read on to discover how Dan balanced his training around full-time work, completed his Proofed trial, and began creating greater career flexibility.

Hi, Dan! Can you tell us where you’re from and a bit about your background?

I’m based in Tokyo, Japan, where I work as an online English tutor.

Had you done any proofreading or editing before starting your courses?

Yes, informally. I did casual work such as converting public domain books into ebooks and proofreading for family members. Proofreading also cropped up from time to time when ESL students requested help.

What made you consider a career as a proofreader or editor?

I wanted to branch out from English teaching, and I already enjoyed reading, writing, and the forensic nature of proofreading. I wanted professional qualifications that could give me another string to my bow and be something I could build on as a freelance career, wherever I might be in the world.

How did you decide Knowadays was right for you?

Knowadays offered specific courses with free trial modules. The quality of the material and design, and its bite-size nature, really appealed to me. I also got some very detailed, positive, and even life-affirming responses from the team when I asked them questions directly.

Can you tell us a bit about your learning process?

It took me roughly 2–4 months to complete my training. I studied in the evenings or in tutoring downtime. Usually I’d only do a module at a time to give me the space to absorb the information and try the end-of-module quizzes and practice assignments. 

After getting a distinction in Becoming A Proofreader, I pretty much went straight into the Becoming An Editor course, which did take me a little longer.

What was your favourite part of the learning experience? 

I enjoyed the courses very much – they were clear, easy to follow, and relatable. 

My favourite tasks were the end-of-module assignments, which allowed me to apply in practice what I’d learned and then compare the finished piece to the completed samples provided. Also, the lessons provide many hyperlinks to really interesting websites that explain various literary concepts, myths, and ideas.

Was there anything you found surprising or particularly tricky?

Some of the end-of-module assignments were tricky, and I’d end up with finished texts that looked a lot different to the sample. The end of course assignments were extremely challenging – in both cases, I devoted 15–20 hours over a weekend to perfect them, agonising over every little detail.

Do you feel your investment was good value?

I managed to get the courses during special sales, and the professionalism and quality made for excellent value compared to cheaper alternatives you find elsewhere. Most impressive was the outstanding resources, videos, assignments, and support from the team, who were always an email away for any question I had.

“Most impressive was the outstanding resources, videos, assignments, and support from the team, who were always an email away for any question I had.“

How was your experience of the Proofed work trial?

I started the Proofed work trial in January 2025, and it took roughly three months to complete. 

It was hard, as I had to fit it around my work and sometimes weeks might go by without a document being available at the right time. The trials and tasters are very helpful and get you into the rhythms and habits necessary. The extensive feedback I got from these were extremely helpful.

What was your experience of Proofed after completing your trial period?

I became faster and more confident with proofreading, and I started getting more consistent work around six months after joining. Getting continual feedback also helped me add to my checklist of dos and don’ts. 

The business client work can be hit and miss – some projects require a lot of new learning and trial and error for little (financial) reward, but it’s important to try and keep at it. You eventually join other teams that might be more your style.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your move into professional proofreading and editing?

It’s been a great change of pace to teaching, allowing me to rest my voice and focus on something more cerebral. It’s really great to have a real, in-demand skill with proper work and qualifications.

I’m working harder and reading more, but for greater reward.

Can you tell us about your setup and usual work routine?

I work in a home office, with a desk nearby and a reclining Cuban chair.

After a day’s teaching, I’ll see if there is any work available with Proofed in the evenings. Sometimes if there’s work available first thing in the morning, I’ll do that instead during the day.

English tutoring is my main job because it’s more stable. But I’d like proofreading and editing to be my main income in the long term as I get older.

What do you enjoy most about freelance work?

I have the freedom to work anytime (depending on what’s available). Plus, I can work in my pyjamas with a hot drink.

Is there anything you’ve found surprising or challenging about freelance work?

It can strain the eyes, and you have to be proactive to keep on learning and reading resources.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your current freelance working life?

It’s difficult to draw a line between my personal and professional life, and I’m still trying to find the right blend. 

But knowing I don’t have to work in an office, have a boss looking over my shoulder, get involved in office politics, or deal with a commute – these are some of the pros of freelance life for me. I can work for myself.

“Knowing I don’t have to work in an office, have a boss looking over my shoulder, get involved in office politics, or deal with a commute – these are some of the pros of freelance life for me.“

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

When I’m not working I like reading, cycling, walking anywhere, and traveling. Also I enjoy movies, festivals, museums, and architecture. .

Have the Knowadays courses helped you achieve your goals?

They sure have!

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about taking a Knowadays course?

If you like or think you know English, then do it. It’ll make you really appreciate the complexities of the language and make you fall in love with it again.

Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor 

Today, Dan balances online English tutoring with proofreading and editing work. While teaching remains his primary source of income for now, adding these skills to his repertoire has opened up more options for the future.

Are you looking to create more flexibility in your own career? Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses are designed to fit around existing commitments and help you build practical, in-demand skills. Pass both courses with distinctions scores of 80% or above, and you’ll be eligible for guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed.

Buy both courses as a bundle to save 15%!