Should You Be an Udemy Instructor or Pursue Traditional Education?
Deciding between becoming an Udemy instructor and pursuing traditional higher education is a common dilemma for many creatives and entrepreneurs. While your parents may argue that a degree is necessary to secure a stable future, the allure of earning money through online courses can be tempting. Here, we explore the advantages and risks of each path, helping you make an informed decision.
Why Pursue Traditional Education?
Your parents are correct in emphasizing the importance of a formal education. A college degree acts much like a driving license; even if you know how to drive, carrying a license gives you legal permission to do so. Similarly, a degree opens doors to numerous job opportunities and can provide a solid foundation for your career.
A degree also offers protection and stability. Unlike online platforms where your course and student data can be revoked at any time, a college degree is permanent. Additionally, a degree often provides a safety net during economic downturns, as employers tend to trust candidates with formal education more.
Risks of Being an Udemy Instructor
While becoming an Udemy instructor can be lucrative, it comes with its own set of risks. The platform owns your courses, and students' data, including their email IDs. This means that if you violate Udemy's terms and conditions, your account can be suspended or even completely terminated, leaving you with zero income and potentially incurring financial losses.
The case of Jerry Banfield, who lost his courses and viewers after a single violation, serves as a cautionary tale. Despite his great courses and positive reviews, the sudden loss of his platform was devastating. This highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to platform policies.
Real-Life Examples and Lessons
Udemy partners, like YouTube and Uber drivers, often face exploitation despite having their own content. These platforms typically maintain strict terms and conditions, and violations can lead to severe consequences. They may also take advantage of creators' content and platform traffic without always compensating adequately.
For instance, Udemy may de-activate an instructor's account without warning and after a significant period of profit. This can result in financial losses and the need to start from scratch. Furthermore, these platforms may use sensitive information without clear disclosure of how it is stored or utilized.
Legal Considerations and Solutions
Another critical factor to consider is the legal implications. If you are based outside the United States, suing Udemy or similar platforms can be difficult or nearly impossible. This is why these platforms may be less cautious about protecting the interests of instructors outside their home country.
In Jerry's case, it took days and nights to receive a single response from Udemy, highlighting the bureaucratic nature of these platforms. Furthermore, Udemy and similar platforms can be misleading about their policies. For example, they claim not to store any personal data of instructors, but in practice, they can and do.
Alternative Paths
There are other options besides Udemy, such as Pluralsight, Teachable, and Coursera. These platforms offer alternative ways to monetize your skills and knowledge. However, they often come with their own set of limitations, such as less lucrative affiliate programs and difficulty in verifying true reviews.
Ultimately, while pursuing traditional education provides long-term stability and protection, being an Udemy instructor can offer immediate financial rewards. It is essential to weigh the risks, understand the terms and conditions, and possibly seek legal advice. Whether you choose to go to college or become an Udemy instructor, having a solid plan and understanding the potential challenges will help you make the best decision for your future.
By researching the risks and potential legal issues associated with online platforms, you can make an informed decision and take steps to protect yourself. Remember, both paths have their advantages and challenges. Find the path that aligns with your goals and values.