Steven Menking, a former Wall Street equities trader, has made headlines by earning up to ₹86,000 (about $1,000) per hour as a tutor—working comfortably from his New York home. ndtv.com
Menking switched careers in 2014 after experiencing severe burnout from long, high-pressure days in finance. He realized he felt more fulfilled tutoring and mentoring students—an activity he had done before entering the financial sector. ndtv.com+12ndtv.com+12edexlive.com+12
Today, he teaches for roughly 20–25 hours a week, instructing students on academics and guiding young professionals in their career decisions. His income now rivals what he previously made in finance—despite working far fewer hours. ndtv.com+6ndtv.com+6edexlive.com+6
How did he achieve these rates? Menking began with modest fees of $50–$100 per hour. By partnering with New York-based tutoring agencies and using platforms like Wyzant that support premium pricing, he gradually raised his rates to $1,000 an hour.
However, Menking emphasizes that the most significant challenge wasn’t the financial shift, but the emotional one. He had to break away from the identity tied to being a “finance guy” and ignore societal expectations. As he put it, “It takes a radical commitment to pursue something that fulfils you… regardless of what family, friends or former colleagues might think.” republicworld.com+4ndtv.com+4financialexpress.com+4
Unlike the academic path of a professor, which often involves administrative burdens, Menking appreciates the autonomy in tutoring—no grading, paperwork, or grant proposals, just direct student interaction. ndtv.com
He advises others seeking fulfillment to “stop chasing validation through job titles. Take a hard look at what truly energises you, do your due diligence, understand your worth, and give yourself the freedom to explore.”
