Hello everyone! Many of you will recognise me as the Head of Physics at Cumberland Community School, while others may recognise me as an off-duty manager of the New Fairlop Oak, my local Wetherspoons pub in Barkingside. It may seem odd to have these two rather drastically different roles running concurrently in my life, but hear me out. Not only am I not crazy for having this arrangement that fuels my passions and reminds me of my gratitude, I also encourage you to do the same!

Teacher workload is a hot topic right now, and I’d be the first to admit that my work at school (and out of school) demands a lot from me. Being Head of Physics isn’t a job that involves much downtime. Yet, I absolutely thrive on the workload, driven by the joy of shaping young minds and instilling in them a love for physics. When I’m not immersing myself in the world of atoms and particles, I’m pumping iron, pounding the keys on my piano or taking a run around the neighbourhood.

Doesn’t it sound satisfying? But here’s the catch: I occasionally wear a Wetherspoons uniform while working on a zero-hour contract during the school holidays.

Why, you may wonder, would I want to spend my hard-earned holiday time in the hectic setting of a crowded pub? Especially when it means dealing with at times unfavourable drunken customers, a repetitive schedule, the unpleasant task of toilet checks, and the occasional challenging staff member? Not to mention that I don’t even drink!

What’s in it for the pub you might be asking? Firstly, I do their rotas for them on a weekly basis, which is an administrative chore with numerous challenges…trust me.Secondly, school holidays provide an ideal opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children.

Despite the tough parts of the job, however, I find an unexpected kind of value in it. Every shift serves as a poignant reminder of how fortunate I am to be a teacher. It strengthens my gratitude for the chance I’ve been given to guide young minds and contribute to shaping the future.

It’s a somewhat stoic approach, you might say. Working at Wetherspoons enhances my appreciation for my profession as an educator, by providing a stark contrast. It’s similar to the cardio I do on Thursdays – not my favourite exercise routine, but it’s a necessary challenge that improves my overall fitness routine, much like how my work at Wetherspoons enhances my appreciation for my day job.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.

Cicero

Of course, the extra pocket money isn’t too bad either!

So, the moral of the story? Sometimes, the things that seem least connected to our primary passions can offer a fresh perspective, enhancing our gratitude and making us even more effective in our chosen fields. If you don’t have any children or other long-term responsibilities, go for a zero-hour retail or hospitality work. Don’t be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone – you never know where you might find a new source of inspiration!

Until next time, I’ll be juggling Schrödinger’s equations and pint glasses, and loving every minute of it.