By Alice Pulliam

Staff Writer

    Completing homework and studying following a seven-hour school day is exhausting, a struggle that’s particularly hard for students. However, R.J. Reynolds High School math teacher Ms. Kent understands this exhaustion better than anyone. Weekends are the one time during the week when students and teachers can enjoy time off from their busy school schedules. But in addition to the demanding job of teaching, Kent works as a bartender on weekends.

    “[Working both jobs] is absolutely exhausting,” Kent said. 

    She works both Saturdays and Sundays. Even more impressive, she previously worked on Friday nights after the long school day. 

    “I used to work Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so I would get out of school on Fridays and go bartend for five hours. I don’t do that anymore because that’s way too exhausting.” Kent said. 

    Kent bartended throughout undergraduate and graduate college. Following that, she completed her master’s in math and took on teaching in addition to bartending, finding she really enjoyed it.

   While the two jobs may seem contrasting, they share many similar strengths needed to succeed in their respective fields. Both teaching and bartending involve dealing with the public along with an extensive social battery. 

    “It takes a lot of patience for both of them,” Kent said.

    Each job is no doubt draining in its own way. Keeping students’ behavior in check as well as dealing with customers requires extensive composure. Not only do these jobs take mental strength, but they are also physically taxing. Both require staying on your feet for prolonged periods of time. Together, both jobs help to develop skills that benefit the other.    

    “I can go without going to the bathroom for hours, I’m really good at multitasking, and I work really well with different types of personalities, which helps me be a better teacher,” Kent said.

  More than just strengthening her ability to multitask and hold her bladder,  working two jobs has taught her just how much she is capable of.

    “I can get a lot done,” Kent said.

    Working two demanding jobs keeps Kent very busy. During the summer, when she is not teaching, she finds it hard to adjust to a new schedule.

     “When summertime comes, and I’m not teaching, I have to develop a new routine because I’m not used to doing nothing. I prefer a busy schedule over a softer schedule,” Kent said.

    Although challenging, Kent plans on continuing to balance both jobs long term.

    “They’re both pretty recession-proof jobs,” Kent said. “Teachers don’t make enough money, so I will be bartending until I reach a plateau”.

    Amid the constant chaos of both teaching and bartending, Kent maintains a positive attitude. She works hard both inside and outside the classroom to provide a welcoming environment for both her students and customers. 

    “I am capable of a lot more than what people would assume,” Kent said.