High school educator Greg Pollard’s daily routine has undergone a significant shift. Instead of the usual classroom setting, he now dedicates a majority of his time in his basement operating a heat press machine to produce and market personalized clothing items. What began as a means to ensure timely delivery of custom jerseys for his school’s sports teams has evolved into a supplementary income source when financial strains surfaced during his teaching profession. Presently, his venture, Bean & Bud Custom Designs, serves as his main source of financial stability.
Pollard, who imparts knowledge on subjects ranging from guitar to social studies in Fort McMurray, Alberta, expressed gratitude for the business, stating that it is his lifeline, particularly during the ongoing strike. With approximately 51,000 teachers in Alberta currently enduring a halt in regular paychecks due to the provincewide strike, many have turned to alternative income streams to navigate this challenging period.
One such teacher, Natalie Roy from Cochrane, has reignited her photography business, Whimsical West Photography, seizing the opportunity to reconnect with her passion. However, rebuilding her client base has proven to be more arduous than anticipated. As a single mother of three and an English and social studies instructor for Grade 7 students, Roy emphasized the pressure to sustain her livelihood amidst uncertainty about the strike’s duration.
Similarly, Airdrie music teacher Sarah Batchelor has found solace in crocheting and selling hair scrunchies and mug cozies, emphasizing the dual role of these creative pursuits in maintaining her mental well-being and financial stability. Accustomed to the daily interaction with diverse student groups, Batchelor expressed concerns for her students’ well-being and the significance of creative outlets in managing emotional stress.
Christian Cook, a human resources professor at Mount Royal University specializing in employee and labor relations, highlighted the increasing trend of educators engaging in side gigs during prolonged strikes. Cook attributed this phenomenon to the extended duration of contemporary strikes and the growing prevalence of gig work, driven by escalating living costs. Amidst these developments, maintaining solidarity among educators is crucial for the strike’s effectiveness.
Acknowledging teachers’ need to seek additional employment during the strike, the Alberta Teachers’ Association clarified that tutoring students currently under their instruction is prohibited, aligning with standard ethical guidelines. As negotiations resume between the province and the teachers’ union, the outcome remains pivotal for both parties involved.
Overall, as educators across Alberta navigate the challenges posed by the strike, their resilience and adaptability shine through as they explore diverse avenues to sustain themselves financially and emotionally during this unprecedented period.
