Every economic forecast shows that the state of things will get worse. Inflation, cost of living, and world events are constantly in flux, which makes survival difficult. As a result, many people have to resort to multiple jobs to cover bills and expenses.
Many workers may be unable to secure well-paid full-time jobs with a wide range of benefits. This means most people get multiple jobs in informal sectors or many remote jobs to juggle. Younger people are significantly affected by the uncertainty of the current economy. A survey found that millennials and Gen Z face anxiety and struggle to balance their lives and find ways to save money. Many millennials and Gen Z don’t have emergency savings or retirement funds.
Salaried jobs are no longer enough to achieve long-term financial goals. Extra jobs are taken up to avoid going into crippling debt. Some workers love their full-time jobs and don’t want to leave, but their income isn’t enough to cover their needs. A side gig helps address that gap.
Some people also take on a second job to pivot from their current position. Transitioning may need extra hands-on training before you finally get a new job in a different industry. Due to financial constraints, quitting your current position to get training may not be practical. A second part-time role in the new industry may be a better solution.
Read also: Career: Eight Ways To Successfully Make A Job Switch
The dangers of working two jobs
Working multiple jobs can be challenging, especially when their schedules are conflicting or they are too demanding. This can take a toll on your mental health. Multiple jobs can lead to fatigue and burnout, leading to poor performance and low productivity for both jobs.
In addition, working multiple jobs can increase stress levels because you get no time to decompress. Your breaks from one job are taken up by work for the other job. This can be detrimental to your physical health as well. Increased stress can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, reduced sleep, chronic fatigue, and body pain.
Not only can multiple jobs affect your health, but they can also reduce your chances of career advancement. If you have a corporate job, to experience any advancements, you may need extra training and studies. Multiple jobs can cost you the chance to attend further schooling or training.
How to manage multiple jobs
After carefully reviewing the pros and cons of getting a dual role, create a game plan to manage your time and prioritise your well-being. If it’s safe, you may need to talk with your primary employer and see how your extra workload can be accommodated. Some companies may have a non-compete clause in their contracts, and telling them about a second job can jeopardise your current position.
Ordinarily, an employer shouldn’t be worried about you working a different job as long as you can meet your goals. However, some employers can give you a more flexible schedule, such as an earlier shift, to get to your second job on time. Employers can also give you some days to work remotely or a day off every week rather than taking bulk days for paid time off. However, you may not always have an understanding employer. You can take specific measures to preserve your health and sanity.
1. Keep a strict schedule
Juggling multiple jobs needs the utmost commitment from different employers. Look at your current work schedule and see where you can spare time for your side hustle and when your breaks will happen. If you work in an office and your side hustle is running a shop, you can decide whether to go straight to your second job or go home to rest and rest first.
Keeping your work and rest time separate and on the same schedule helps you meet deadlines and still have time to relax.
2. Prioritise your health
Multiple jobs mean less personal time. You still need to make time to ensure you don’t drain your energy. Ensure that you get enough sleep each day and take time to eat a balanced diet each day. If you have less time to exercise, try to turn your workstation into a place you can exercise. Alternatively, you can try walking throughout your day.
Your mental health will be at risk by adding to your workload. To preserve your mental health, you must avoid burnout by taking breaks, sleeping enough, setting aside time for hobbies that make you happy, and spending time with loved ones.
Should you consider dual employment?
If you’re getting a second job to get an extra income, you may want to look into different ways of getting your current savings to get you extra money and grow your wealth. However, this isn’t possible for everyone, and a second job may be necessary for survival. Choose a second job carefully. See how much you’re getting paid and the workload involved. Ensure it doesn’t interfere with your current position too much and doesn’t completely exhaust you.
You can also look up ways to budget better and manage your money more responsibly and have more money for savings.
Read also: Struggling To Work Within A Budget? Here Are Some Tips To Help You
Second jobs shouldn’t take over your entire life. Choosing jobs that are flexible or aren’t too demanding can be better off. Roles such as freelancing, graphic design, tutoring, operating a rideshare, or converting your house into an Airbnb are easier to manage when you have a full-time job. If you must consider dual employment, your mental and physical health should be your priority. At the very least, your second job shouldn’t feel like it’s draining the life out of you.
Check out:
6 Tips To Grow Your Side Hustle
Great Budget Tips To Keep In Mind
7 Budget Cut Ideas For Those Trying To Save More Money
6 Ways To Avoid Burnout At Work
