2nd Job Strategies

In today’s economy many people are relying on multiple income sources to survive from month to month. Instead of being one or two income families, now three or four income families are becoming the norm for the underemployed.

If a full time job isn’t cutting it and nothing better is opening up at the moment it might be time to consider picking up something part time on the side. As a professional job juggler, aka freelance artist, I can attest that the strategy for selecting a second job isn’t the same as when trying to procure a primary profession.

Unless the new position you find is notably better than what you’ve already got going on, you’re going to need to be especially attentive to the commitments you’ve already made. It’s easy to say “I’ll work on the weekend” or “I can swing the night shift” just to get in the door but it doesn’t work out like you expected when it comes time to execute the new routine.

Changing sleep schedules isn’t as easy as it seems and not allowing yourself any down time can sabotage your success at both workplaces. The human body needs sleep and if you’re not getting enough you will be groggy and grouchy which leads to sloppy errors and poor performance.

Rather than looking for late night hours see if you can find something that starts in the early morning. Delivering newspapers isn’t easy but you can still sleep in your bed at night and finish your route before the sun comes up in the morning. Perhaps paper tossing isn’t your strong suit, consider a position at a coffee shop or restaurants that offers an early-bird breakfast. Part time shifts range from 4 – 8:00am giving you just enough time to change and chug it to your 9 to 5 job.

Second jobs aren’t your big money maker either so it’s important to get as much out of them as you can. Go for a place that gives you a great discount on things you need or want. Stocking shelves at a Target or Wal-Mart gives you at least 10% off everything from toilet paper to tires, and all the stuff in between that you really need.

Working weekends at a movie theater though can allow you a luxury you otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford for your family. It’s a lot easier being broke when you can escape reality by enjoying all the latest blockbusters for free.  Maybe movies aren’t your thing so pick your part time job based on whatever you’re passionate about. Cut the grass on the golf course or man the register at the makeup counter to get a deal on the little things that make life a little more bearable even in the tough times.

Whatever you choose remember that your second job is supposed to be supplemental. Don’t succumb to a feeling of stability or quit trying to better your current situation just because you land an extra source of income. Keep a temporal mindset when accepting a position without voicing it to your potential employer. The most important thing is to use the time at your co-career wisely. Enjoy the extra experience and be sure to network, network, network while you’re there.