How to balance working two part-time jobs
Working two part-time jobs can be more than a great way to make extra money. It can also be a chance to improve your long-term career options by gaining experience in more than one industry. But balancing two jobs is pretty hard, especially if you want to have time for other things in life. It's important to find a second job that doesn't conflict with your first job, and to make sure you have a work-life balance that works for you. We'll show you how to make the most of working two part-time jobs without sacrificing your sanity.
Why work two jobs?
The first and most obvious answer to this is the ability to increase your income. This can help you save more money for a long-term goal, pay off debt faster, or even just have some extra cash for fun things like trips or shopping. By having two different sources of income, you can also feel a little more secure, since if something bad beyond your control happens (like, if your employer does layoffs) you’ll still have income from another job.
Working a second job can also provide you with a chance to grow your career. Not only will you have the chance to learn new skills and gain more experience, but you'll also have the opportunity to meet more people and make connections in different industries. These connections and new experiences can open doors for future job opportunities, and help you advance in your career. By taking advantage of these career development opportunities, you can keep growing and improving, both professionally and personally.
At its best, having a second job can actually lead to improved work-life balance. More variety in your work can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or burnt out from working too many hours doing the same thing. Or if something in your personal life becomes especially demanding or stressful, you may be able to take time off from one job without having to worry about lost income, since you have a second source of income.
Finding a job that doesn’t conflict with your first job
Finding a second job that doesn't conflict with your first job can be a challenge. To help make the process easier, it's important to look for a second job that has different hours from your first job. For example, if your first job is during the day, you might look for a second job that's in the evenings or on weekends. This way, you can work both jobs without one interfering with the other.
Many businesses, on the other hand, do tend to have unpredictable schedules for front-line workers, so another way to handle this is to look at businesses that tend to be busy at different times of the day. For instance, a job as a cashier at a boutique store that closes before 7pm is unlikely to conflict with a job as a bartender. A janitorial job cleaning offices in the evenings may pair well with a job helping run afternoon activities for residents at a senior center. In either case, it’s often a best practice to be completely honest with both employers about your schedule restrictions up front.
Don’t forget to take location and travel times into account when looking for a second job, especially if you're working two jobs in different locations. You'll want to make sure that the second job is easily accessible and that you have enough time to travel between the two jobs.
Research potential employers
When you're looking into taking a second job, it's important to look into your employers’ policies around employees working more than one job–both your current and any potential second job. Some companies may have strict policies that prohibit their employees from working another job, while others may be more flexible. Make sure to find out what the company's policies are before applying for the job, so you can make an informed decision about whether it is a good fit for you.
Additionally, it's important to research your employer's schedule flexibility. Some employers may be able to offer flexible hours or schedule changes to accommodate their employees who are working a second job. Other employers may expect even their part-time employees to be available “on call” for additional shifts. This is something to consider when looking for a second job, as it can help ensure that you're able to work both jobs without added stress or strain on your daily routine.
Once you have that second job, manage your time.
With good time management strategies, it's possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance even with more than one job. One key strategy is setting a realistic schedule that allows you to work both jobs and still have time for yourself. Make sure to plan ahead for commute time, breaks, and any other necessary activities.
When creating a schedule, start by listing out all of your daily tasks and responsibilities, including work, errands, and leisure activities. Then, put them in order of what's most important and what needs to be done first. This way, you won't have too much to do at once and you can focus on the most important things. Start by doing this for each day, and then try doing it for the whole week.
It's also important to be flexible and willing to make changes to your schedule as needed where you can. For example, if you have a lot of extra work to do at one of your jobs, you may need to adjust your schedule to balance your workload. The most important thing is to keep track of what you have to do and change things when you need to have a good balance between work and personal time.
By setting a realistic schedule and prioritizing tasks and responsibilities, you can successfully balance two part-time jobs and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Be prepared for challenges
Working two jobs can come with its own set of challenges. To be fully prepared for these challenges, it's important to anticipate any potential schedule conflicts that might arise. One way to do this is to compare your schedules from both jobs and make sure there are no overlapping hours.
It's also important to have a plan in place for dealing with unexpected conflicts. For example, if one of your jobs requires you to work overtime, what will you do if that conflicts with your other job? Having a backup plan, like finding someone to cover your shift, can help you avoid any stress or frustration that might come with a last-minute schedule conflict. By anticipating and preparing for these challenges, you can ensure a smoother transition into working two jobs.
Managing stress
Balancing two part-time jobs can be stressful, but there are several strategies you can use to reduce stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Self care is important, so make sure to schedule in some downtime for yourself, whether that's reading a book, taking a walk, or just relaxing. Taking time for yourself can help you recharge and feel refreshed, reduce stress, and improve your overall well being.
Another helpful strategy is to prioritize your health by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of water. When you're feeling well physically, it can be easier to handle the demands of two jobs and to stay motivated towards your goals–that is, the reasons you have for working two jobs in the first place.
Finally, it's important to communicate effectively with both of your employers and to set clear boundaries for your work and personal time. For example, if you need to leave work early to attend an appointment, make sure to communicate this in advance and make arrangements to ensure that your responsibilities are covered. This can help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your schedule.
Putting it all together
Look for a second job where the hours and location are compatible with your first job and your lifestyle.
Make sure you know the policies at your current job and any second job for working multiple jobs and scheduling flexibility.
Set a reasonable schedule, prioritize your tasks, and try to stay organized so you can be prepared for unexpected challenges.
Don’t forget to make time for yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
So, does a second job sound like it’s right for you? Snagajob has a wide selection of flexible part-time jobs to choose from.