Having a second job is a lifesaver for many, and quickly becoming the new norm. Some people work two jobs out of choice. Others might find their work boring or unfulfilling. For most, extra income is the main motivator.
Extra income from a second job can push you from broke to making ends meet in a few months. Helping you pay off loans, save money for retirement and beef up your savings account. Not to mention it also protects you from the risk of losing your primary income source, still having a part of your income to tide you over.
With early mornings, late nights, and a running list of responsibilities to keep track of, it’s pretty hard to find a balance between fulfilling your commitments to those jobs and maintaining your sanity.
So whether you’re thinking about taking a second job, or already have one, check out our strategies to stay sane and make your life a little easier.
Create a Schedule
Clocking out of our first job means re-focusing and getting back to work. Distractions can set you up for failure so make sure you have a full proof way to keep your scheduling straight. When balancing two work schedules, your success will rely on creating a schedule and sticking to it. Rely on a calendar to keep track of your commitments in and out of work, this will allow you to manage your time and obligations wisely.
Weekly and Daily to-do Lists
To help keep your priorities straight (and sanity intact), take your scheduling a step further and give yourself 15 minutes at the beginning and end of each day to make a list and organize it in order of importance. Once your list is made be sure to accomplish at least one of the high priority tasks first thing when you get into work. Beginning your day with a proactive task is the best way to start your day and stay productive.
Make Healthy Living Easy
It’s important to make a healthy balanced life a priority – otherwise, your performance at both jobs could suffer. Don’t make dinner, exercise or sleep an afterthought. It might seem impossible when you are working more than one job, but staying active, getting a good night’s sleep and filling your body with good fuel plays a big part in keeping sane and energized. Start by taking a walk during your lunch hour, or foregoing another dinner at taco bell for an easy crock-pot meal you threw together that morning. If you don’t make your health a priority your focus and productivity at work will suffer, which can actually lead to depression.
Treat Yo Self
Working multiple jobs can leave your mind spinning. The best advice, if you have the flexibility and schedule take at least one day off during the week. Not gonna happen with your mega packed work schedule? Try to give yourself at least a few hours fully off at some point during the week where work is completely out of sight and out of mind.
Know your end goal
Let’s face it – you’re probably not working multiple jobs because you’re bored. This second job is getting you a little closer to your goal. But, when you’re entrenched in the day-to-day, trying to earn additional cash and putting in extra time, it’s easy to lose sight of your endgame. To stay motivated, keep a realistic time frame in mind and have a clear, strategic reason for working hard.
Taking on two jobs can be done without going insane. Whether you’re saving up money, or gaining experience in an unfamiliar industry, remind yourself to look at your jobs as the means to that end. As long as you can maintain your schedule, prioritize your tasks, focus on your health, and take the time to relax, you’ll reach your ultimate goal.
Looking for another job to help reach your goals? At ETS, we work with a variety of companies that offer flexible work schedules and are looking for people with skills like yours. Schedule an appointment with an ETS Recruiter today and see what opportunities are tailored to you!
