7.7 million Americans are finding themselves with too much month at the end of the money. Here’s how to work an extra job without losing your sanity in the process.
Here’s how to work an extra job without losing your sanity in the process
We continue to live through uncertain times even as the calendar flips to 2023. Economic forecasts continue to indicate that a downturn or even full-blown recession is likely in the coming months. That news becomes even more sobering when you consider how many Americans, especially those in the younger generation, are already struggling financially.
More than 400,000 Americans work two full-time jobs, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Framed another way, as of September 2022, over 7.7 million workers, or 4.9% of all the more than 164 million workers in the U.S., held two or more positions.
With the cost of living on the rise—from rents and mortgages to interest rates and food costs—younger workers, who may still be learning how to manage their personal finances, are being driven to take second jobs to both make ends meet and continue to live the life that they are accustomed to living.
“Many report that as the cost of living has increased, they began living from paycheck to paycheck and taking a second job, which provides some comfort,” says Rebecca Croucher, SVP Marketing & Sales Enablement, ManpowerGroup NA. “Many young people are trying to make enough money to start saving more and said the extra paycheck they get each week provides a good boost.
“The extra money also helps reduce stress and anxiety around finances.”
While the good news is that the chronic staff shortages in retail and hospitality mean there are still a lot of part-time jobs open for these young people, it can be tough to work more than a single job or side gig at once. Here are some of the challenges facing multiple-job holders—and a few reminders for how to cope.
Two jobs, one you
Working two jobs can be very challenging, especially if they have conflicting schedules or demands. That can take a toll on someone's mental health. It can also lead to fatigue and burnout, which can affect your performance at both jobs.
“It’s also an issue because you have less time for self-care and other activities that can help to reduce stress,” says Croucher. “That can make it difficult to establish a good work-life balance, which can further contribute to feelings of stress and burnout.”
Working two jobs can be physically and mentally draining, as you are constantly on the go and may not have much time to recharge. This can lead to decreased productivity, not to mention an increased risk of errors or accidents.
“It is important for people who work two jobs to make sure to take care of themselves and to find ways to manage the additional responsibilities and demands that come with working two jobs,” says Croucher. “This might include finding ways to manage stress, setting boundaries and making time for leisure and self-care activities.
Croucher also suggests that it can be a good idea to communicate with your employers about your situation and see if there are any accommodations that can be made to help you manage your workload.
“Overall, it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of working two jobs before making a decision,” says Croucher, “since working multiple jobs may not provide the opportunity for career advancement and can make it difficult to pursue additional education or training.”
How employers can help
Generally speaking, it’s not an employer's business to know if an employee is working another job as long as the employee is able to fulfill their job responsibilities and is not violating any company policies.
“But employers may be interested in an employee working another job if it could potentially impact their performance or attendance at their primary job,” says Croucher.
Employees who are working multiple jobs may have unique needs, such as needing flexible scheduling or time off to accommodate their other job. Employers might benefit by remaining sensitive to these needs by being open to discussing the employee's schedule and finding ways to accommodate their needs, such as offering the option to work remotely or providing additional time off.
“It is important for employers to be understanding and supportive of their employees who are working multiple jobs, as it can be a significant source of stress and may affect their overall well-being,” says Croucher.
Tips to beat burnout
Since holding multiple jobs can be challenging, it is important to take care of your mental health to avoid burnout. While every situation is different, Croucher offers a few pieces of advice that might be helpful to find some balance in your life if you find yourself holding multiple jobs:
- Set boundaries: It can be helpful to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life, to ensure that you have enough time to rest.
- Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks throughout the day Even a short break can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
- Get enough sleep: Do your best to get enough sleep each night to ensure that you are well-rested and able to tackle the demands of your multiple jobs.
- Practice self-care: Take time to care for yourself by engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as exercising, spending time with friends and family or pursuing hobbies.
- Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, don't be afraid to seek support from friends, family or a mental health professional.
To this list, I would add one more: enlist the people in your life to help. Trusted friends and family members can keep you accountable for getting the rest you need, as well as fill the gaps you’ll inevitably have. Everyone needs a support network, and there are times when you need to lean on it more heavily than others. Just be sure, when your workload changes, to pay forward the support you were given.
Making it work
Look, I’ve been there—I’ve had to work multiple jobs at the same time a few times in my life. And I know how tough it can be, both mentally and physically. That’s why it’s also critical, especially if you’re someone kicking off their career, to learn some of the financial skills that can help make your money go further—and perhaps eventually dial it back to focusing on one job.
But you also need to “do you,” as they say. So, if you have that unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit, and you see working multiple jobs as the path to help you reach your ultimate goals—go for it! Just remember to take care of yourself along the way.
