If you're busy like me, you probably struggle to fill your spare time. You want to relax, but you just can't because your brain is racing. There are health benefits to chilling out, of course, but if you just can't calm your active mind then you might want to consider getting a second job. This could be anything from working outside of the home to doing something right from your computer and getting paid - the sky's the limit.
So, what are the good points and bad points of getting a second job? As you might imagine, it's not a simple process. Sometimes, it can be the perfect thing for you. Sometimes, it's not a good idea at all. I've devised a handy little list of pros and cons so you can figure out if this is a good option for you to take. Here are just some of the good and bad things about getting a second job.
Pro - More money
This one should go without saying. If you get a second job, it stands to reason that you'll be paid more. There are a lot of people - in the US, at least - who don't feel like they earn enough money. If that's you, then you could find yourself seriously at an advantage if you get a second job.
More money can also allow you to work on projects you've never had the funding for. There are, of course, other ways to achieve this - you could look into second mortgage loans, for example, or you could apply for a standard loan if you need a bit of extra cash. Another job could give you the money you need for that DIY project or that home renovation.
Con - Less time
If you work harder, you'll have less time to spend with your family or your friends. This is a definite downside to working a second job. If you already feel like you don't get enough time to relax or chill with your friends, then a second job won't help the matter and will probably just make things worse.
There are still ways to manage your social life if you do get a second job, but it's not as easy as if you had more hours to yourself. Just make sure you know what you're getting into, because if you're a sociable person, you might find your life taken over by a second avenue of employment.
Pro - Working from home
If your main job is in an office or a location separate to your home (or even if it's not), you could consider working from home. Certain jobs are better for this than others, but the benefits to working from home are extensive. Imagine being able to chill with a coffee and still earn money - pretty enticing, right?
Let's say you're an online trader. All the resources you'd need are right there on your computer, so your second job needn't be too stressful. You could be checking finsmes and reading up on your binary trading strategy even while you're watching your favourite TV show in the background. A second job doesn't have to mean a second office.
Con - More potential stress
Some people definitely manage stress better than others, but it's an undeniable factor in our lives. No matter how many methods you have for dealing with stress, sooner or later you're going to find yourself struggling with the expectations and demands of two separate jobs with two separate sets of requirements.
Of course, this will depend on your personal stress threshold. Strengthening your mind and your resolve can really help you to become better at managing your stress levels. Still, if you're not good at this or if you're already stressed out, getting a second job will probably only mean you get worse. You'll need to put lots of time and effort in to get rewards out.
Pro - Pursuing your dreams
There aren't many people who can honestly say they're working in their dream job. Even those that can probably deal with job stress daily. Still, if you're working in an office or somewhere you never envisioned yourself working, a second job can be an excellent way to get yourself - and your goals - back on track.
Even if you're volunteering, this can feel like a second job, so that's a strong avenue to go down if there's a job you want to work and you can't quite find a paid opportunity. Writing, music, and many other creative arts see many talented people get their starts in a second-job capacity.
Con - Tiredness
With so many of us already suffering from fatigue and tiredness in our day jobs, adding more work to the pile could well impact what little uptime you already have. If you're a caffeine monster - and trust me, I know how that feels - you'll probably need twice the amount of coffee to survive a second job.
That doesn't mean you can't do it, of course, but you should be looking after your body. We don't spend enough time making sure we are OK, and our employers won't value us if our output is greatly decreased. A second job could just make you more exhausted, so make sure it's not more trouble than it's worth.
Pro - Looks good on your resume
Any employer is going to look at the fact you're working two jobs and feel seriously impressed. They'll commend your work ethic, your commitment, and the fact that you feel personally able to juggle those jobs while still maintaining a family or social life. If you need something that looks good on your resume, this could be it.
You shouldn't just work two jobs because you think your resume will benefit from it, of course. At the same time, just having that fact on your papers won't necessarily get you a new job. You'll still need to format your resume correctly to make sure it's eye-catching and compelling for employers.
Con - Conflicts of interest
If you find yourself working for two conflicting companies, that's not a situation that can last very long. Let's say you're working for an e-commerce firm. If you then find yourself blogging for a rival firm, you could find yourself in hot water with both companies. It's usually not worth the risk to do this.
Luckily, conflicts of interest are fairly easily avoided. Before you take a second job, find out who the company is tied up with and whether this crosses over with anything from your first job. Don't just accept offers left and right without checking out the background first. You'll thank yourself.
