The Happy Homeowner

There’s been quite a bit of buzz about pulling in extra income/obtaining another job on the PF blog circuit.

As someone who currently holds down 3 jobs (1 F/T, 2 P/T), I figured I would share my perspective on the glorious “How-To” of managing multiple jobs.

Below are my lists of questions I always ask myself before, during and after any type of part-time or side gig commitment…

First and foremost, there are certain things that should be considered before committing to obtaining another job:

• Do you value the extra income for debt payoff or reaching savings goals?
• Do you have tangible, documented goals that you’re working toward?
• Are you trying to network in your current field or make contacts for a potential move into another?
• What are your other priorities that require your time?
• Are you physically and emotionally able to handle an increased workload?
• How will your quality of life be affected by adding additional professional responsibilities?
• How will taking on another job impact your current position?  Does your company have a policy regarding such actions?
• Will this be a temporary adjustment or a permanent change?

 

Once you’ve decided that you indeed wish to take on another job, consider the following:

• What type of job do you want?  Service?  Office?  Domestic gigs?
• How will you be paid for this job?  Under the table (the Holy Grail of side jobs, in my opinion!)?  Weekly, Bi-weekly, or Monthly paycheck?
• Will the income affect your taxes?
• What type of commuting expenses will be involved?  If you need to drive to this job, will the $$ brought in cover the increased expense of driving, gas, etc?
• When are you able to work?  Weekends?  Nights?  School day?  Variable hours?
• How will you maintain balance between work & personal life?

 

After serious consideration of the above factors, take into account the following strategies for finding another job that suits your needs, interests, and desires:

• Network!  Does your current position offer contacts that could be turned into a side income such as freelance work?  Do you still keep in touch with colleagues from previous positions?
• Get your resume out there (if the type of work you’re seeking requires it)
• Respond to online advertisements:  Craigslist, Idealist.org, etc.
• If you’ve targeted a specific company, request an informational interview with the HR department, troll their online job postings (and apply!), and/or drop off a resume & cover letter in-person
• Turn a hobby into an income stream:  blogging, knitting, gardening, etc.
• Turn a passion into an income stream:  consulting, design, tutoring, etc.
• Pound the pavement:  you’d be amazed at how many small businesses/individuals are looking for help despite the difficult economic times.  A quick run around my neighborhood yesterday found 6 “Help Wanted” ads in windows along with a general posting board filled with side-income opportunities
• Talk it up:  share your wish to obtain additional employment with friends, family members, and acquaintances–you never know who could help open the door

 

When you obtain said job and are happily working away, don’t lose sight of the following:

• Are you content working this much?
• Are you still engaged with family and friends?
• Are you taking time for yourself?
• Do you feel balanced?
• Can you still make AND manage your To-do list?
• Are your sleeping, eating, and exercising habits still in check?
• Are you genuinely happy and/or motivated by this job (or the income)? 

 

And finally, when you’ve reached the end of your rope, don’t be afraid to walk away (or maybe turn the 2nd job into your full-time job).  After all, you only have one life to live and it should be an absolutely fabulous one, not one bogged down by work!