The number of Americans who have two or more jobs is higher than ever.
Recent data from the Census Bureau shows that approximately 7.8% of American workers have more than one job, up from 6.8% in 1996.
The need for a full-time job plus a part-time job or two has become such an important part of our culture and economy that several candidates included it in their programs in the last presidential election.
It remains a common topic of discussion among economists and activists.
Eight million people have two or more jobs just to survive in the world's richest country. Their stories show us a saving of, around and for 1%.
It is time to stand up, fight, and build a society where the American working class can live with dignity. https://t.co/CpU7nwTwTB
- Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) September 2, 2019
Politics aside, public opinion and basic math shows that the more jobs you have, the more stress that comes into your life. Self-care is important (and very doable!) To avoid burnout.
Stories from the second work front
Zach Brandner, a recent college graduate from Washington, DC, works in guest services at a museum during the day and waits in a restaurant at night.
"Of course, in a dream world, you could make ends meet with just one job," he says. "But that's not the case at the moment, so I'll keep doing it."
Brandner says he learned the hard way that juggling two jobs can't compromise his grooming.
Statistically, women are more likely than men to have several part-time jobs. Summer Tuverson of Santa Monica, California is in a similar situation to Brandner. She works in a day care center for dogs and as a babysitter.
"There are some similarities between dog sitting and babysitting," he says. "Especially the part of cleaning up the faeces."
9 tips for multiple jobs
With the help of Zach, Summer, and a few experts, here are nine tips on how to maintain independence with more than one job.
1. Make friends in all of your jobs.
Avoid the temptation to show, do your homework, show and repeat.
Brandner: "I was quite surprised to learn that there are actually some hidden advantages of having more than one job. The main thing is to have more than one new circle of friends. Of course, they won't be everyone's best friends, but it's a good idea to make an effort to develop and maintain friendships. When you feel like you have a support system, or at least someone to laugh with, your shifts seem shorter and more comfortable.
Looking for a second job? Here are 10 great second job options along with tips on how to get one.
2. Location is everything
One of the first things to consider when looking for a full-time job is being close to your home. Of course, when you work from home, you are always close to work.
Depending on your schedule and if you work away from home, your second job should be physically close to your first job. (Two jobs at home? I have it all).
If you increase your gasoline budget by driving around town, your second income will be useless. If you find yourself in a city where you use public transport, see if the job you are considering is on the same bus or train route.
Are you looking for a second job but don't want to leave the house? Check out our list of 32 home business jobs.
3. Inform your employer
Brandner: "When I got my second job, I was embarrassed to tell my two superiors that I also work elsewhere. I felt like they'd feel like I couldn't give both of them 100%. For a while, I almost felt like I was cheating on both of you. When I finally told them, they both admired my concern and ended up being much more receptive and understanding when I had to make small changes to my appointments.
4. If he is sick, DO NOT feed him.
While this advice applies to people with a job, it's especially important for people who have twice as much interaction.
If the past year and a half has taught us anything, it is that we should withdraw from others when we are sick. In the long run, it's not worth ignoring your symptoms to pay for the day you risk worsening your own health and the health of others.
If you have two jobs, you are investing twice as much energy, which is even more consuming. Be honest with your employers and they will likely appreciate it. Remember, it is illegal to fire you for reporting your illness.
5. Normalize the energy nap
Tuverson: "I copied that from the children I look after. If they come home from school at 1:15 p.m. and we have to leave home at 2:10 p.m. for swimming lessons, it is crucial that they get some rest or are not grumpy and lethargic with their poor teacher.
"Sometimes I have just as much time before I start my next job. I used to think it would just allow me to scroll through my phone and watch half an episode of Law and Order. When I still couldn't stop yawning, I googled a few tips and started taking naps between shifts. It changed the game.
Tuverson says the key is taking a 10 to 20 minute nap. She swears by some pre-nap caffeine that happens when you wake up, as long as you stick to the short nap.
6. Plan and prepare your meals
When you're in your car several times during the day, rushing to your next job, and rushing home too, the temptation to eat fast food is inevitable.
While it's fine from time to time, the initial comfort and convenience of not having to cook soon backfires, making you (and your wallet) feel even worse. Take the time to prepare and prepare meals (and snacks for those 15 minute breaks!) That are simple, cheap, and tasty.
Meal planning is important to staying healthy, but this task is easily overlooked when you are busy. Learn how to create and stick to a nutrition plan.
7. Think about why you have a second job.
Tuverson: "Even with two jobs, it's not exactly like living in luxury. But now I can afford a mini vacation that I would otherwise not have been able to take. The third time I sit on the bus that day and spit on my blouse (and forget whether it was from a human or an animal), I open my wallet and see photos that I've printed, things that I put on my going to experience trip.
She says her coworkers look at photos of homes, cars, and even engagement rings to keep an eye on the award. The bold photos are good encouragement, she says, reminding them why they have a part-time job.
8. Participate in something that gives you pleasure
Even if you have a job, it can seem like all you have left is the energy to eat and sleep after work. On a good day, you can look back on a drink or dinner, but even that can seem like an effort at times.
Still, it's important to have other things on your schedule besides work.
For example, you can join a book group dedicated to your favorite genre. Read about your lunch breaks and public transit travel, then spend an hour a month chatting about your thoughts with new friends.
Not only does this increase your social circle and opportunity, but it also trains your brain. The Penny Hoarder actually has our own book club, and you can find dozens more online or in person through Meetup.com, Goodreads, or local independent bookstores and libraries.
9. Don't get discouraged
It can take 18-254 days for a person to develop a new habit and an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.
Don't mess yourself up if you don't immediately take on two jobs with different protocols, expectations, and leadership styles.
Any decent middle manager will give you some time to start with. If you find that after a few months you are still having trouble getting used to a new routine, let the HR department know so they can provide more specific advice.
Olivia Smith is a Washington, DC writer with experience in political and public lobbying. Contribute to The Penny Hoarder.
This was originally published on Penny hoarde r , a personal finance website that enables millions of readers across the country to make smart decisions with their money through inspiring and practical advice as well as '' resources on how to make money ''. And manages money.
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