Taking a Second Job: Why It Might Be Worth It and Why It Might Not Be
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It doesn’t take a genius to know that, economically speaking, times are tough. Cuts in pay and horror stories about companies laying off employees left and right have made many Americans uneasy – prompting them to seek a second job.



But should you really take on a second job? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Read on to figure out what’s right for you.



More Money, More Problems



So an obvious perk of having a second job is the boost in income. Even if you aren’t financially strapped and don’t desperately need the extra funds, having a second job is a great way to make some “fun” money that you can put towards weekend getaways, vacations, and online shopping sprees.



When you start to blend your main job in with your job on the side, things can start to get a little messy. Escaping to the bathroom or the break room to study for your civil service exams, check emails, schedule appointments with clients, and listen to voicemail related to your side job while you’re at your main job could be considered a violation of workplace policy. According to the founder of HR.com Debbie McGrath, “When you are employed for a firm, 100 percent of your focus should be spent working for that company during regular office hours.” New York based Business Communication coach, Nancy Ancowitz, echoes McGrath’s sentiments. She states that, “As an entrepreneur and former corporate manager, I think transparency is incredibly important between a manager and staff. And I think honesty is incredibly important.”



If you feel completely certain that you must ask for time to work on your second job during your day job, experts say it is okay to ask for permission, on the condition that you make up whatever time you’re taking away. Some employers will be understanding, while others might be a little irritated with your request.



One suggestion worth taking is to talk to your co-workers who are also working second jobs and see how they juggle it all. Did they have a conversation with the boss about working on their second job during their day job, and if so, how did it go? This should give you a good indication of how receptive your employer will be to your request. Also, when you go to approach your employer, mention the benefits that come with you working a second job. In addition to boosting your creativity, working a second job could also fine-tune your organizational and time management skills.



When you put yourself in your employer’s shoes, you’ll realize that their main concern is most likely that this second job will affect your performance for their company. Reassure them that you’ll still produce exceptional work and keep their company as your number one priority. Tell them the specific strategies you plan to use that will allow you to keep excelling in your current position even after you’ve taken on another one.



So Your Boss Is Okay With Your Second Job… Now the Question Is: Are You?



As mentioned above, there are both pros and cons to moonlighting at a second job. The extra money is a huge perk. Peace of mind, especially if you’re currently in an unstable position, is another added bonus. Working a second job can give you the security that you may not be getting from your current job. In addition, people who work second jobs enjoy a feeling of freedom that comes with not being tied down to just one company. This professional freedom is especially great for people who are considering taking their careers in a whole new direction. By working a second job, you can dabble in the career field that you think you might possibly like to pursue.



Wonderful as those benefits are, they all come at a cost. For one thing, working a second job can be costly when it comes to your time – dipping into family time or the free time you use to relax and unwind. All the extra time you’re putting into your work can lead to another drawback: burnout. It can be hard to stay peppy and come to work bright-eyed and bushy tailed when you feel like you’re working 24/7. Also, as already discussed, working a second job could get you into trouble if it results in a conflict of interest or if you haven’t gotten the okay from your boss.



Taking a second job can be worth it, but like anything in life, there are both pros and cons to doing so. Think about your reasons for wanting a second job, and based on your own personal motivations, ask yourself whether the benefits would outweigh the drawbacks. Choose a job in an entirely different field to reduce your risk of experiencing burn out, and above all else, remember to take care of yourself. You won’t be able to thrive in, or even maintain, those two jobs if you don’t.