How to Manage Working Two Jobs

Working two jobs can be stressful, but it’s an ideal way to save money for a large purchase, pay off your debts faster and add some new experiences to your resume. This article shares some helpful information about how you can handle working two jobs with minimal stress.

Is working two jobs worth it?

Working two jobs can be difficult, but it can be helpful in earning extra money. Having a second job can also help you learn new skills and gain additional experience. Your coworkers or manager at your second job could help you find higher-paying roles or give you a great reference.

If you’re thinking about changing careers, you can get a new job while keeping your first position. That way, you can learn more about the industry you want to work in and try some basic tasks. You can eventually get a full-time job in your new field, or you can decide to stay in your current career. 

Even if you don’t have any education in the field you want to work in, you can gain some experience with an entry-level job. For example, working as a server could help you learn the skills you need to become a restaurant manager or owner. If you want to become a pet trainer, you can learn some new skills by walking or grooming dogs.

How to work two jobs

Here are some tips to help you work two jobs with minimal stress:

1. First, choose your second job carefully

When you’re deciding on a second job, think about the industry you want to work in. You might want to keep working in the same field to get extra experience, and it can mean you spend less energy learning new different duties. If you want to try working in a different industry, you may need to find an entry-level job. 

Also, you should choose a position that doesn’t conflict with your current schedule. For example, you can work full time on weekdays and part time on some weekends. Keep your commuting time low by choosing a place to work that’s near your home or your other job, and make sure that you have enough time to sleep and take a break occasionally.

2. Second, keep track of your schedule

Many part-time jobs have schedules that change every week. You should make sure that your employers know when you’ll be free and when you have other obligations. Keep track of your schedule with a paper calendar or a scheduling application, and try to give your second job as much notice as possible about when you can work so it’s easier to make a plan. 

If you begin to feel tired or stressed, try reducing the hours you work at your second job for a couple of weeks. It can help you rest some and regain your energy. If your second job is freelancing, try accepting fewer assignments until you feel you’re at a comfortable level again. 

It can also be helpful to create space for personal time. Make sure you have enough time to sleep, exercise and relax. Personal time can help you manage the stress that can come with working two jobs. 

3. Third, pack some supplies

Before you leave for work every day, pack all the supplies you’ll need for both jobs. Create a checklist that you can look at every day before you leave to make sure you have everything you need. Instead of buying your meals, you can save time and money by bringing food from home. Pack a change of clothes or your uniform if needed so you don’t need to make an extra trip home. Preparing for your day before you leave can help you reduce stress by knowing you have everything you need. 

4. Fourth, remember to take breaks

You should spend a few hours every week relaxing or having fun. Make time for your hobbies, family and friends. Caring for yourself will help you prevent burnout, keep your stress levels low and keep your productivity high. 

If you want to take a vacation, let your employers know as far in advance as possible. That way, you’ll be more likely to get approval for the days you want off. You’ll also have more time to ask coworkers to fill in for you if needed.

5. Fifth, save as much time as possible

When you work two jobs, you’ll have less time to run errands or do chores. However, there are ways to save time and make chores a little easier to complete. When grocery shopping, create a list of things you’ll need for at least a week by making meal plans. You can also prepare a week’s worth of meals on a day off so you don’t have to worry about cooking and cleaning up after yourself on workdays. 

For chores like cleaning, try dividing your time to make it seem easier. Clean for 15 or 30 minutes, then take a break and do something you want for 15 to 30 minutes. This can help you structure your free time so you can do everything you need. 

6. Last, monitor your spending

You likely want to work two jobs to save money, so monitor your spending carefully. When you start making additional income, it could be tempting to spend money on things you want instead of need. Create a budget that can help you pay all of your bills while saving money. You could try opening a savings account and adding a set amount to it from each paycheck. 

Some companies let you add your checking and savings account to your direct deposit and automatically send set amounts to each when you get paid. Contact your human resources representative or your payroll portal online to see if you have this option.