—
Bills don’t pay themselves. Sometimes, you’ve got to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and make ends meet using some good old-fashioned elbow grease. Even if it’s not a matter of living check to check, the appeal of more than one paycheck is obvious. You’ll need two jobs for that, though.
So, it’s time to go on the job hunt. Finding something when you’re out of work is nearly a full-time job, so getting a second job can be extremely challenging. The legwork and networking that go along with job hunting are that much more difficult when you’re already employed. But it’s not impossible.
What Do You Love Doing?
Because this is your second job, let’s assume it doesn’t have to be quite as lucrative as your “primary” job. Trying to hold two corporate directorships could get complicated. Instead, relax the expectations just a tad in exchange for a little more freedom and the luxury of staying sane. After all, this is only a second job — you’re not going into business for yourself.
Many people find exciting second jobs by taking advantage of their hobbies. If you’re someone talented in photography, perhaps you can set up a website and begin shooting portraits for people. If you have a good set of domestic wrenching skills, you might be able to collect some extra money as a handyman. Maybe you love driving. Lots of people pad their bank accounts driving for ride-sharing services, or as a commercial driver for schools and municipalities. Driving a school bus usually gives you the middle of the day free for other work, too.
Start looking for opportunities and reaching out to local companies. Don’t be shy. If you want to work somewhere, let them know. After all, they can only turn you down and possibly even give feedback. And you’ve already got a job, so you can be a little selective.
Keep Communication Open
Even though it can be difficult, you should let your primary employer know you’re planning to take a new role. It will help you avoid any awkward moments later, if you need to prioritize a task from one job, for example. If the second job is only temporary while you earn money to pay off your student debt or help save money to finance your new home, tell your current employer. It will help them empathize, and if your time is valuable to them, you might get an offer for more money if you choose not to take the new job.
Get Some Life Experience
As we mentioned earlier, you can take the opportunity to do something unique with this job. If the planets align just right, perhaps this will grow into your full-time occupation. People often discover they’re excellent at things they never tried and make careers out of them. Be willing to put yourself out there by attending networking events and being open to new ideas. It’s your opportunity to say “yes” to something with the security that your original job isn’t going anywhere.
Remember to respect your current job, too. If you find yourself worrying you’re spending too much time with your secondary effort and becoming concerned about job security at your primary job, it’s time to re-focus on your existing role. At the same time, if your current position is driving you crazy, leaving might not be such a bad thing. You should always be looking at the market.
Exploring a second job can tell you a lot about yourself, in addition to just helping pad your wallet. Ultimately, you should be happier when you find the new job than you were before — not just hamstrung and that much closer to saving a buck. If you follow our advice, it’ll be a win-win.
—
Photo provided by the author.
