Having a side gig is fast becoming the new norm. Working a side job can be rewarding, both financially and personally. A side gig can help boost spending cash for fancy dinners, traveling, and clothes or it can help you create a nice savings or chip away at debt. The right side gig can be a great social or creative outlet and may even lead to new connections and networking opportunities. Although side gigs have a lot of benefits, they can also lead to burnout. Before you jump into a side gig, it’s important to consider how a second job will fit into your lifestyle, which is why we’ve put together this list of everything you need to know about taking on a side job: Can You Juggle Two Jobs? Before committing to a second job, you should look at your current job responsibilities along with any personal obligations you’re bound to. In order to be successful with a second job, it’s important that your additional responsibilities don’t interfere with your
Can You Juggle Two Jobs?
Before committing to a second job, you should look at your current job responsibilities along with any personal obligations you’re bound to. In order to be successful with a second job, it’s important that your additional responsibilities don’t interfere with your full-time job. Another thing to consider when trying to figure out if you can juggle two jobs is whether or not to tell your current employer. The first thing you should do is check your employee handbook to make sure there’s no conflict of interest or anything outlined by your employer about working a second job. If there is, then follow your company’s rules, so you don’t jeopardize your full-time job. If not, you may want to talk to your employer before you take on a second job if it interferes with your schedule. If you have a set schedule and can fit your side job obligations into your off-time, then the choice is up to you.
If You Have the Time, Should You Take on a Side Gig?
Adding another job to an already busy life can fast lead to burnout. When considering how much time outside of your regular job you can commit to a side gig, don’t forget to take into account any duties or responsibilities outside of your full-time job that you have to do on a regular basis, like taking your children to soccer practice, going to the gym, and even time spent making dinner and grocery shopping. If you’ve determined you have enough spare time outside of work and regular obligations, you’ll also want to consider the impact working two jobs will have on your social well-being and emotional state. You’ll need to make sure you’re able to give yourself time to refresh to keep from becoming emotionally and physically wiped out.
Finding a Balance
Working two jobs is possible without facing complete burnout. The key is to find the right balance. Be sure to save time in your day or week to take care of yourself, like getting plenty of sleep and enough time to relax. Another way to help find a good balance between your full-time job and side gig is to look for a second job you can do from home, or on your own schedule. Also look for jobs that use your current skills or skills you would like to use but don’t get a chance in your current profession. If you think you’re ready to take on another job, consider the following side gigs.
Freelancing
Freelance jobs run the gamut from writing to data entry to graphic design to language translation, and many can be completed on your own time from the convenience of your home. You can find freelance jobs on in a variety of fields on through Freelancer.
Direct Selling
Direct selling is another way to make extra money while setting your own schedule. Companies like Amway, allow people to start their own business with the support of a long established, trusted brand. Amway helps individuals grow their income with rewards for selling products, monthly performance bonuses, and other incentives that increase with the success of your business.
Arts and Crafts
If you’re artistically inclined, consider putting your skills to use as a second source of income. Turn a photography hobby into a side gig or sell your finished arts and crafts on Etsy. Etsy is an online marketplace for artists and crafters to sell their work. Etsy is free to start an online shop and costs a small fee to post and sell items.
Driving and Errands
Uber and Lyft are great side job options for those with or without a set schedule and a decent car. With Uber or Lyft you can have your own taxi service and drive any hours you want. If you’d rather not chauffeur strangers around, consider signing up for an errand service like Postmates or TaskRabbit. With Postmates you can earn up to $25.00 an hour delivering restaurant orders or store pickups around your city. TaskRabbit also offers delivery jobs as well as cleaning, handyman work, furniture assembling, moving, and personal assistant options. A side gig can help you reach savings goals or go on that vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Finding the right balance and not taking on more than you can chew will help you avoid burnout and reap the rewards of a second job. Good luck and enjoy the benefits of all your hard work!