Trinidad and Tobago’s unemployment rate of 4.4% compares favorably to major countries such as the United Kingdom (4.3%) and the United States (4.4%). The increasing number of job opportunities is not only reducing unemployment, but it is also increasing the amount of people ‘moonlighting’ in a second role. While it is great to have more money, there are also extra challenges associated with the additional workload.
The Pros and Cons of Having Two Jobs
Pros
• Extra Security: The great thing about a second job is that you have something to fall back on This is part of how to face a lay off effectively and come back stronger . You could make up the shortfall by applying for another part-time role or by asking for extra hours at the job you already have.
• Additional Skills: Not only do added skills look good on a resume, but the process of having a second job also enables you to figure out precisely what you excel at.
• Enjoyment: Believe it or not, a second job gives you the freedom to try out something you really enjoy. Job A can be a steady earner while Job B is your chance to get involved in a passion of yours that perhaps wouldn’t pay enough by itself.
Cons
• Stress: If it wasn’t bad enough to have one unreasonable boss or set of colleagues, there’s a danger you end up with two! It isn’t easy to simply ‘switch’ your mindset depending on the job you’re doing and people with second jobs may make basic mistakes because of it. You’re not just working extra hours; you’re also taking on extra responsibilities.
• Lack of Time: Again, it isn’t as simple as working two jobs for 20 hours apiece. There is the small matter of commute time and the real possibility of working seven days a week. Your whole life revolves around work: Waking up, traveling, working, coming home, changing uniforms, traveling etc.
• Burnout: You’re as likely to suffer from mental burnout as physical exhaustion. If you even have one month that consists of double shifts and/or working almost every day, it won’t take long for it to get the better of you. Tiredness leads to irritability and eventually, you have nothing to look forward to… except for more work!
How to Split Your Schedule to Accommodate the Extra Job
Although it may not be possible, try to get a second job that compliments your other role’s schedule. For example, an office worker could look for a bar or restaurant job with an evening shift. Alternatively, you can look for two roles in the hospitality industry which is known for its flexibility.
Try to offer very specific availability to ensure your schedule doesn’t change that much from week to week. It is also essential to have enough of a gap between the end of one job and the beginning of the other to travel between jobs! Ideally, the gap will be a couple of hours so you can eat, relax and recharge your batteries.
Don’t forget the different dress codes! Your best option is to plan and bring the change of clothes as you may not have time to go home. The same plan goes for food, and you’ll need plenty of sustenance to get you through two shifts in a day!
Avoiding Burnout
The danger of burnout when taking on a second job is high IF you don’t proceed in a sensible and well thought out fashion. Here are a few tips to help you not just survive, but thrive in your extra role:
• Choose Different Niches: Mitigate burnout by choosing a second job that’s completely different to the other one. For example, an office worker could take on a physical outdoors job. Instead of being stuck in an office the whole time, you get fresh air and much-needed exercise!
• Set Financial Goals: Determine how much extra money you need and don’t work more hours than necessary to achieve the goal.
• Learn a New Skill: Instead of being a burden, a second job should be looked upon as a chance to learn something new. Who knows, the experience you gain could be the catalyst for a successful career?
• Be Discreet: While you don’t need to lie about your ‘other’ job, it isn’t a good idea to highlight it. Believe it or, colleagues in both roles might believe you’re less loyal, less committed and unavailable for overtime.
• Be Strict With Free Time & Vacations: Make sure there is plenty of time built-in to your schedule for days off and vacations; don’t feel pressured into agreeing to work someone else’s shift when it is your day off.
Why You Should Consider Getting a Second Job in Trinidad and Tobago
While there is no doubt that working a Second Job in Trinidad and Tobago is a challenge, it is one you can complete as long as you plan. Whether we want to admit it or not, the cost of living is on the rise, and fewer companies than ever before are willing to pay a competitive starting salary.
If the main reason for getting a second job is financial (as it so often is), be very thorough in your accounting process. Find out how much extra you need to earn and work towards that goal. This process should give you a mental boost as you know that the second job doesn’t necessarily have to be a permanent affair.
It is also a good move if you’re concerned about job security. After all, being without a steady source of income for even a few weeks can cause financial issues. With a second job, you don’t have to worry about losing one because you have something to fall back on!
Best of all, getting a second job is your opportunity to explore the job market, and it expedites your search for the ‘right’ career path. Instead of being content with a job with little in the way of prospects, you can try out something exciting. If it doesn’t work out, you can try again!
