5 professionals share why they choose to work multiple jobs

March 15, 2023 1:31 PM

Working more than one job has not usually been a matter of choice, but more a matter of necessity. However, more people are now choosing to take on two full-time positions, or supplement a full-time job with multiple part-time positions, in an effort to not just stay afloat financially, but get ahead.

The image of what it's like to work two or more jobs is not typically a happy one. Working a third shift, running on little sleep, and having no work-life balance is not a preferred schedule. But with the increased flexibility many employees are finding in the workplace, the opportunity to explore more ways to make money has become very appealing, and realistic.

A survey by Resume Builder found that 36% of employees are currently working more than one full-time job, and that eight out of 10 respondents had worked more than one job in the last year. Of those working two or more full-time positions, the majority were making a combined six figures.

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Many who choose to take on more than one job do so to achieve financial freedom, but the concerns brought on by recent economic uncertainty and layoffs have played a part as well — a large majority of survey respondents reported having at least one job in the tech sector. Though 26% of employees manage to keep their average weekly work hours within the 30-40 hour range, the survey found that 69% were spending between 40-80 hours, and 5% spend more than 80 hours per week on work.

EBN reached out to some of these professionals to find out what they do, why they decided to join the ranks of the over-employed, and advice they have about this way of life. Here are a few of their stories.

Rayne Morgan

Primary job: Content marketing manager at digital insurance brokerage PolicyAdvisor.com

Second jobs: Freelance copywriter, copy editor and journalist

Why she does it: "I do it to earn extra income and keep up with the high cost of living. Being able to afford my daily expenses and still have something left over to save up for long-term goals (like buying a house) while also still having some spending money would be very difficult to manage on one salary alone."

Advice: "For someone considering this route, my recommendation would be to try not to bite off more than you can chew. Sometimes you may have to turn down opportunities if your schedule just won't allow it — and you should make sure to set aside at least one to two days of no work whatsoever to give your brain a break."

Mark Joseph

Primary job: Founder of Parental Queries, an online resource for parents seeking advice and support

Second job: Freelance writer

Why he does it: "I know the feeling of being a full-time worker and wanting to take my career to the next level by taking on additional roles. That's why I decided to try juggling two jobs at once. I'm working full-time on Parental Queries, so that's my main focus. During the evenings and weekends, I write articles and content for clients."

Advice: "My calendar is my best friend! I make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day so that I can stay focused on both tasks. Be realistic with yourself. Accept only what you can handle; be prepared to work extra hours if necessary. I also recommend setting boundaries between the two jobs so that you can stay calm. This can be done by having different email accounts for each job and blocking out specific times of the day for each job."

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Lieu Dang

Primary job: Marketing manager at gamified language learning app Ling App

Second jobs: Marketing freelancer and digital illustrator

Why she does it: "I decided to work multiple jobs because I think working is a chance for me to learn as well as broaden my connections. I have learned how to help different businesses resolve their issues, how to work with different company cultures, and how to manage my time efficiently. My network, therefore, has been widened, and more opportunities have come because my previous clients referred me to new clients. In addition, having many jobs also increases my income and varies the sources of income. This, hopefully, will help me reach my personal financial goals sooner."

Advice: "If anyone is considering this route, I would recommend giving it a try, improving your time management skills and the ability to focus, and being selective in what jobs and clients you want to work on/for. Last but definitely not least, save time for your personal life and take good care of your physical and mental health too."

Tomas Hawkins

Primary job: Electrician

Second job: Founder and CEO of Electrician Apprentice HQ

Why he does it: "I work two full-time jobs because of my expertise and my entrepreneurial spirit. Also because it improves my personal financial situation immensely. Inflation is a real thing and the economy is tough right now. I need to generate as much revenue as I can to offset certain economic conditions. Plus by doing this I'm able to save more for retirement, which is important to me."

Advice: "If you're going to work two full-time jobs, you literally need to get the most out of each second of each day. Use a daily to-do list, prioritize your most important activities, and utilize any down time at all for mundane activities. Two full-time jobs is a tough nut, but you can make it happen if you try."

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Rodney Warner

Primary job: CEO of marketing and web design agency Connective

Second jobs: Part-time writer and book reviewer

Why he does it: "Since I started my own business, I have been immersed in it and have not had time for my passion, which is writing. I felt that using my skill to earn money outside my business was appropriate, and it kept me in practice. The benefit is that the deadlines motivate me to write, and I can also make extra money doing what I love."

Advice: "The recommendation is simple: Always choose what your heart desires. A job that gives you satisfaction is the right job for you."