Working Two Jobs - Does it Really Work?
According to research by employment law consultancy firm Peninsula Ireland almost four in every ten Irish workers are having to take on extra work to balance their personal finances.
As the ranks of Ireland’s unemployed continue to swell, those people still in work are forced to work longer hours, or even take on a second job to meet the challenging economic realities of life in post-celtic-tiger Ireland. The survey of 837 workers on the island of Ireland took place in January and February of this year, with 39% of respondents admitting to holding down a second job, up 16% on a similar survey the firm conducted last year.
While a second job might seem like a good idea in theory, and help you out of a short-term financial tight spot it can have damaging longer term impact on both your personal and professional life. There are also potential legal implications to consider.
- Fatigue: working two jobs will leave you tired and drained… that could have an adverse impact on your family life, affect both performance in your primary job and even have health and safety implications in extreme cases.
- Increased pressure home: spending less time at home while juggling two jobs might add to the pressure during an already difficult time, adding to the emotional burden for the whole family and impacting everyone’s health and well being.
Before you consider a second job, make sure you weigh up the risks and benefits. When you weigh it up objectively you may not be in a much better position, especially after taking into account travel, additional taxes other expenses,
If money is the primary motivator for looking at a second Job, consider exploring opportunities to increase their earning potential in your primary role.
“There may be better ways to improve marketability, training and education,” advises Mr. Alan Price, MD of Peninsula Ireland. “Look to see if there are extra skills required for jobs that pay more money, such as supervisory roles. Have you expressed an interest to your employer that you would like to be considered for these better-paid roles?”
Anyone considering taking on an additional job would do well to consider the long term consequences rather than just the short term gain of a boosted income.
Long hours, frayed nerves and exhaustion can have serious legal and safety implications, could adversely impact your performance in your primary job and potentially exact a heavy personal toll on you and your family. If you’re considering another job to plug a shortfall in your finances make sure you explore all of the options available to you, and are aware of the potential pitfalls before you make the decision.
Calvin Jones writes about careers, education and training for the Evening Echo, check out the Career Moves Blog for more articles and resources to help you get more out of your career.
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