How to juggle multiple jobs
With the rise of self-employment and freelance work, having multiple part-time jobs is the new career norm. As more and more part-time job opportunities become available, the workweek is evolving into much more than the traditional 9-5. Wanting more control, we are re-directing ourselves in to more flexible jobs to accommodate multiple commitments or unique situations that make us unable to work full time. As a result, people oftentimes have to work two to three jobs just to make ends meet. In addition, some companies are reluctant to hire someone full-time because they don’t want to pay for any benefits. This means that a person might have to take a couple of part-time jobs just to pay the bills and this can cause a lot stress and anxiety.
Leah Gibbs, career-guide-guardian-angel and founder of www.flexjobs.com.au tells YCB:
“More and more people today are opting out of the rat race and into careers that work around their lifestyle…a healthy work-life balance’ is important for one’s well-being, and a ‘more balanced existence.” With a career history including both part-time and full-time jobs, Leah has valuable advice to give: “Be self-motivated [and] have proven self-discipline!”
Ahead, here are 8 tips on how to manage the stress of juggling multiple jobs:
1.Plan ahead of Time:
Before deciding on taking a second job, make sure that you set up a schedule so that your second job won’t interfere with your first job. Write down a schedule and make sure you follow it. The last thing you want is to mess up both of your jobs and end up unemployed.
2. Determine Your Goals:
A person who juggles 2 to 3 jobs must have some goals on what they want to accomplish. Is your goal to make extra money, to pay off your bills or are you working multiple jobs to get experience for your resume? Determine what you want to achieve by juggling multiple jobs. Some people work two jobs just to pay the bills. Regardless, setting some goals can help you to manage your fears and anxieties.
3. Delegate Your Responsibilities:
Delegate part of your household responsibilities. When taking care of the family, get your spouse to help out. If your kids are older, get them to assist you. If you are at work, only take on what you can handle. Don’t try to do everything all at once. Learn to delegate and work with other people.
4. Take A Break:
Take a deep breath to help relax in working two to three jobs. If you still feel stressed, then get some fresh air or do something fun to help relax. You will feel better and gain a fresh perspective on your current situation. This will make it easier to make the right choices.
5. Do What You Can Today:
Do not put off tomorrow what you can do today. Things have a tendency to build up if you keep putting them off. Do what you can do today. If you have to help your kids with a school project, then try to get started today instead of waiting till the end of the week. When the end of the week comes, you will feel better that you got started in this particular task.
6. Do The Important Things First:
Try to do things in terms of their importance. Let’s say that you have to clean the living room, go to the supermarket, and wash those dishes before . Go to the supermarket since this is the most important thing that needs done. Do the other two tasks later on. Determine what needs done right now and do those particular tasks in order of importance.
7. Prepare For Any Surprises:
Sometimes things happened that might take everyone by surprise. Be flexible and when expected things happen learn to deal with them immediately. For example, some members of your team become sick and are unable to do the tasks. Instead of getting all stressed out just reassign some of the tasks to other people.
8. Talk To A Counselor:
Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future.
