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Multiple Jobs? How Would You Do It?
MikeDawg asks: "With so much uncertainty in the current job market for tech workers, and with varying financial situations; are you required (or want) to work a second job? I'm in one of those situations. I work as a bartender during the days and weekends, and I work as a mainframe operator during the night. Often browsing classified ads for positions, I see ads for jobs that pay a minimal amount more than my current tech job, and a possibility for less stability (see this Slashdot Article). Do you think it would be a better idea for someone to work two somewhat secure jobs, getting paid a little bit less, or going for a higher paying somewhat insecure job? I also run into varying conflicts such as scheduling if I would like to try and maintain two jobs, which is never fun (Don't even ask about how happy my girlfriend is). So my question to you out there, would you rather work 2 secure jobs, that pay a little bit less than what you could be making, or would you rather get paid a touch more, and work for 1 less secure employer?"
If you are looking at jobs that pay marginally more than what you are currently making, maybe you can ask for a raise.
Scope out how much you could get paid for your job and ask for it. You won't get a raise magically (employeers like to pay less) but if you present your case to them logically maybe, if you are worth it, they will give you what you need.
My suggestion to you is to remember that no amount of money or paycheck is worth your happiness. If working two jobs for the added security helps bring you to a higher level of satisfaction with yourself, then do it... because that time spent at your job is coming out of your life!
Some people require the security. Some people require the money to survive. Some people are trying to save up for a better day. Some people want the benefits that Starbucks offers because the lame staffing company won't give out benefits. If I were you, I'd check my motivation and reasons for holding down two jobs and determine how important your reasoning is in your life.
"Would you rather be right, or happy?"
So much depends on factors that you don't mention here:
- What is your financial position, do you have savings to tide you over if your insecure job goes tits up?
- Does the insecure job offer things like exposure to technologies that would make finding another job easier?
- Could you use the free time you get from the new job to look for an even better job?
You have to weigh all the factors.
Maybe you should see if you can eliminate some unnecessary expenses. I mean, in the last three months, I've managed to demonstrate to myself that I can cover all my bills and still eat at only half the pay rate of my last job. Were it not for the car payment, I'd actually be making more on unemployment than I'm spending.
Canthros
Personally, I have been consulting for over 7 years and taking the risk defiantly paid of.
Do you have one? I would rate long-term prospects over job stability. No the two are not the same. A job can be beneficial to your development, even if it doesn't last very long, and vice versa.
I've worked two jobs and juggled a university-education on the side and thought it was worth it because I was getting something out of it. What I got (appart from my degree) was a massive mental and physical breakdown. I'm still a little traumatised by it.
Two jobs may bring you money and stability during times of uncertainty, but these may continue for a while! And in the end you will have to find something more substainable anyway. Why not do that now?
Do things that will help you on the path to obtaining your dream job. Even if you don't end up at your dream job, chances are you'll find something close, or at least have the experience to start your own business in that field.
The sending of this message pretty much inconveniences everyone involved.
...on your situation. Are you:
/. (me included)is going to be able to help you with this one.
a) Single, Debt free sitting on some enough coin that if you lose the insecure job you'd have some time to get another job.
or
b) Divorced with an alimony payment, credit card debit, a new girlfriend to buy shiny things for student loans and living pay check to paycheck collecting returns on bottles to buy ramen noodles.
Maybe you need to work the 2 jobs steady until you can payoff some debit bank some sweet coinage, then check out the insecure job market again.
The point is look at your situation, figure out what risk you can deal with and make your choice.
No flunky poster on
-G
are you required (or want) to work a second job?
Depends on your point of view. I work full time. I go to school (at the non-friendly for working students school University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) 1/2 to full time depending on the semester. I maintain a seperate computer consulting business which breaks even each year (no real profit or loss - but there are other benefits). I maintain a home and family. I look forward to graduating and having a single job, and spending my time with my family and hobby of electronics.
I'm in one of those situations.
Which, you want to, or have to?
Do you think it would be a better idea for someone to work two somewhat secure jobs, getting paid a little bit less, or going for a higher paying somewhat insecure job?
At this point I choose security over better pay. however, neither of the choices you've provided are ideal. Keep in mind that if you take a less secure job that only requires 40 hour weeks then you'll have a lot more time for job searching and polishing your skill set than you'll ever have working for two jobs.
would you rather work 2 secure jobs, that pay a little bit less than what you could be making, or would you rather get paid a touch more, and work for 1 less secure employer?
Again, neither choice is good. It depends on the money and how you define 'secure'. The last several jobs I've had they realize very quickly how hard I work and how valuable I am. All of my employers, even those providing 'less secure' positions, have been unhappy to see me go. (I don't engage in bidding wars - when I decide to leave I leave. Bidding leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouth)
So go for the job where you'll be happiest. If happiness comes from more security, less time, less money, and less flexibility, then stay in your comfort zone. If you can afford to take a risk (as a family man my risk level is low, but you may have much more space to move right now) then shoot for the stars. Show your stuff, and make yourself a valued employee.
As always, don't rely on someone else's opinion as to what you should do. Make a decision. Stick to the decision until, if ever, you decide it was a mistake. If it was a mistake then shift gears and correct your course. Don't ever think that you're stuck - there's always another direction to go in. You're only stuck if you say you are, etc, etc.
And don't use slashdot as a motivational resource - if you can't motivate yourself, then no one else will be able to motivate you when you most need it.
-Adam
It depends.
Reasons to avoid this insecure job:
o the company has a bad business plan
o the company has a boss who knows nothing about his business
o the company is incredibly small
o the company is going through layoffs
o the company has problems shipping products
o the company often requires insanely long hours (i.e. cars are in the parking lot at all hours)
o you get paid in a delayed fashion (not weekly/bi-weekly)
o your contract isn't ironclad (even if it is, you could still have problems)
o your employer doesn't like design documents (bad if you're an independent contractor)
o you've got a family and kids
Reasons to take/keep a job:
o the job looks good on paper
o this experience could get you another job in the future
o the job pays considerably more
o flexible hours
o your work at this job directly effects your success
o your very happy at your job
o your job is fun
Frankly, we've got no details about the job. So, I couldn't tell you either way.
What do you mean my sig is repetitive? What do you mean my sig is repetitive? What do you mean....
I did the two-jobs-at-once thing for 4 years as a practical necessity. It wasn't bad, because the day job was something I sorta enjoyed, and the other was generally innocuous. They were both really steady, reliable work, but nothing that would advance my career. Then I got laid off from the day job (not so reliable after all). I finally ended up at a single job that pays better, but ranges from frustrating to boring. My job security is OK. I'd rather go back to the way things were. I'm coming to the conclusion that money and time and security aren't the things that will determine whether I'm happy in a job; enjoying the job itself seems to matter most.
http://alternatives.rzero.com/
I think you have to look at the whole thing in aggregate. How good is the local job market? How much more money does it pay? How bad do you want to work one job? If you are really that unsure take a portion "extra" money you earn and put it into a rainy day fund. If you are building a good (general) skill set and building a good network of friends/business associates I don't think you can go wrong.