What drives you? What fuels your passion? Do you remember your childhood dream? How are your finances? Is there a sense of fulfillment with your current job?

More often than not, people find multiple jobs when struggling to make ends meet. But another way of looking at it is multiple jobs encourage growth and autonomy. Secondary jobs come in different types. It could be part-time weekend jobs, additional daily employment, or consultancy to name a few. Ultimately, it goes beyond finances, and here are some of the reasons why it’s good for you:

Multiple Streams of Income

Needless to say that more jobs can afford you more security, and financial stability. Even well-earning executives will not refuse additional profits. Quite frankly, this is the most compelling reason why people secure jobs. Nothing seems to be enough. Bills are never-ending, there are hobbies we want to explore, places we want to go to, food we want to try, or passion we want to pursue. Regardless of whether it’s a want or a need, nothing comes for free (it rarely does).

Growth in Diversified Fields of Interests

The ability to offer something more than average performers in the talent pool can give you a higher market value. Those with multiple skills can thrive in a volatile economy. Nowadays, employers take notice of multi-skilled employees as they are highly adaptable and more flexible.

If you feel that you’re unable to find your ideal employment, you should at least consider your second job to enhance the skills needed for your target post. Taking on multiple jobs can offer more opportunities: Expanded network, time for learning new skills, pursuing a passion or hobby, broadening your experience, and many more. Your second job gives you more room to experience other fields or industries.

Self Discovery

Juggling multiple tasks may not be easy. But those who have done it swears by how it enabled them to discover skills and abilities they either didn’t know they have or just plainly neglected for the longest time. Effectively managing at least 2 jobs or careers pushed their boundaries as new goals were driven to build their confidence and mastery for each role. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Find out what makes you happy.

Contingency

When challenging times loom ahead, it wouldn’t hurt securing yourself a contingency plan. With global brands closing here and there, you wouldn’t know when retrenchment would hit you. Multi-skilled employees or workers enjoy the benefits of more job opportunities when they can master additional skills. This is because second jobs allow experience and skill-building while the other pays the bills.

Important Things to Consider:

Be Organized

Before signing on additional contracts or engaging with another employer, you should prepare yourself physically and mentally. Keep in mind that being more organized will help you last a day without losing your sanity, or getting yourself burned out. Additionally, keeping tabs of important documents, assignments, and projects will make you more efficient. Download apps to help you. Set an alarm, keep separate folders or trays, or better yet keep a journal.

Time Management

One of the dangers of having multiple jobs is exhaustion. It is important to keep within your limits, and know when to say ‘no.’ Failure in this aspect could result in lower productivity, which could lead to even more work issues. It’s good to work hard, but do not forget to spend time with your family, friends, and yourself. Once in a while, pause and step back. Always aim to have that work-life balance.

Conclusion

Working on multiple jobs is not for the faint-hearted. But if dealt with determination and perseverance, it can do you more good than harm. Working on more than one thing keeps you stimulated. Some even find it fun and exciting when they get to learn new things, or see things from a different perspective. In an era where possibilities are endless, there is definitely something good waiting for you out there. Go ahead and explore.