Work Two Jobs - Only If You Have To

There are a number of reasons why someone would work two jobs. The main reason of course is financial - hell, would we really work 70 hours a week if we didn't have to?

For many, the financial pressures of recent years have mounted up. Personal debt accumulated, spending habits got out of control, interest rates went up, and whammo - it became impossible to survive on the one income only. In this situation, the worker, lets call him the super worker, has decided that he has to work himself out of his mess, and has arranged for a second job. It might be in after-hours retail, or food services, or hospitality, security or telemarketing. These are all options for the worker who needs to add this second job to his already busy life.

There may be other more telling reasons such as guilt or self-punishment, or even an addiction to work, or paying for an addiction that is not openly talked about.

Humans are complex, and our humanity can be our downfalling. Regardless of the motive, the need to work two jobs affects all people, not just the individual. Emotional support is requierd for all concerned, and a practical approach to making the siutation work should be taken, so that the situation does not become a permanent arrangement.

• Work out your priorities. If your family is the priority, you still need to have some quality time with your spouse and children.
  
• Keep the end goal in sight. Don' forget why you are doing this. Have clear objectives.
  
• Treat this time as a "season" in life - the season will pass. Once your abjective has been reached-drop the second job.
  
• Be smart with your time - use a diary-either electronic or paper based.
• Do not over commit yourself. Do not volunteer for all the things you used to volunteer for in the past.
• Schedule real time away with the family - it might be a weekend or two during the summer or Christmas or Easter break.
• Look for low cost alternatives to spend quality time together. A family vacation does not require a trip to Disneyland or to Hawaii.
• Treat yourself. If you have an extra long shift, or have put in some real hard work, treat yourself with that new shirt you wanted, or even smaller treats.
  

Yeah, I know the net is full of all sorts of claims, scams, and unrealistic promises. But there are people who can eke out a worthwhile living online. Find the quality ones, and learn what can be done.