by Rachel Wood

Created on: April 21, 2009

Sometimes people will have two jobs because it's a necessity. Other times it maybe because a person would rather have two part time jobs at two different companies rather than committing to one. Just like everything else in life if you are considering taking on a second job whether it's because you want to or you have to there are pros and cons to consider.

PROS

Working two jobs will bring in more money especially if you have a full and a part time job. This is the main reason why most people do it.

You will have two different sets of colleagues which is an opportunity to make plenty of new friends and also expand your network in case you are job seeking in the future.

If you are made redundant or are so miserable in the one job that you leave it then you have another to fall back on. You might not be making as much money but you will still have an income.

Your responsibilities will probably not be the same at both work places. It's a chance to build on your experience and learn new skills in one job that you might not have the chance to learn in the other. You will also have more opportunities to attend workshops and training courses.

It might be because you are thinking of changing career completely and want to see what the field is like before you commit to it. Or you maybe thinking of setting up your own business and aren't able to quit your main job until you have it up and running.

CONS

Working two jobs is more likely to leave you feeling exhausted and can quickly lead to a burn out.

You will have less free time which will mean less time to spend with your family and loved ones. You may also end up having to work overtime at two separate places.

It's harder to book time off. If there is a particular week you want for a holiday then you maybe able to book if off at one workplace but not the other.

Just having one job can be stressful enough but working two could potentially double the amount of stress you are under. It will also cut down on the spare time that you have which could be used to relax.

Some companies do not approve of their employees taking on a secondary job especially if is similar to what they are already doing.

If your two jobs are in opposite places to each other, it is going to give you two commutes which means more money spent on fuel and more time possibly stuck in traffic.

If you decide that you want to take on a second job, just be aware that while it will bring in more money there may also be downsides to it. Unless you are in a desperate financial situation, it's a decision best not rushed into.

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