by T. M. Meacham

Created on: February 03, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

Working two part time jobs has its pros and cons. For some, there is no other choice due to lack of available work or living in an economically depressed area as I do (I live in Michigan). With a college degree and management experience, I scrape by at $8.50 per hour with two part time jobsand I'm doing much better than most in my area.

Coping with two part time jobs is not easy. It requires a lot of patience and extra effort at home on the part of my husband, who has one job at thirty to forty hours per week. I could never imagine doing this with children.

If possible, try finding two part time jobs that are somewhat different. I work at a coffee shop and at a bank. At a bank, I must dress more professionally and I work on the computer and with money throughout the day. At the coffee shop, I clean and work more with drinks and physical items, so my tasks seem less tedious. Switching from one job to the next in one day can be refreshing. The major downside for me involves standingboth jobs require me to be on my feet, and at the bank I cannot wear sneaker type shoes which provide more support.

I am fortunate that I live in the same town as both part time jobs. However, a commute could make getting from one job to another a nightmare. Both of my employers are understanding and realize that there will be conflicts from time to time.

The pros:
If you have to work two jobs in one day, the change of pace will be refreshing
Your income will be steady
Your income will be doubled
You will probably lose weight
Free time and time with family feels more valuable
There is little time to get depressed over financial or social issues
You will make more friends and business contacts

The cons:
If you have two service jobs, you'll be on your feet all day sometimes, and it is exhausting
Even when you give availability, schedule conflicts can occur
Your schedule will most likely vary. Some weeks I work 40 hours between both jobs, other weeks 60.
You will rarely get a day off from both jobs
Sleep is hard to squeeze in
It's harder to call out sick from two jobs than one!
It's harder to get stuff done around the house
Part time jobs with health insurance are hard to find

Weighing out your own personal pros and cons, decide if working two jobs is right for you! My second job, along with some freelance writing, has put me on the road to financial independence.

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