Working Multiple Jobs

 Working Multiple Jobs

John Akins

Whether you’re trying to save up your money, pay off a debt, or increase your income, a second job could be highly beneficial for you. It may be the right move, but it will require a lot of work with time management and communication with employers.

“From the second quarter of 1996 to the first quarter of 2018, the multiple jobholding rate has averaged 7.2% of all employed individuals.” (census.gov) With a multiple jobholder being defined as “anyone who holds two or more jobs in a quarter and at least one of these jobs is a long-lasting, stable job.” Rates of multiple jobholders tend to follow a cyclical pattern. During an economic expansion, the multiple jobholder rate rises, while during a recession, the rates decline.

As you can see below, the number of workers in the United States with more than one job has been increasing with a few dips around 2001-2004 and 2008-2010

Additionally, the graph below shows the percentiles of total earnings for multiple jobholders with a stable job.

For those at or below the 18th percentile, a second job or jobs provided an average of more than 30% of their total earnings, and for everyone above that, multiple jobs provided over 25% of their total earnings. So whether you’re a high earner or a low earner, being a multiple jobholder could provide over a fourth of your total earnings.

Although money is the driving force behind getting a second job, there’s other considerations to be made. Another job can help with the development of skills in an area completely different from the first. It can also be used to test whether a career change might be the best course of action. This will also provide security just in case a fallback is needed after the first job doesn’t work out.

There is definitely something to be said about working a second job even with a full time job. An increase in pay can alleviate financial stress and overall income if it’s done right. Not everyone is willing to do it, but if you’ve ever thought about it and have the ability to do so, why not? The most important thing is to find a balance. If the idea of a second job does not sound appealing then choosing not to is completely fine. Just remember to do what’s best for you.

Works Cited

Buhl, Larry. “Moonlighting: Pros and Cons of a Second Job.” Monster Career Advice, www.monster.com/career-advice/article/moonlighting-pros-and-cons-of-a-second-job-hot-jobs.

Bureau, U.S. Census. “Using Administrative Data, Census Bureau Can Now Track the Rise in Multiple Jobholders.” Census.gov, 8 Oct. 2021, www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/02/new-way-to-measure-how-many-americans-work-more-than-one-job.html.

“Is a Second Job While Working Full Time a Good Idea?” IMDiversity, imdiversity.com/diversity-news/is-a-second-job-while-working-full-time-a-good-idea/.