Today's hybrid working system has made it possible for people to work more than one job at a time. With the pandemic proving that a lot of things are possible in the work front, employees are looking for opportunities to create phenomenol difference in their career path.
So, do you think it is possible to answer two different corporate emails on two different computers with two different managers? Well, people working two remote jobs full-time do that.
But why do people work two full-time remote jobs?
Firstly, working from home provides extra income and a sense of security, as well as saving them hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. And secondly, when employees feel undervalued and unacknowledged, they prefer to work a double full-time job to make extra money.
But, working two remote jobs at a time can bring a new stream of challenges for you. It’s recommended to be prepared for them in order to counter.
In most cases, there is no law against moonlighting in the US, but it might be restricted by your employer's policy.
A public employee may be subject to federal laws and agency regulations depending on their position and classification.
Even if federal laws don't explicitly forbid moonlighting, they prohibit acquiring second jobs that might be unethical because they cause a conflict of interest, whether the source of income or type of work is job-related.
If you have a job contract or company handbook, look for information on whether the company prohibits moonlighting. Ask, if you're unsure.
If your employer doesn’t have any clause related to moonlighting, you can consider it. However, only opt for the second job when you have enough bandwidth to manage both.
Finding a suitable second job can be challenging. You must find the right match for your skills, but you must also ensure that both jobs demand mental and physical toughness.
If one job requires a physical component, such as working in an office or on a job site a few times a week, does that give you enough time to finish the tasks for the second position?
It would also be unethical if you worked for one of a company's competitors and developed similar products or information if you created proprietary software or information.
For instance, platforms like notchup.comi are a great place for developers to get in touch with several tech companies for a part-time or freelance second job.
Lastly, before accepting a second position, make sure you are well informed about both roles, including the company culture, major competitors, and any ethical standards your industry adheres to.
It is possible to work two jobs, but it’s not for everyone. Let’s find out how:
Working two remote jobs means handling different work routines. Of course, you should apply for positions with flexible working hours or a monthly schedule that you may blend.
For instance, if you must start at 8 am for both jobs and stay until 5 pm, then you cannot really construct a healthy routine—unless you don’t produce a doppelganger.
Hence, make sure you know what you have going on prior to accepting another job. You may select the time that works best for you if the second job does not require synchronized work. Save the day when you find a job that requires weekly meetings to let them know when you are available.
It's important to establish a schedule that allocates adequate time to each project. You must leave some cushion between jobs when one is busier than the other as a result of allowing sufficient time for both.
Also, make sure to look after your physical and mental wellness as well. Finding time to rest and recharge is also critical. You may be able to keep up a frenzied tempo for a couple of months or longer, but you are more likely to wear out faster.
Before you begin, you should make sure you have access to the correct tech stack. Determine which tools you'll need to use on your two remote jobs and try the company's platforms.
Also, don't waste time with a tight schedule with low-quality Wi-Fi or low-quality devices; they'll negatively impact your performance. Avoid cheap tools in the long run; otherwise, your performance and motivation will suffer.
Having two full-time jobs, you most likely spend a lot of time at the computer. Make sure you use your time effectively to finish assignments and tasks for each employer so that you stay out of a perpetual state of catch-up, stealing time from one job to finish work for another.
Make a habit of taking a quick break between work assignments to do daily chores like laundry or light cleaning to help you manage your day.
Keep separate to-do lists for each function, and be conscious of what you do for each. Don't confuse communications or tasks for different businesses, particularly if they use the same messaging platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack groups.
Optimizing time management is the key to working two remote jobs. It's not about time optimization; it's about planning your tasks around other obligations. Hence, don't plan to work overtime or take on more tasks at the same time.
It is challenging to perform multiple activities at once, and we don’t recommend it to you. For instance, as a programmer, you’ll find it difficult to switch between two platforms of a similar kind, like Microsoft Power Apps and UiPath.
The first thing you sacrifice when you take on two remote jobs is time with your loved ones. To many, it sounds like a great idea at first. The assumption that deadlines will be met and you will get everything done eventually will never happen.
In fact, vacation time and socialization help awaken your spirit and provide you with more motivation when you return to work.
In the same manner, you must care for yourself, just as you should care for your children. Make sure to attend a concert or take part in some outdoor activity during this time. Do not skip your exercise or art classes.
When you have a second job, you cannot spare time in your free time. You may get up earlier or go to bed later to work, but save time off your schedule for yourself.
It's crucial to know why you're working two jobs and have an escape route for either one or both of them. If you're working to repay debt or build up your savings, keep that in mind to help you stay focused. Even if you don't have a family or other obligations, working two full-time positions is difficult, and it's critical to remember that it has a broader impact on your life.
It's also wise to have an exit strategy and deadline for one or both positions. You may keep the extra job for years if it suits your needs, or you may only work there for a few months as you transition from one place to another. Remember that working isn't the purpose of life.
Working two remote jobs can be stressful after a few months. When you began searching for a second job, you hoped to improve your financial stability.
However, you end up spending extra money on babysitting or activities for your kids. You start ordering deliveries more frequently because you have less time in the kitchen. Finally, you become a compulsive online buyer or start eating pizza daily to deal with your stress.
Despite the obstacles, having two remote jobs can be very advantageous for professionals with part-time or contract-based engagement. Once you discover feasible second jobs and plan your time and expenses, the benefits of operating multiple remote jobs are more significant than the drawbacks.
Following are the most crucial benefits of working two remote jobs:
Having two full-time positions is not for everybody, but you can still devise methods to keep both of them moving forward and still have time and space to recharge.
Remember that working all day and night is not a long-term solution, and it is critical to keep what you're working for in front of you to keep your momentum when things are difficult.
