When you’re juggling more than one job

KATHMANDU, Dec 1: When people opt to work in more than one job, the reasons could be varied like the need to make more money or to find something more challenging or build your career. Like in everything else, there are pros and cons to managing different jobs.

If you know someone who is juggling two or more jobs, sit down with them to understand what's in store for you should you want to do something similar. Otherwise, here are some noteworthy points to consider before taking on an extra job.

Choose a job that you will enjoy

Make smart decisions when you start looking for another job. A top priority should be a job that you will enjoy and benefit from. Instead of settling for something that is simply a way to get some extra income, look jobs that will have long term benefits for you in your career. The new job should also be challenging so you're not bored at work. Another thing to consider is to ensure that your other office(s) aren't in different parts of town because you don't want to feel like all your time is spent commuting.

The importance of managing time

It's impossible to do things well without learning how to manage time properly. Having more than one job requires discipline and sacrifice on your part. You will have to know your schedule and keep to it so you don't miss anything important. Use reminders, to do lists, keep notes, and mark the calendar. Your days of procrastinating or being plain lazy are over. Prioritize your work at hand and give it your complete attention. No dillydallying now that your time is precious.

Sometimes, you need to prioritize

Because at times something more urgent will crop up at one of your jobs and you will have to keep everything aside to focus on this task. This might not be an easy decision to make especially if you have deadlines everywhere. Instead of spreading yourself thin working on everything at once, take a breath and choose a job to tackle first.

Learn how to balance your free time between jobs

Taking small breaks will also reduce your stress. Try to keep a good gap between your jobs so that you're able to catch your breath before sitting down. When you're in between your jobs, take the time to relax and de-clutter your mind. Maybe you can go back home for lunch and talk to your family, or you can drink tea in the sunshine, or take the time to catch up on social media. Your jobs shouldn't require you to jump immediately from one job to another.

Deal with stress in the best way you know

You have enough pressure to deal with from one job let alone the added stress that comes in from other jobs. Make sure you have a mantra in place that helps you refresh when you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, listening to certain kinds of music also helps people relax. Perhaps, a brisk walk will help clear your noisy head. Find out whatever it is that will transform you from a nervous person to a calm one, and keep that ready in your bag of tricks.

Take your holiday seriously

For many job holders, it's the sight of the coming weekend that gives them the energy to continue through the day. As you work hard all week, you deserve your weekly off to be restful. Make your holiday all about you. Do whatever you love best—sleep in late, go for walks, watch movies, read, or cook. Don't let your day be swamped by household chores alone. Keep in mind that your weekend is what revamps you for the week ahead. You work hard and deserve to relax in any manner you choose.

Treat yourself now and then

One of the perks of having an extra income is being able to pamper yourself. While many people work extra jobs because they need the money, it's not smart to just save or spend on essentials alone. Pamper yourself once in a while to benefit from the hard work that you put in. Splurge on something you've wanted for a long time. Go on a short trip with friends. Remember there's no point in working so hard if you don't get to reward yourself at times.

Don't forget your relationships

Juggling more than one job will definitely keep you occupied all week. As you're so busy with your different responsibilities at work, it's natural that your mind is engaged with work related topics. You will also be exhausted at the end of each work day. That's why it's easy to let your relationships slide to the back of your mind. You're too tired to bother meeting up with friends or spending time with your loved ones. So they might feel ignored because you are so busy and don't have time to hang out anymore. Keep in touch throughout the week by sending text messages, or making time to have lunch once a week. Focus on them completely when you're together.