There is a moment for most of us when we realize that we’re not making enough money.
It might be a temporary thing, caused by a sudden unexpected expense that has rinsed our checking account. Or it might be a chronic issue, which is caused by not quite managing to learn to live within your means.
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Either way, you need more money and that means you’re left figuring out how to get it. How are you going to go about that?
The immediate answer that most people come up with is that they will get themselves a second job. Is that necessarily the right move?
A Second Job Will Provide More Money, Won’t It?
Of course – that’s the entire point of having it! It will definitely increase the amount that goes into your account every month, but you have to factor in the cost to do the job.
Very few jobs don’t have some cost to the employee. Not in the sense that you pay your own wages, but the costs that you incurred to do them.
It might just be the cost of your transport, or the meal you buy on your way back from work because it’s late. Or you might have to buy a uniform, or at least clothes that match a company policy.
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If you have kids, then you might need childcare to allow you to do the second job.
It’s vital to factor all of these costs in and then make sure your new wage is going to be worth the investment.
You need to be making a good profit after these costs have been deducted before you go signing up.
Are There Any Risks With Second Jobs?
The biggest risk is that you are pushing yourself too hard and too fast. The end result is that you’re not performing well in either job.
For example, if you work a normal day shift and then go and do a few hours in your second job at night, you’re going to be exhausted. This could lead to making mistakes, putting both sets of employment in jeopardy.
What Are The Job Alternatives?
There are ways and means of making money just with an internet connection and a laptop.
You could try sites like Pinecone Research and others in a similar vein, which can allow you to build up points that you then redeem for money or vouchers.
They can be a useful addition to your budget – you’re not going to make your fortune, but it should give you a touch more wiggle room.
You could always consider roles you do from home, so you don’t have the hassle of travel and adjusting to a new workplace.
There’s a great market for virtual assistants or data entry clerks if you have the relevant experience. Often these will be on a freelance basis, so they’re not as structured as formal ‘jobs’.
Anything Else You Need To Know?
With all of the above, make sure you are very careful about declaring any extra income on your taxes. It’s almost certain it won’t make a difference, but be up front and honest about it anyway.