When you're not getting all you need from your first job, is it a good idea to snag a second gig? Atlanta career advisers say to think it over carefully before trying for another source of income. Here are five questions to consider before deciding.
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1. Will the money be worth it?
There are a lot of positions that pay as much as $15 an hour to part-time workers, so the income may really pay off, said Richard J. St. John of St. John & Associates. "But you should still consider the hidden costs of working two jobs," he warned. "Some of those include a second wardrobe or uniform, more meals out, more gas for the car and more childcare."
2. Would my time be better spent expanding my current job expertise?
"If you need the money, that's understandable, but how long are you going to work the second job?" asked certified career coach Hallie Crawford. "Could you make more money at your current job long term instead by taking additional career classes for example?"
If you are taking the second job to transition to a new field, Crawford recommended also asking yourself, "Will that new field harm my ability to work at my current job, and is the financial trade-off worth it?"
3. Will I strengthen my job-seeking network?
Having two jobs that involve two sets of contacts and networking opportunities can be beneficial if you're in a part-time job but seeking a full-time position, noted St. John.
4. Can I handle two commutes?
According to St. John, the stress and time of even one job commute in the metro Atlanta area can be substantial. Adding commutes to two different job locations can severely reduce the benefits of taking on a second job.
5. Will I still have time to look for a full-time job that suits me better?
When you desire a full-time position but take on a second part-time job, you may not meet your career goals, said St. John. "With two jobs, you can get so busy you don't have time to look for the work that you really want," he said.
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