5 Tips for Balancing Multiple Part-Time Jobs

If you work more than one job or are considering working multiple jobs, you’re not alone. According to the US Census Bureau, 8% of US adults – or roughly 13 million people – have more than one job. Whether you’re saving up, gaining experience, or trying to make a living, having multiple part-time jobs can help you achieve your goals, but it can also be difficult to manage and juggle all of your responsibilities.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take when working multiple part-time jobs to stay organized. By keeping the following five tips in mind, you can be well on your way to learning how to balance multiple jobs.

1. Plan and Organize Your Week

One of the first steps in balancing multiple part-time jobs is to properly plan out your week or month. By setting up your schedule, you’ll easily see what you have to do any given week. In doing this, you’ll know when you work at each job, as well as when you’ll be able to do housework, run errands, or hang out with family or friends.

Whether you use the calendar app on your phone or purchase a planner, you should take time each week to enter your work shifts and any scheduled plans. That way, you’ll not only be able to keep your sanity, but you’ll also be prepared to handle any unexpected events that come up.

2. Manage Expectations From Multiple Bosses

It’s no secret that every job is different, which means you’ll have to balance different job and management expectations. Your boss at each job understandably wants your full commitment when you’re on the clock, but what do you do when your jobs start to conflict with each other? How can you manage the expectations of your multiple bosses?

Often, it works out best to let your boss know you’re working multiple jobs. That way, they know you can’t stay late on a day when you’re going to your other job. They’ll also know you’re managing multiple demands and are under stress. Being upfront and honest with your supervisor will go a long way in helping you effectively manage your part-time job responsibilities.

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3. Take Time off

Have you heard of the term “burnout?” It’s a serious syndrome that you can suffer from if you don’t properly manage stress. Having multiple jobs can unsurprisingly be a big stressor in your life, and if you don’t proactively manage that stress, it can lead to adverse long-term physical and mental health effects. To protect yourself, you must prioritize taking time off.

If you’re able to, try setting aside one day per week that you won’t work at all. If this isn’t feasible, ensure you take time off – even if it’s just one day – each month to give yourself time to relax, regroup, and prioritize yourself.

If you’re unable to take a day off, set aside a few hours per week where you don’t think about work or go to work. Giving yourself time to decompress and re-center will help you improve your physical and mental health, mood, and overall day-to-day performance. Many people find that taking time off allows them to come back to work refreshed and with a brighter outlook.

4. Learn How to Maximize Your Time

Between commuting to your multiple part-time jobs and running your daily errands, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. That’s where the importance of maximizing your time comes in. Think about the errands you have to run in relation to your commute to work. Is there a grocery store on the way to or home from work? Is there a dry cleaner close to one of your jobs? Planning and seeking out stores that are along your route can help you make the most of your commute.

5. Stay Positive and Motivated

No matter your situation, by keeping these tips in mind, you can set yourself up for success in balancing multiple part-time jobs. When the going gets tough, think back to your goals and the reasons why you’re working multiple part-time jobs. Refocusing on your values can be the motivation you need on days or weeks when you feel stretched thin.

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