When it comes to making ends meet, sometimes the only solution is to bring in more money. You can always ask for a raise or look for a higher-paying gig, but if you turn up empty-handed, the next step might be taking on a second job. And knowing how to work two full-time jobs is a bit of an art form.

By December 2024, multiple job holders accounted for 5.3% of the civilian workforce, and the trend seems to be increasing. The dual responsibilities of double employment can be a boon to your bottom line, but they can also be a drain on your mental and physical well-being. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of boundaries and balance in order to thrive. Here’s how you can do just that.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

If you’re going to work two full-time jobs, it’s critical you set boundaries for each. Not only do you need to preserve some degree of work-life balance, but you also need to make sure you can successfully give your full attention and best effort to each role.

Make sure each employer knows your availability and capacity. From there, you need to make a dedicated effort to prioritize tasks, map out your day, and know when it’s time to take a break or log off. Will you take client calls after hours? What about checking your email on the weekends? Make a firm decision to preserve whatever boundaries you set. Remember that you need to save some time for yourself, or you’re going to burn out quickly.

2. Be Strict With Your Schedule

The next thing you should do when juggling two jobs is get a planner and build out your schedule on a weekly basis. This will help you enforce those boundaries you set earlier. You’ll also be much better equipped to stay on top of hectic appointments, meetings, deadlines, and other workplace stressors. Remember, now you’ve got double the responsibilities, and that can be hard to manage. This can help prevent you from double-booking yourself on accident.

Your schedule should also allocate time for things outside of work. Pencil in slots for lunch breaks, going to the gym, making doctor appointments, and downtime. Make it a habit to review your schedule every so often and make adjustments where necessary.

3. Prioritize Organization

If you can’t stay organized, you’ll struggle to hold down two jobs. It’s a critical skill that will help you be successful in both your personal and professional commitments. Not only should you use a day planner—whether digital or physical—but you also need a system for managing emails, paperwork, and tasks that relate to each of your jobs. This way, it’ll be easier for you to give each job the attention it requires.

If you have a desk, you also need to keep a tidy workstation. It doesn’t matter if you work from home or in the office; clutter is an absolute productivity killer. Studies have shown a messy workspace leads to procrastination and stress, which makes you more likely to miss important details and make mistakes. So, keep it clean.

4. Beware of Burnout

Most people aren’t strangers to burnout. In fact, Gallup found that 76% of all workers experience it at least sometimes. Juggling two jobs can be a fast track to burnout if you aren’t careful. And when burnout strikes, it can strike hard—leaving you struggling to do any job at all, let alone two.

Make work-life balance one of your priorities, and work your downtime into your weekly schedule. It’s important that you still have the capacity to do things you enjoy; being social, exploring hobbies, traveling, etc. If your work schedule consumes your every waking hour, it’s a sign that your second job is unsustainable. Intervene before it starts affecting your physical and mental health.

5. Make Time for Self Care

During that downtime, make sure you’re doing some self-care. Self-care can look like different things to different people. It could include things like meditating, exercising, or even just relaxing—if it benefits your physical or mental health in some capacity, then it’s self-care.

When you prioritize your well-being, it pays dividends at work. You’re able to show up refreshed and with a clear head, which leads to better concentration, higher energy levels, and a more positive overall attitude. That can yield more satisfaction in both job roles.

6. Try to Eat Clean

It might not be top of mind, but when you’re juggling two jobs, it’s important to eat a balanced diet. This goes hand in hand with self-care. Eating well sustains your energy levels, helping fuel you through those long days. And don’t forget water; staying hydrated is important, too.

It’s easy to grab something fast and easy when you’re working long hours, but convenience in the form of processed foods can come at the cost of your health (not to mention your wallet). Try to plan out meals if you can, keep some healthy snacks on hand, and make sure you’re getting a well-rounded balance of nutrients (protein, fiber, healthy fats, etc.).

7. Get Enough Sleep

It’s tempting to burn the midnight oil when you’re working two full-time jobs. While the occasional late night may be unavoidable, making this a pattern sets you on a course for failure. Getting enough sleep is necessary for keeping your mind (and body) fully functional.

According to the Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep can erode your ability to focus, decrease your reaction time, and increase the likelihood of making mistakes. You’re already stretched thin working two jobs, so it’s vital you stay sharp enough to do both well. Shoot for at least seven hours of sleep each night to prevent the kind of harmful exhaustion that can sabotage your hard work.

8. Have a Clear Goal

When you’re working two jobs, it’s important to keep your eye on the prize. What is the goal of your over-employment? It could be financially motivated: Maybe you want to pay down debt, build up your savings, or afford to buy a house. Maybe you’re looking to escape financial stress or reach financial freedom. These goals can also be career-oriented. Transitioning to a new field, learning a new skill, or building a professional network are all valid reasons to take on additional work.

Whatever the case, having these goals in mind can help keep you focused, productive, and motivated. Check in with your progress regularly and give yourself an honest audit. Are you achieving what you set out to do? Are you tackling it in the most effective way? If not, it’s time to regroup and adjust as necessary.

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