Feb 3, 2009 11:00 pm US/Eastern
More Workers Pick Up Second Job To Make Ends Meet
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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By day, Alex Metricarti works full-time as a college administrator. At night, she's a busy mom trying to keep her family on track and a real estate agent.
WBZ
Whether it's an unemployed spouse, less over-time, or reduced commissions, many families are struggling to make ends meet. As a result, more people are now working a second job.
By day, Alex Metricarti works full-time as a college administrator. At night, she's a busy mom trying to keep her family on track.
But that's not all.
In her "spare" time, Metricarti is also a real estate agent, trying to pick up a little extra money in this tough economy.
"It's important to our finances. If we weren't doing that, we would definitely be struggling," she said.
According to the latest federal statistics, about 5 percent of the Massachusetts workforce is moonlighting. Career experts say this is a decision that has to be thought over carefully.
Brendan King, a career counselor from Waltham, says, "If you can find the time in your life to do it, something part-time, then great."
Career consultants say the first thing to do if you need a second job is to look beyond the money, and develop a long-term view. Think about your overall career; could this second job be a fallback if your primary position gets eliminated?
Try to find something that lets you develop a new set of skills, which could help make you more marketable down the line.
But King has this warning: "Don't let it interfere with your primary job. Period."
With so many layoffs taking place, employers want workers who shine on the job, not those who appear distracted. Career counselor Valerie Ashley says your boss could "be worried about whether you are going to be too exhausted if you have another job."
King said, "There are ways that can be picked up by an employer. By production, by water fountain gossip."
Also, make sure there's no conflict of interest with your full-time job, and that you truly have the time to juggle multiple roles.
"I do have a busy schedule," Metricarti said. "I am not sure how it all fits together some days."
Just listen to one of her typical days.
"I will be there until 5 or 5:30 (p.m.), come home, do homework for a little while with the kids, make dinner. They go to bed at 8:30, so I try to spend as much time in the evening with them if I am not showing a house."
It's a brutal pace, and a sign of the times. Alex added, "It's kind of a shame. I didn't think at this point in my life I would have to be working two jobs."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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