pic from calangel58.blogspot.com

Today, it is not unusual to see people having second jobs. There are a lot of gigs you can just work on when you are at home (especially if you have internet connection). Add to that: increasing consumerism convincing us that there are just too much stuff that we need. So we work two, three or four jobs to “afford” our lifestyles.

This is why we have plenty of salons and spas around; because we always have the tendency to overburden ourselves with work. Sometimes, this overburdening is a good thing. Some people say that their passion is enough to follow through. Some, on the other hand, just view it as an extra source of stress. So, if you’re one of those people, ask yourself: is my second job worth it?

For most people, second jobs mean longer working hours, more stress and less time to socialize. All of these, in exchange of money. Again, is it really worth it? Now, I don’t mean to sound like a kontrabida looking down at someone who works hard for extra cash. So here’s some good news: there is also a great determinant that’s not money. It’s passion.

If your second job is a way for you to practice your passion– a usage of talent and an exploration of an interest– then you’re most likely in the right path. In fact, most niche businesses started out as side-businesses or side-jobs while the business owners were previously taking on 8-to-5 jobs. Although this might increase your working hours up to 60 a week, you might not even notice it because you love what you do and you find fulfillment in it. Many even say their side-jobs make their mainstream jobs more bearable! Also, on many counts, even the side jobs turn into really successful business ventures, that owners may eventually resign from their current 8-to-5s, and put in less working hours in general (for more money).

At the end of the day, having a second job does  not only mean extra work load. It is also a way for you to explore your passions and maybe, just maybe, may even turn into an even better earning opportunity than your full time job!

–

After doing boring 8-5s for several months, I took on freelance projects and eventually moved to homebased writing. Since then, I had more flexibility and I also began nurturing other passions. Today, I take on several side jobs but I love all of them! I write, organize events, manage PR for companies, emcee and have my own online flower shop. I’m just done doing stuff I don’t love so this way, I become better at what I love do, I get to retain happy clients (that pay well) and most of all, I don’t overwork myself. Everything was worth it. <3