Yes, 2nd Job or No, 2nd Job?

[PacificBlue]

I've been debating this question for over a month now in my head. I work full-time already. M-F...normal 40 week with occasional over-time. If I stay single for the long-haul owning something of my own is off in the far, far, far distant future and even then I think it will be difficult. What if the roof needs to be replaced? What if the applicances go out? What if my car dies and I need a new one? I also don't want to rely on marriage or another person. Marriages/Partnerships don't always last. I'll be 32 next month and I'm ready to start planning for life, single. I'm tired of 'waiting'.

I make it from month to month right now but it doesn't leave much room for anything extra. I'm still not over my lay-off last year and not sure I ever will be...Rebuilding my "Safety Net" is going sooooooooo slow. That's been my priority.

How do people afford such nice houses and adult toys (dvd players, nice cars, etc., etc.)??? I'm envious.

Does anybody else moonlight? Pro's? Con's?

 

[brisbon]

I know a lot of people that have a full 40 hr a week job and also do something on the side, myself included. It can be a difficult balancing act.

The main thing to keep in mind is to not allow your second job to interfere with your primary means of employment. In other words, even though difficult, choose carefully and weigh out the benefits and disadvantages of taking on additional work.

Best of luck with what you decide

 

[PacificBlue]

Thanks. That's actually my main concern. My current position takes a lot of energy most days and brain power. I don't want to screw it up as I really enjoy it. I'm worried that a second job would make me too tired. I'm also in the middle of a body project and I don't want to get of course. Am I dedicated enough to work two jobs and still make time to head to the gym 4-5 times a week? hmmmmm..... Free time? Social life?

I keep asking myself why it is so important to *own* something. Is it because I think everybody else does? or is it because I really, really want it just for me? It isn't like I can take it with me when I leave the earth.

I think it is difficult to break out of societal patterns and take a different route. You have to be ok with the questions. Why aren't you married? When are you going to buy a house/condo/townhouse/houseboat? Are you going to have children?

 

[lavender]

 

[PacificBlue]

Good points. Thank you Lavender.

 

[SimGuy]

What you described is EXACTLY where I'm currently at.
Just came off five months unemployment. Current single income would take 3+ years just to eliminate the debt, without ever building up a cushion or rising above a spartan lifestyle. I've enrolled in a debt reduction plan, "Evenings at Wal-Mart" If it interferes with my real job, it does away - no brainer.

The way most other people afford that 'nice' lifestyle is by the great new-american tradition called DEBT - or the Married-Two-Incomes lifestyle.

I just know that at the moment, this little hamster can still run a little faster before he goes, Thumpety, Thump, Thump when the hamster wheel goes faster than he does.

 

[PacificBlue]

That's what I read in all the personal finance books. I just have a good case of the *envies*

 

[lilminx]

PB, I actually have 2 part-time jobs, but my first job ends at 3 pm, so it's not that bad. I like having the money to buy things that I want, but if there are other things you need to focus on right now and you're at least making your bills, then hold off on the second job.

My focus right now is getting out of debt, so these jobs are helpful for me.

 

[Cheyenne]

The way most other people afford that 'nice' lifestyle is by the great new-american tradition called DEBT - or the Married-Two-Incomes lifestyle.

Or, working your ass off at a good job and earning enough to support yourself in a decent lifestyle without any debt at all.

 

[wink740]

Have both A second and third job. Both are part time and pay under the table. The only way to go if you can find them.

They provide me with my toy and play money. My main job covers everything else.

And yes I do still have time to play.

 

[The Squid King]

Sell your soul for money. That's what I did.

 

[JerseyBoy]

I've been debating this question for over a month now in my head. I work full-time already. M-F...normal 40 week with occasional over-time.

PB, it seems you have time to decide. At this time you don't 'need' DVD players and such, just would be cool to be able to buy that stuff when you want to...and avoid the Credit Card debtmonster.

Don't kill yourself with a second job...you have time...look to upgrade the first job. You seem quite dedicated and perhaps can look to focus on findiong something better. Go to monster.com and search jobs there...look in the paper.

Need more skills? take a course at the local CC.

Just remember to never burn any bridges behind you...

good luck

 

[Chuckus]

I've been debating this question for over a month now in my head. I work full-time already. M-F...normal 40 week with occasional over-time. If I stay single for the long-haul owning something of my own is off in the far, far, far distant future and even then I think it will be difficult. What if the roof needs to be replaced? What if the applicances go out? What if my car dies and I need a new one? I also don't want to rely on marriage or another person. Marriages/Partnerships don't always last. I'll be 32 next month and I'm ready to start planning for life, single. I'm tired of 'waiting'.

I make it from month to month right now but it doesn't leave much room for anything extra. I'm still not over my lay-off last year and not sure I ever will be...Rebuilding my "Safety Net" is going sooooooooo slow. That's been my priority.

How do people afford such nice houses and adult toys (dvd players, nice cars, etc., etc.)??? I'm envious.

Does anybody else moonlight? Pro's? Con's?

I have worked multiple jobs before, it is tiring but if you find the right position (2nd Job) that is something you like and enjoy it makes it that much easier. I do side jobs still for "fun money" as I pay my mortgage and all the bills with my paycheck (or did prior to my "lay off") and she pays for the food and other bullcrapola.

Any extra money I have from my pay, goes directly to the savings account and is saved for vacations and things WE need.

I also put the maximum into my Investments, both 401(k) and Roth IRA's and other retirement accounts I have. I put money away for future use, such as kids eek: ) and my nephew's tuition and books and horses and crap.

It is tough juggle and sometimes very trying but in the end is worth it.

Don't know if i helped you, but gave some of my methods!

 

[brokenbrainwave]

I have moonlighted and let me tell you it is not a easy thing. Between the sleep depravation, lack of down time, and simply time to do nothing at all I cannot say it is worth it. There are other ways. Debt consolidation is a possible option and if all else fails there are many credit counseling places out there that might be able to lower your bills. Anything is better than wearing your health out before your old enough to enjoy it.

 

[PacificBlue]

Oregon is just a very expensive place to live in relationship to salaries that are offered. I'm with a great company now and the opportunity for growth is there. I'm not eligible to start looking until October at the earliest and I'd like to take a few more community college courses to add to the B.S. degree that I already have before I do that. I'm looking to make a change in direction but I need a little upgrading.

I was just looking toward the future. It takes most of what I have on a month to month basis to make ends meet. No different than most of the other people in the country. I don't want credit card debt...that is a never ending battle of which I do not need to participate in.

Somedays my impatience for tomorrow interfers with just enjoying today.

 

[Shy Tall Guy]

How do people afford such nice houses and adult toys (dvd players, nice cars, etc., etc.)??? I'm envious.

Most cannot afford what they buy - they are hopelessly in debt and way in over their heads. There is a reason why I can afford to be unemployed for over a year; I live simply and frugally.

I worked two jobs once and a word of advice; it can be done if you are careful to limit your hours and allow yourself some time off - just do not overextend yourself and work too hard.

 

[Shy Tall Guy]

I think it is difficult to break out of societal patterns and take a different route. You have to be ok with the questions. Why aren't you married? When are you going to buy a house/condo/townhouse/houseboat? Are you going to have children?

With regards to the house ownership - all they have to do is look around at all the houses for sale right now in the NorthWet. They are for sale because people got laid off and can't afford the payments. Sometimes house ownership just does not make financial sense - especially for a single person of moderate means.

My parents used to encourage me to buy a house or something. They came from the generation when buying a house was the American dream and it was a lot easier, plus they had a family of five. I looked at the numbers and I would be paying more in interest than I would for rent - plus it made a lot more sense to be putting my money towards paying down debt than towards investing in a house. Right now I am really glad I did not listen to conventional wisdom with regards to buying a house. I would have lost the house and probably gone bankrupt.

 

[lorddragonwolf]

a second job.

blue a second job has its pro's and con's. i have had to take on two jobs at different points in my life, its getting to the point where i am going to try and get a second job again. try a budget first see how that works then try the second job. but please make sure you get plenty of sleep. try to get one day off from both jobs.