Is taking a second job worth it in the long run?

by Startacus Admin
Taking on a new part-time job for a few hours a week can be a great way of supplementing your income, learning new skills, or simply getting away from your first job. But there are prices to pay and learning the arts of moonlighting can sometimes be painful – here are some of the considerations that you might wish to analyse before branching out to fill up your days away from your main job.
Pros
Another career?
While a second job might initially seem like an escape or just another way of making money, sometimes you might actually really grow to enjoy it more than ‘job one’. The grinding slog of 9-5 in an office might be a direct contrast to working part-time in a restaurant, leisure centre or theatre, or as a librarian, dog walker or tutor, and you might just find that your second role gives you more satisfaction than job number one. Also, of course, it gives you a back-up plan should job number one fail through redundancy or even – gulp – dismissal.
Extra money
The level of extra cash will depend on hours, the type of work and pay, but a little more in your pocket per month never hurts. Even if the additional money only pays off bills, or gives you enough for one or two nights out a month, then it could be construed as worthwhile. However, if the additional money does not counterbalance the negatives of working in a second job, then it might be worth giving it up.
New skills
A second role could provide you with additional training and abilities, that might boost your skillset. They could be practical and/or life skills, or perhaps physical skills, that you might take into everyday life or your future career.
Meeting other people
Maybe you’re working in two similar jobs and meeting similar people – or maybe the people in your second job are completely different. A classic example might be the office job and the gym instructor – two wildly divergent premises, that probably comprise a very different type of co-worker and client.
Cons
Tax
With one, PAYE job, your tax is calculated and paid for you – you don’t need to worry about it because it’s gone before you ever receive it. Maybe your second job is the same. However, with multiple freelance roles and self-employed services, you will be responsible for filing your own returns. If in doubt, seek professional advice.
Boss number one
This writer was explicitly told, when he started as a journalist, that he would have to give up his part time job at Woolworths. There was no clash in hours and I argued my case – and in actual fact I put it off for six months before finally leaving. I had friends there and the extra couple of hundred pounds a month was useful.
Some bosses are happy for you to take on another job, but some contracts will not allow you to do so. And if your second job location could be construed as a competitor, you could be in danger of receiving a warning – or worse.
Tiredness/stress
Is it really possible to perform two jobs, for a combined 12 hours a day (or more), to the best of one’s ability? Is it healthy to get home from one tough job and then just head immediately for another? Does it affect sleep and relationships? There’s little doubt that overwork can kill, across one job or two, so care needs to be taken.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The lowdown on Manchester-based startup Sticky and its innovative no-code solution to help businesses turn any physical space into an engagement opportunity.

Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The group payments solution that's better for businesses and customers alike, thanks to innovative fintech startup Hands In.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
Published on: 8th February 2017
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.