By Evan Vitale
Even with a full-time job (and sometimes with benefits), individuals and couples still have a tough time paying off old debt, keeping up with current expenses and making ends meet.
At some point, you might want to consider finding a part-time job to bring in some extra income.
While finding a part-time retail or restaurant job might be easy to find, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you flood the market with applications and resumes. Here are a few pointers:
- Check your current employee manual or have a discussion with your human resources manager to see if working a part-time job violates any company guidelines. In some cases, companies discourage “moonlighting” because it may interfere with your current position. It’s not that your current employer is worried about you working at the mall during the holiday rush, but sometimes when employees are working two jobs, they become tired and less productive.
- Be well aware of the hours that you will be asked to work with your part-time job. Mostly likely, you’ll be working nights and weekends so there will be little time left for yourself, your family, special events, parties, etc.
- If you are working evenings, make sure you have allowed enough travel time from your full-time job to your part-time job. Always allow for a little extra time in case your boss asks you to work a little extra time one evening or bad weather is causing a traffic headache on the highway.
- In many cases, your part-time job will require you to stand a lot. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, which might be different than your business dress shoes for the office.
- Juggling two jobs, family and other responsibilities will require you to be organized. You’ll need to use your “free” time to run errands, pay bills, go grocery shopping, etc. Plan accordingly.
- While it might be difficult, it’s important to eat well, take your vitamins and get a good night’s sleep. By working more hours, your body and immune system will be at risk.
Set your financial goals when considering a part-time job. Perhaps, you’ll work part-time until a certain bill is paid off or until you’ve saved enough money for a down payment on an automobile or you’ll looking for extra money for the holidays.
