Working a Full-Time and Part-Time Job

Working two jobs to earn extra money or explore a different field doesn't have to be exhausting. Plenty of people have figured out the secret to working a part-time job and a full-time job.

Here are seven tips for landing a part-time job when you’re already employed full time.

1. Make Sure Your Employer Won’t Object

Before you start looking for a part-time job, check your employee handbook or contract. Some businesses stipulate that you can't work for competitors or any other clients or organizations in the same industry while employed there. Other organizations prohibit employees from having any second job. Make sure you know the rules where you work by reading your contract or your employee handbook for any information about second jobs, conflicts of interest, and competitors.

2. Keep Them Separated

If second jobs aren’t prohibited, you still want to keep your current job and potential second job separate. This means that you shouldn't use resources from your first job, like a laptop, copier, or office supplies, for your second job. If you need to take a call for one job during the hours allotted to the other, use your lunch hour or afternoon coffee break to do it. It could also be considered bad form to search for and apply to a second job while you're on the clock at your first job. Keep calls and interviews limited to times when you aren't working, including personal days and other paid time off.

3. Consider Freelancing

Looking for second job ideas for full-time workers? Look at what you already do for a living and try to leverage those skills. Try freelancing as your entry point to a more long-term side hustle or even a new full-time job. One way to build your freelance clientele is to look at the demands in your local community and see how you can use your skills to bridge that gap. Or, you can browse freelance job postings to find openings that pique your interest.

4. Watch Your Time

Working more than one job can be a drag on your time. Be sure to consider travel time and your at-home schedule when looking to add on another job. If you're going to juggle two jobs, you'll need to be a pro at time management, prioritization, and organization. Create and stick to a strictly defined schedule so that your side hustle doesn't interfere with your 9-to-5.

5. Be Flexible

Picking up a second job will likely mean that you may have to work nights, weekends, and other odd hours. Timing is everything. Consider looking for a second job in the service industry, where restaurants and bars open after you've left your day job. Or find a job you can do over the weekend, like real estate, freelancing, or tutoring.

6. Have a Goal

Knowing why you’re taking another job will help put you on the path to get the right one. If you're taking on a side gig because you need extra cash, set a clear plan for your second job and possibly a budget. Are you looking to make a certain amount of money to meet a financial target? Or maybe you're hoping to transition to another industry or role full time. Whatever your reasons are, working towards a clear goal is helpful.

7. Consider Work-From-Home

Many part-time jobs can be done from home. A big benefit of work-from-home jobs is that you don't need to factor in a commute time. And you can usually work whatever hours are most convenient for you. If you're considering applying to a remote job, make sure you know exactly what is expected of you and how you will be paid.

Get Help With Your Side-Gig Job Search

Whether you want to earn extra money or grow your skill set, taking on a second job requires dedication. Could you use some help finding a second job while you're working your current one? Join Monster today. As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume—each tailored to the types of jobs that interest you. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. Additionally, you can get job alerts sent to your inbox so you can be among the first to apply. You're busy enough as it is; let Monster give you a hand so you can land a second job that perfectly fits your lifestyle.