The Art of Job Juggling
Today’s economy has led many to practice the art of job-juggling, or holding down several part time jobs at once, in order to make ends meet. There’s no doubt that you have to pay your bills and sometimes, this will mean having to take the jobs you can get. However, this type of job-juggling can distract you from your main goal – finding your dream job.
Here are a few tips to keep you on the right track as you work towards your future.
1. Don’t lose focus on your job search. You’ve got a temp or part time job right now and your needs are being met. Don’t fall into the trap of complacency. Make time every day to search for the job you really want. Even just 15 minutes a day spent submitting your resume online, or looking up leads can pay off.
2. Put the right spin on your situation. Choose part time jobs that are somehow related to your field so that you can build your resume while you wait for the perfect job to come around. Put a positive spin on this situation – you are building up your portfolio and broadening your horizons, not jumping from job to job.
3. Keep track of your finances. If you’re working multiple part-time jobs, or you’ve had several employers, you’ll need to keep track of all of your pay stubs. Even though most employers send out a W-2, some may not and you don’t want to get in trouble with the IRS. Maintain excellent records to avoid getting into a bad situation.
4. Avoid the freelance trap. If you’re freelancing, welcome to the world of getting stiffed on your pay. Set up clear agreements with the company or person you are subcontracting with and follow up on payments owed to you.
The right job will come around, you just need patience and perseverance. Put this time to good use and you’ll be building your foundation for your dream job.