Surviving a Second Job: 10 Moonlighting Tips | Money Under 30 (2024)

According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, about 8 million Americans work second jobs to make ends meet or pay debt and save money faster. Are you included? If so, beware, because moonlighting takes its toll. It’s mentally and physically exhausting and leads to stress at home and at work. But speaking from four years of experience working two jobs, here are some tips for surviving a second job.

What’s Ahead:

1. Do Something Different, or Even Fun

If you’re at a desk all day, avoid computers at night.

You might find that standing at a cash register or the bustle of waiting tables is a refreshing change from your cube. If you can relate your second job to an interest, all the better. Love animals? Try walking dogs. Like music? Usher at concerts.

2. Watch The Stress

Most jobs carry some degree of stress, but if your primary job has you popping antacid tablets like they were tic-tacs, don’t become an air traffic controller by night!

Keep tabs on your on-the-job stress levels at your second job. If you’re a motivated employee (as you probably will be since you’re already willing to work two jobs), you may be targeted for a supervisory role, for example.

Take on additional responsibility with caution. A promotion may mean a few more dollars, but it may not be worth it if your stress level goes through the roof.

3. Tread Carefully at Your Day-Job

To tell your boss, or not to tell?

I’ve always wrestled with this one. On one hand, I didn’t want my boss to think that working a second job would subtract from my ability to do my primary job well, but I always wanted my boss to understand why I was leaving promptly at 5 on certain nights.

Also, I always figured that working a second job was a subtle hint that a raise might be in order! But be cautious if you decide to take on a second job. Many employers won’t allow you to do any sort of extra work if it is remotely related to your day-job, while some employers won’t allow moonlighting at all. Those air traffic controllers, for example, are prohibited by the FAA from moonlighting, lest they be tired on duty and miss two jets converging head-on. If in doubt, ask. I’ve concluded honesty is the best policy here.

4. Find a Flexible Boss

Obviously your full-time job comes first.

So be honest with your second employer if you will need time off to perform well at your primary job. This might include time to take a trip for work or put in the hours needed to do well on a particular project.

While small, independently-owned businesses may be more understanding of your particular position, they may not have the staff levels to accommodate your requests. On the contrary, many large chains offer extremely flexible scheduling, especially if they are able to cover shifts with staff from other nearby locations.

I’ve worked second jobs at both Starbucks and two smaller, locally-owned businesses. While their were benefits to both, I can definitively say I had infinitely more scheduling flexibility with Starbucks.

5. Set Earnings Goals

Before taking a second job, figure out how much extra you want to make each month and only work the hours needed to reach your goal.

If you can, designate your extra income for something tangible, like paying off a credit-card or funding a savings account. Seeing the results of your work will make the grind easier.

6. Keep Your Down Time

Nobody should work 24/7.

Make sure you’re off at least one night and one full day each week. And if you feel like you are missing out on socializing because of extra work, remember that you are saving the dollars you would be spending on drinks or entertainment.

7. Don’t Neglect Relationships

Moonlighting will put stress on you, but it may put even more stress on your relationships.

If you can, talk to your spouse or partner before taking a second job, and be cognizant of how he or she is feeling after you’ve been working the extra hours for a few weeks. Be careful, too, not to neglect social activities. Work too much, and you may find your friends stop calling because they assume you’re unavailable. Bottom line? It’s easier to find other ways to make extra money than it is to find new friends or a new relationship.

8. Beware the Tax Man

If you work limited hours, your second paycheck may not withhold enough in federal taxes each week, even if you select zero exemptions on your W-2.

Take the time to calculate your approximate tax liability with your additional income and specify an additional amount to be withheld each week. Even better, put that money in an interest-bearing account. You will owe Uncle Sam come tax season, but you can pocket the interest!

9. Watch Your Body

I’m not going to preach about healthy lifestyles here (alas, I have a long way to go myself).

I know from experience, however, that the additional fatigue from working two jobs will amplify the effects an unhealthy lifestyle takes on your body. When you work two jobs, you’ll be getting less sleep, though your body actually needs more. You’ll be eating faster and, most likely, less healthfully, when you actually need more nutrition.

Finally, you’ll be tempted to consume more caffeine to get you through the day, when it may keep you from getting the good rest you desperately need. If you can squeeze it in, exercise, a balanced diet, and at least six hours of sleep will make a big difference in your ability to handle a second job.

(I had a friend who would stay up all night and then work a full shift beginning at 5 am on nothing but coffee. Asked how he did it, he said “I took a multivitamin.” Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend that!)

10. Know When to Stop

Unless you have to work two jobs just to meet the bare necessities, always have an exit strategy.

What has worked well for me is to work a second job for a year, take six months or so off, then start a new second job. I enjoy the challenges of learning something new and meeting new people, but am cautious not to go too long without some downtime.

The beautiful thing about working a second job is it makes you appreciate your free time so much more.

Have you had experience juggling more than one job? I’d love to hear about your experiences and how you survived your second job!

Surviving a Second Job: 10 Moonlighting Tips | Money Under 30 (2024)

FAQs

What qualifies as moonlighting? ›

Moonlighting is when someone works more than one job at a time. According to USLegal, moonlighting usually refers to when a person holds a second job outside of normal working hours.

How do you survive a second job? ›

Tips for working two full-time jobs
  1. Keep your schedules separate. ...
  2. Carefully consider your second job. ...
  3. Look for flexibility. ...
  4. Follow a consistent schedule. ...
  5. Create daily to-do lists. ...
  6. Use your time efficiently. ...
  7. Review your employment contracts. ...
  8. Ask for support.
Jul 4, 2023

How to avoid burnout from working two jobs? ›

  1. 5 Tips To Keep Yourself From Feeling Burnt Out Working Multiple Jobs. by Christine Wine. ...
  2. Work Smarter Not Harder. ...
  3. Focus On One Task At a Time. ...
  4. Take a Break. ...
  5. Learn To Say No.

What does it mean to moonlight in a job? ›

Moonlighting is when an employee takes up a side hustle or a second job while being on the payroll of a primary employer — usually without their knowledge. Generally, the primary job is a full time position, while the moonlighting one may be part-time.

How do employers find out about moonlighting? ›

To identify moonlighting, look for signs of decreased productivity, frequent absences, or suspicious behavior. Implementing monitoring software and conducting discreet inquiries can also help uncover whether an employee is working a second job.

Can you fire an employee for moonlighting? ›

Employers often have the ability to restrict employees from working a second job or starting a side business. There's a good chance your employer can legally fire you for working a second job or even an occasional side hustle.

Is working a second job worth it? ›

Learn new skills

Think of a second job as a way to try new opportunities and advance your career. It's a great way to pick up new skills, enhance your current skills, and improve yourself for job advancement.

How do people work 2 jobs successfully? ›

Take a break between jobs.

Relax, exercise and eat. Let one job go before you start the next. Avoid conflicts between your primary job and your secondary job by getting approval from your primary boss before you freelance or get a second job. Set boundaries and steer away from working for a competitor.

What is the best second job to get? ›

20 good second jobs
  • Babysitter.
  • Rideshare driver.
  • Virtual assistant.
  • Fitness instructor.
  • English as a second language (ESL) teacher.
  • Tutor.
  • Disc jockey.
  • Web developer.
Apr 18, 2024

Is it unhealthy to work 2 jobs? ›

Two jobs offer the potential for higher income, skill diversification, and accelerated career advancement. However, the trade-offs include increased exhaustion, limited personal time, and a heightened risk of burnout.

What to eat when working two jobs? ›

I know it can be tempting to rely on junk, especially as you juggle multiple jobs, but trust me, your body will thank you if you opt for whole foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods will give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy and energetic throughout the day.

Is working two jobs bad for your health? ›

Working two jobs can be very challenging, especially if they have conflicting schedules or demands. That can take a toll on someone's mental health. It can also lead to fatigue and burnout, which can affect your performance at both jobs.

What is unethical moonlighting? ›

On the other hand, moonlighting is generally considered unethical when it is done in secret, conflicts with the employee's obligations to their primary employer or undermines the employer's interests. Moonlighting can lead to a loss of productivity, conflicts of interest and legal liability.

Is moonlighting illegal in the US? ›

While moonlighting is legal in every state, that does not mean every employer must allow their workers to do so. Most states do allow employers to set policies limiting or restricting certain moonlighting activities. As a result, a moonlighting employee may run afoul of their employer's restrictions and policies.

What are the examples of moonlighting? ›

Example #1

After her regular work hours and week off, Sarah takes up photography assignments for various events. This engagement enables her to pursue her creative passion and earn extra income outside her regular job. This is a moonlighting example.

Does owning a business count as moonlighting? ›

When employees have a second job in addition to their full-time job, it is often referred to as moonlighting. Employees may moonlight for a variety of reasons, including financial need, a desire for more challenging or fulfilling work, to learn a new skill, or to start their own business.

What is an example of a moonlight? ›

Moonlight is the light that comes from the moon at night. They walked along the road in the moonlight. We went to the temple of Atlantis and saw it by moonlight. If someone moonlights, they have a second job in addition to their main job, often without informing their main employers or the tax office.

What to do if your employee is moonlighting? ›

Top 5 Ways to Deal with Employees Moonlighting
  1. Ask An Open-Ended Question. ...
  2. Share The Consequences Softly. ...
  3. Create A Non-Compete Agreement. ...
  4. Use Employee Activity Monitoring Software. ...
  5. Make Sure All Employees Understand Company Moonlighting Policy.

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