Working a regular job can be enough of a challenge alone, but working more than one job at once is enough to burn anybody out — however, there are times when having multiple incomes is necessary. So what do you do? Suffer through it all? No matter what kind of jobs you’re working, there are ways to make the experience much easier on yourself.
Focus On Your Goals
In most cases, people don’t work several jobs just for fun. Some people may need the money, while others might be doing someone a favor by working for them. In certain cases, people may even take another job because they need something productive to keep them occupied or help them cope with bad situations. Whatever your reasons are, take every opportunity to remind yourself why you’re working so hard. Think about the home you’re working toward, the college tuition you’re striving to pay off or the fact that your family is taken care of thanks to your efforts. Don’t be afraid to tell someone when you’re struggling with morale, either! Sometimes, getting a reminder from someone else is enough to motivate you to stay on track.
Make Time For Yourself
As hard as it can be, it’s crucial to take whatever time you can for yourself throughout the work week. Whether it’s a few minutes on your lunch break, an hour alone before bed or a single day off wherever you can afford it, remember that it’s okay to designate time for yourself. Try to establish some kind of regularly scheduled ‘you’ time, wherein you can enjoy doing something you want to do. Your ‘you’ time may look different from that of others, and that’s okay — you may want to be alone, with a few friends or surrounded by loved ones. As long as you’re able to decompress from the work week, you’re doing it right.
Practice Self Care
Self care is vital to health and happiness no matter your work schedule, but it’s especially important to show yourself love and kindness while trying to juggle multiple jobs. Do your best to maintain good hygiene and as regular of a sleep cycle you can; if you find yourself needing a nap or a coffee throughout the day, get them while you can. Treat yourself where you can afford it, and above all else, remember that there are countless ways to reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to open up to family, friends or even coworkers, and be honest about how work is affecting you. They may have advice or suggestions to help you cope, and you’ll be able to get some of the pressure off your shoulders.
Find Ways to Make Work Fun
Sometimes, you may find yourself stuck at work, hours away from a break or the end of your shift. When you’re trying to get through the day and feeling trapped, one of the best ways to deal with the stress is to find some way to make work more fun for yourself. If you can, put on your headphones and blast your favorite music, a podcast or even a YouTube playlist. When you’re working with other people, ask silly questions, talk about your dreams or play a word game to pass the time. If your position is physically intense, imagine you’re getting a workout and challenge yourself to use proper form while lifting, squatting or doing any other heavy labor. Anywhere you find an opportunity to make work even slightly more enjoyable, take advantage of it.
No matter why you’re working multiple jobs, it’s important to find joy and relief wherever you can. If you truly find yourself overwhelmed, remember that this situation is most likely not permanent, and you won’t be burning yourself out forever.
