More Americans are working two jobs—but at what cost?
Managing multiple jobs has become the norm for many professionals. As of January 2025, about 5.3% of employed Americans—or roughly 8.6 million people—hold more than one job. While this extra income can help pay off debt, save for big goals, or pursue passion projects, balancing two jobs comes with its own challenges. It’s no coincidence that nearly three in five American workers—approximately 60%—report experiencing burnout, according to the 14th annual Aflac WorkForces Report.
Without a solid strategy, you risk burnout, missed deadlines, and strained relationships.
So how can you juggle both jobs effectively while maintaining your performance and mental well-being? Here are practical steps to help you manage your time, set boundaries, and keep your stress in check.
Prioritize Time Management
Time is your most valuable resource when working two jobs. Wasting minutes on inefficient routines can leave you scrambling to meet deadlines, reduce productivity, and cut into essential rest time.
- Use a planner or digital calendar: Track shifts, meetings, and personal commitments in one place to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Batch similar tasks together: For example, if both jobs require responding to emails, set dedicated time blocks to handle messages efficiently.
- Limit distractions: If your side hustle involves remote work, create a distraction-free zone to maximize productivity in shorter bursts.
A structured approach to time management prevents last-minute stress and allows you to maintain balance across all your jobs.
Be Transparent with Employers—When Necessary
Should you tell your primary employer about your second job? That depends. Some companies have strict moonlighting policies, while others are more flexible. You may not need to disclose if your side hustle won’t interfere with your main job or create a conflict of interest.
However, if your schedules overlap or you need flexibility, open communication can help you negotiate realistic expectations. Some key things to consider:
- Check your contract: Some employers have clauses restricting outside work—violating them could put your job at risk.
- Avoid scheduling conflicts: Never let your side hustle interfere with your primary job’s deadlines, meetings, or availability.
- Be mindful of energy levels: Even if your schedules don’t overlap, exhaustion from one job can impact your performance in the other.
Keeping your priorities straight ensures that both jobs coexist without creating unnecessary stress or conflicts.
Recognize (and Prevent) Burnout
Juggling two jobs might seem doable at first, but over time, exhaustion can creep in. Signs of burnout include constant fatigue, irritability, and a decline in work performance. Without intervention, burnout can lead to serious health issues and job dissatisfaction.
To prevent burnout:
- Schedule recovery time: Make rest a non-negotiable part of your schedule, even if it means saying no to extra shifts.
- Take short breaks between tasks: A 10-minute breather can help reset your focus.
- Listen to your body: Persistent exhaustion or stress may be a sign that your workload needs adjustment.
A sustainable workload will help you maintain productivity without jeopardizing your long-term well-being.
Choose a Side Hustle That Aligns With Your Skills or Interests
Not all second jobs are equal—choosing one that complements your existing skills or interests can make it feel less like “work” and more like a rewarding opportunity.
Ask yourself:
- Does this side job fit naturally into my schedule?
- Can I leverage my current skills to minimize the learning curve?
- Will this job help me advance my career, gain experience, or build valuable connections?
For instance, an IT professional might find success in freelance tech consulting, while a healthcare worker might pick up per diem shifts at another facility. The more aligned your side job is with your expertise, the easier it will be to balance both.
Stay Financially Smart—Don’t Let Taxes Catch You Off Guard
Earning extra income is great, but don’t forget taxes and additional expenses. Some side jobs may not withhold taxes, leaving you with a surprise bill come tax season.
- Track all income streams: Keep detailed records of what you earn from both jobs.
- Set aside money for taxes: If your side hustle doesn’t deduct taxes automatically, consider saving 20-30% of your extra income for tax payments.
- Review work-related expenses: When evaluating your net earnings, factor in costs like commuting, equipment, or additional childcare.
A well-planned financial approach ensures extra income benefits you rather than creating unexpected headaches.
Know When It’s Too Much
Even with the best strategies, there may come a time when working two jobs is no longer sustainable. If your health, relationships, or mental well-being are suffering, it might be time to scale back.
- Reassess your goals: Is the extra income still worth the stress?
- Look for passive income opportunities: Consider freelance gigs or investments that generate income without constant effort.
- Explore career advancement options: If you’re working two jobs out of necessity, seeking a higher-paying role in your primary field may be a better long-term solution.
The key to success is knowing when to push forward and when to step back.
Balance Is the Goal, Not Just More Income
Having two jobs can be a smart financial move, but it requires careful planning to avoid exhaustion and burnout. The right balance comes from efficient time management, clear boundaries, and a focus on self-care.
Whether you’re working extra to meet financial goals or pursuing a passion project, remember: your health and well-being should always come first. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize the benefits of your side hustle—without sacrificing performance in your primary job.
Looking for Another Opportunity? Look to GTN
Balancing two jobs requires the right mindset, strong time management, and self-care commitment. But sometimes, the best solution isn’t just adding another job—it’s finding the right job. If you’re working multiple jobs to make ends meet or advance your career, it may be time to explore new opportunities that offer better pay, flexibility, or career growth.
GTN Technical Staffing specializes in connecting job seekers with top employers in industries ranging from IT and engineering to skilled trades and field services. Whether you’re looking for a higher-paying primary job or a side hustle that aligns with your skills and schedule, our recruiters can help you find the right fit.
- Access exclusive job opportunities: We partner with leading companies that offer competitive pay and benefits.
- Find flexible work arrangements: Whether you need a contract, part-time, or remote options, we’ll match you with the best roles.
- Advance your career: We help job seekers find positions that align with their long-term goals, not just short-term financial needs.
If you’re ready to find a better job that eliminates the need to juggle two, GTN Technical Staffing is here to help. Contact us today to explore new career opportunities that fit your lifestyle and ambitions.
