17 April 2015

What I've Learned Working Two Full Time Jobs



When one of my ex-coworkers/friends told me that my old job was looking for a temp to fill while someone was on maternity leave I was a bit hesitant to go back. "But," this person said, "You could really use the money. Pay off your loans! Save for a new car. Do whatever. It's only for three months."

I reluctantly agreed. I knew I needed another job and my friend was right. I could really use the money to get ahead. So I decided to accept the job. Woo! When I went to sign all the paperwork and meet with my old boss (now boss again) I was told the position was going to be full time.


*Cue record scratching*

WHAAAT?

I seriously thought about running out of there right then. Imagine my car peeling out in a cartoony fashion.  But then I thought well, I already know all the procedures. Not much has changed since I've been away. And it's not manual labor, I should be okay, right?


Right?!

I ended up accepting the job since it was only going to be for 90 days. Let me tell you, it's been a bit of a tough one. I tend to get really grumpy towards the end of the week. John's gotten a bit fed-up with me at one time or another but I was too tired to care quite frankly. Still, I feel I've been learning some valuable life lessons with all this extra jobbing.


Sleep is Overrated
You really don't need that much sleep to function at an appropriate level. Yeah, you may look like shit more often than not but you'll still be able to do your job(s), eat, shower, and maybe read a page or two from a book.

When You're So Tired, Even Sleeping for 20 Minutes Will Do Wonders
I take a nap on my first lunch break and for the hour between the two jobs. It is amazing how refreshed and ready to go I feel after taking those naps.

You Can Teach Yourself to Fall Asleep Almost Instantly
When you're really tired and there's only so many minutes or hours until you wake up again getting to sleep quickly can be really important. I've always been an easy sleeper. I can sleep just about anywhere but I do tend to be a light-to-medium sleeper. Now, when I know I only have a few minutes or hours I can go to sleep in less than 2 minutes and I can tune out annoying distractions, waking up only to my alarm.

Coffee is More of a Mind Thing than an Actual Caffeine Thing
I find that coffee doesn't do much to help me stay awake. Never really has. But there is nothing like that first hot cup of coffee as I'm getting into work to perk me up and get me ready for the day ahead.

You Can Get Used to Anything
The first two weeks were hell. Like, seriously. But now that I've gotten used to it and what to expect it's gotten a lot easier. Especially with my routine. Wake up, go to Job 1, sleep on lunch break, sleep after Job 1, go to Job 2, go home, sleep, wake up, rinse, repeat.

When You Have No Free Time You Tend to Save More Money
The first two weeks I worked I didn't even go to the grocery store. John and I were in awe when we realized how much money we still had in the bank from not spending it needlessly.

It Sucks So Much Until You Get that Double Paycheck
I'm always dreading going back into work(s) the next day but payday is like winning the lottery. It's easy to forget how much working so much sucks. Especially since I'm throwing that whole extra paycheck to my loans. Sure I don't really get a bunch of fun money but knowing that I'll have one less monthly bill to pay is the best feeling.


I'm sure I've learned a slew of other things but my brain is a bit too fried to think that hard. For now, I think I'm going to go to Zzzzzzzz.


22 comments:

  1. That would make for a really tough couple of months--but the financial benefits, and the fact that you're paying off debt, have got to be huge positives!

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  2. Oh my I hope you can continue your momentum with this - and I agree naps are perfection!!

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  3. wow incredible about saving money and paying off loans, but just be sure you get enough sleep and don't burn yourself out.

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  4. Wow! Awesome...pay off that debt girl! what are your hours?

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  5. Christina Williams RoutonApril 17, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    I did this last Christmas. It was physically demanding as I was working retail for job 2 and a desk job as job 1. Naps became my favorite thing in the world. I did save some money but also found that I bought too much junk food because I didn't pack a proper lunch. But we can do anything for a short period of time, right?

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  6. Just keep your eye on the paycheck and push on through!

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  7. Thanks! That's what I keep telling myself.

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  8. Oh man. I've totally gained weight. It's like I have to eat four times a day because I'm awake so much. And...it's not like I have time to cook. But once it's all over I'll go back to walking the dogs and WiiSports or something.

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  9. Ugh! My hours are 4:45am - 11:00pm. But...at least my loans are dwindling.

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  10. Thanks! My mother is telling me this all the time. When I'm finally off of one job or the other I get a good solid 8 hours sleep with extra naps thrown in. Sort of makes up for it, I think.

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  11. Naps -even when you're not working, or going to school, or doing anything of import - are perfection!

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  12. They are! They are definitely what keep me going. One less monthly bill to pay!

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  13. WOW girl. I don't think I could ever do this, but props to you for having the drive and ambition to push you through! Eyes on the prize!


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  14. All so true... Although I am a little jealous about the easy sleeper thing- I toss and turn for like an hour before I can sleep :(
    - DT | Here I Scribble

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  15. So smart!! I'm still paying off my student loans...but I'm *this* close to being done.

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  16. Oh my gosh. That sounds insane. I've thought about getting a second restaurant job, but I just don't know if I could do it! I bet you aren't the only one who will be relieved when thus second gig is up!

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  17. Oh god. It's so insane. I would never do it again. And yesss! My poor furbabies are sad & missing their morning walks.

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  18. It sucks being so smart! I wish I could just it all on bouncy castles and Redbox. But, sigh, those loans aren't going to pay themselves.

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  19. I know people who say the same thing about sleeping. I'm very lucky that I can sleep easily and anywhere. I don't know how I'd be doing otherwise.

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  20. I don't think I would ever choose to do this again. And I wouldn't be able to do it if it wasn't for John. I think I would have quit a while ago.

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  21. I remember feeling this way when I worked two jobs. Coca Cola was my lifeline and shopping never happened. I'd run in for a quick gallon of milk at a Dollar General and that would be it! Good luck continuing on that path. The money is so worth it!

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