Taking on a Second Job

Making a second income for yourself by simply taking a second job can often be the easiest way to do things. Everything is laid out for you – salary hours, and all your tax and NI contributions are taken out at the source. All you have to do is show up and work. That’s straightforward enough, isn’t it?

Finding an Employer

Of course, if you’re going to work for someone else, the first thing you have to do is to find someone who will employ you. The big retail chains, especially supermarkets, are often looking for part-time staff, and if your availability is flexible, you might be able to find a position there.

The idea of a Saturday job is one usually associated with teens who fit in working hours on the weekend. But with stores now open seven days, and with longer hours, there’s a need for more staff, and if you don’t mind working on Saturday or Sunday, it can prove a good second income opportunity.

Often, businesses will advertise for staff by notices in the windows, or they’ll simply take application forms and CVs and keep them on file for when a vacancy occurs. Even if you’re just filling out an application, attach your CV, and if possible, talk to the manager. There might not be a job available immediately, but when one comes up, it will help your name register with the manager.

You have to be willing to put yourself forward, and go into place after place, especially if you’re after a specific type of job, such as retail sales.Classified ads are also an excellent source, especially in local newspapers. You can often find ads for bar staff and restaurant wait staff (two very common categories) as well as part-time jobs on both the public and private sector.

The Pros and Cons of Working for Others

All work has its good and bad sides. The chances are that you already have an employer, but things can be a little different with a second job.On the plus side, you gain a new set of colleagues, some of whom might also become friends. Depending on where you work, you might have an employee discount. Of course, you’ll be earning money, too. Your duties will largely be set out for you, as will your working hours – and generally speaking, part-time employees aren’t expected to put in overtime. You won’t have to worry about taxes or any bureaucratic problems; your employer will take care of the paperwork. As long as you perform well, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be employed indefinitely – as long as your job remains, of course!

That doesn’t mean its all plain sailing. Being on a rota or schedule doesn’t give you a lot of flexibility, and if emergencies arise you might have problems, since part-time staff are often at the bottom of the pecking order. That could become a problem if you’re trying to schedule holiday time, for instance.

You’re also the most dispensable if times are rough, even if you work for a large concern. In today’s uncertain economic climate, that can hit almost anyone, so you should be prepared for the eventuality. But, other things being equal, your job could last as long as you wish to work.