Working 2 Jobs - STRESSFUL
Working a full-time job in the IT field and teaching part-time at a career school is about all I can handle. It is tough to do both but being a provider is in my blood. Exercising seems to keep my sanity and healthy balance.
Hmm...I like the transparency concept. I generally try to live a transparent life...I share different aspects of my life with family, friends, coworkers. But I don't always share my busy schedule. Sometimes I feel like doing so would perhaps sound like I am bragging about how hard I work (when in truth I simply do it to earn a decent living...being PT adjunct is a decent living, but without insurance, and balancing time off with cash flow is tricky).
Recently, teaching Evolutionary Biology at one of my colleges, I have found stress in that I hesitate to be transparent with my religious community--many of them find the topic...challenging.
But perhaps I just need to have more faith (ironically) and be more transparent!
Matthew, Good question. I recommend selecting exercises that can be done anywhere. Walking, running and yoga are good examples of these. No need for fancy equipment. Often times, hotels have exercise rooms available as well with lots of equipment to choose from. Just remember to bring a workout outfit and running shoes and you will be all set!
Dr. Melissa Read
I am in a similar situation. Teaching part-time, and working full-time in the field I teach. Added to that, I have a new family and my job involves a good amount of travel. I need to take your advice and start an exercise routine, but does anyone have advice on how I can keep a routine when traveling? Traveling always breaks my routine, and then I stop exercising again.
I've just started exercise as a stress relief and it is definitely helping!!
2 Yoga classes per week and a one hour piano lesson per week are two things that I use to relieve the stress of working 2 jobs. Turning off my cell phone and computer for 3-4 hours per week makes all of the difference for me.
Bobby,
I couldn't agree more. I too work two jobs, one full time at a career college, and the other as a medical assistant which is a per diem position. Even though I don't work as an MA often it is overwhelming at times to hold two jobs. I find that even taking a short 15 minute walk helps to relieve stress.
I can totally relate, I too burn it on both ends.It is extremely stressful to manage everything.Wife,kids, and two jobs Along with Atlanta traffic I'm often too excited about everything. I think it is very helpful to atleast know my stressors and where they are coming from
Carol, This is an interesting view of the future and I tend to agree. Taking on multiple jobs can be really stressful. Many of us do it anyway. At the same time, when we loose one job we have another to fall back on. In this way, having multiple jobs can decrease our financial stress levels significantly.
Dr. Melissa Read
Joe, I agree. I work a full time job for a non profit which has its own stress since I came form the corporate world, and the non profit world and corporate world seem to operate at different ends of the planet. In addition teaching at 2 different schools since they operate at different levels of paperwork requirements adds to the stress level.
I believe that in the future, more and more people will have to work multiple jobs (as opposed to just one job). I work multiple jobs and I have to juggle various factors to stay sane (and to minimize stress).
I manage the stressors in my personal life with "transparency." My schedule, expectations and requirements are known to my family and close friends. I have combined my work schedule/calendar with my personal schedule/calendar (including my husband's and my children's requirements). I do not hesitate to request assistance, counsel and understanding. Organization, temperament and managed expectations help me to cope with stressors in the workplace.
I need to have my husband review this module…. Now that he is working two jobs, he needs to understand what stress can do and how best to cope with stressors.
Like you I have multiple jobs. I currently have three jobs. I work as a massage therapist at two and the third is instructing massage therapy. It makes for a busy life but I enjoy it, for the most part. I find that keeping a planner with my daily activities helps keep me organized. Also, it prevents the chance that I will double book myself or miss an appointment. I agree with you that you need to exercise. It really makes a difference in your energy levels. Also eating balanced meals every day makes a big difference. These little things that may not seem that relative to stress are actually extremely relevant, at least in my life.
Bobby, That's a tough balance but it sounds like you are managing it well. One benefit to working full time in your field and teaching is that you likely have great content to share in every lecture. Being able to talk about your field, in practice, is priceless learning material for your students.
Dr. Melissa Read
Joseph, That sounds like a tough situation. Balancing more than one role can be stressful because we have to wear different hats and switch between them. The switching often requires extra energy. It's usually easier just to work one job, even if you work more hours.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have worked 2 jobs for several years. I am now finding this extremely stressful. I think it is a function of both age and an increasing administrative workload.
I have two jobs as well--and I take two college classes at a time. Sometimes I feel like I'm on autopilot. Exercise is a great way to relieve that added stress and to release some "feel-good" endorphins.
Exercising is a good idea.When your second job is labor intensive that helps relieve stress.
