How Working Two Jobs Put Me Ahead Financially

Hi Lemon8! Earlier this year, I made a post about how I hunkered down and tackled nearly $3600 worth of credit card debt on one card and $1800 on another card. And, if I'm being honest, it was the best life lesson I gave myself in achieving my goals.

So, this brings me to how I just finished up working a second job and how I want to talk about it.

I got my second job because I was sitting in an auto body shop with some mysterious engine issue, facing the reality that I absolutely could not afford to replace my car. This sudden engine issue could have just turned my world upside down. The issue ended up being a software update bug (ironic), but it was a sobering dose of reality. So, while sitting and waiting for my car, I reached out to my former manager from my last time working at the siren and she immediately took me back on.

Hence, the end of my summer there and then. My weekends became consumed by 8 hour mid shifts, working any time between 7 to 5. Fridays became 12 hour work days, as I spent the first part of my day working remote for my full time job and then heading over to close up the cafe. And yet, despite the endless shifts and lost free time, I was more financially secure than I had been in a very long time. I was saving more money than I thought, I was actually contributing to my Roth IRA again, and... I paid off the remaining balance on my car loan.

Working two jobs is not an easy feat. I want to fully acknowledge that two jobs WAS too much for me. I developed a tension issue because of the stress, but that's also partially because of the work I do at my full time job (legal work, fun stuff!). I really do admire the people who can work 2-3 jobs and maintain their discipline to achieve their goals, as it is not an easy lifestyle to maintain. I worked 60 hours a week and felt like I was running on fumes, but I kept going solely from the weekly paychecks.

So, do I recommend it? Honestly, yea. It was rough for me, but it set me so much further ahead by allowing me to pay off the remaining $3000 on my car loan in only 4 months (with help from my mom too, as I should mention that). I am relishing in the free time I am about to have back, but the pay cut will definitely be an adjustment. All I have to say is that it is taxing, but it is *so* worth it if you're young, in your early career, and if you have some free time on the side to spare.

#financiallystable #financialfreedom #financialwellness