Taking up a second job

When it comes to the prospect of a second job in parallel with the current, the common reaction is- Getting the first job was hard enough, but another one right with it? It is not a surprise though; as the job market is becoming stagnant with graduates after every passing month, landing the first job simply takes out most of one's mental stamina.

Yet, to some extent, lots of people are doing their level best in maintaining two jobs - either as a combination of one full time and one part-time, or maybe by doing two or more part-time ones. Some young people have opted to make the best use of the Internet and are juggling even up to three parts -time jobs virtually.

Yet, the question remains- what is the motivation to take up a second job? 

Some will point out that the extra income is more than enough motivation; a few will state that they are increasing their skills to reach their best potential, a handful will open up saying that they are living up to their passion.

Sneha, who is holding a mid-level HR position in a well-known multi-national company, is quite thankful for the ease of access Internet provides. Working along with a number of friends, she is one of the foreign branded cosmetics suppliers for sites like Daraz.com and also supplies to a number of stores in Dhanmondi and Gulshan. 

Sneha confesses that she is a little strapped for cash since she also takes care of her younger sister's university expenses, but she is happy that she can provide for her family by herself. 

One of the most common part time jobs for university under-graduates is working as instructors for various coaching centres catering to students aspiring to enter into universities. 

Rashid, a fresh graduate working in a leasing company, mentions that as he has to go out of the office regularly, he manages to fit in three weekly preparation sessions within office hours. He enjoys connecting with fresh minds and hopes to save up enough to go abroad.

Nazmul used to work as a financial analyst at Lankabangla Finances. After completing his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), he decided to give his long cherished dream of teaching a chance and enroled as an instructor. He has also started his own auditing firm. He feels that his confidence stems from the people he has known so far in his work life and the professional circle will certainly boost his work.

Rahmatullah, working as a sales executive in Eastern Bank is also in charge of a printing press. Originally his father was the owner of the press, now he works along with his uncle in the evenings. His position at the bank keeps him occupied throughout the month and sometimes he has to leave home for weeks. He considers himself quite lucky that his family as well as extended family have been extremely supportive. He does not consider the printing press as a job responsibility rather he feels it is a legacy which he must continue.

Many such real life experiences of second jobs surround us all. It should be remembered that a person holding a single job is neither below nor above someone holding two jobs and vice-versa. A second job simply opens up a path previously unexplored. Whether to tread on it and exploring it further depends on a person's capacity to balance out time, the mental capacity to focus on a variety of situations while juggling typical social activities. Ultimately, it is not the job which defines one's life it is the person who shapes the work into his/her life. 

By Iris Farina

Photo: Collected