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Was the Second Job Worth the Money?

I recently took a side job. Nope, not motherhood—it’s full time and the pay and benefits are bad, but the rewards are fantastic. I took a job in addition to my regular gig as a business owner. I took a job being in charge of forty foreign exchange students for a three-week period. Three weeks of work and a bit of money … it would be fun! How much work could it be? Our company had hit a bit of a slump and we needed the money—that was five months ago.

In taking this job, I found that—almost no matter how bad it gets at the regular company—you’re better off just continuing to work and working through the slump with company number one. However, every negative experience can be a learning one.

Here’s what I learned about myself:

1. I don’t switch gears well. I need to be doing what I do best, which is running my company. I’m old enough that I’m not really searching for the “right” position any more and, frankly, trying out new jobs really just isn’t necessary. Even if it’s scary, stick to what you do best and build one business. Don’t get sidetracked.

2. I hate kids. Okay, that sounds strong. The position was with a bunch of teenagers and, even though I adore my own kids, I have little patience for other people’s children. I considered running a daycare at one point (for about ten seconds) and never looked back. So, why did I think I’d like teenagers? No idea.

3. Be careful of positions that seem “flexible” and yet they have lost the last several employees before you. Basically, the warning signs were all there with this job. No one ever stays, they didn’t really care what my background was, and they hired me almost right after I called. These are warning signs. Beware. Ask to speak to the person who was there before you or maybe the couple before that.

4. I hate schedules. I like to make my own and control my own life. I worked for people for years and this is a necessary evil to most. However, I hate it and I’m not good at it. Frankly, I’m amazed I lasted as long as I did.

5. Do the MATH! If you have to get baby sitters and buy fast food or eat out… In the end, the money wasn’t worth what I had to put out to accomplish the goals of the position. No way. Not even close.

6. If you feel like you really, really, really want to quit—quit. It’s just not worth it. Waking up every morning to go to something you hate is not worth the little bit of money that comes out the other side.

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