Books popularize the concept of “x rules for y” across a variety of domains and niches. In this article, we will present our own set of 12 guidelines for working two remote jobs from home (WFH). While these rules are not hard and fast, they are important for the new person to follow closely.
We have developed these rules based on our collective shared experience, taking note of both successful and unsuccessful practices along the way. You may also want to examine the successful traits of individuals who work two remote jobs. Without any particular ranking, here are our 12 rules.
Golden Rule: Keeping Your Two Remote Jobs Confidential
The first and most crucial rule is the golden rule: Do not discuss your two remote jobs with anyone, even family members outside of your household. It’s essential to keep information about working two remote jobs confidential to avoid potential consequences, such as losing employment benefits or facing disciplinary action from one or both employers. We created this rule to protect you, as many individuals have been caught working two jobs due to a shared connection within their network. So, it’s important to keep this information to yourself, even from your closest friends and family members.
Avoid Emotional Attachment When Working Two Remote Jobs
One of the essential rules to follow when working two remote jobs is to avoid getting emotionally attached to your jobs, particularly your second job. It’s challenging to make rational decisions when there’s an emotional attachment involved.
This attachment can be towards the role itself, the company’s brand, or your coworkers. The more attached you are to the company or co-worker the more likely you are going to make bad decisions because then you will then emotionally not logically.
For instance, you might struggle with deciding which job to showcase on your LinkedIn, whether to leave a job or stay. It’s vital to be thoughtful about your career story and how each job fits into your timeline. If you take a second job for the money and then decide to list it on your resume for the brand name, it can lead to confusion and conflict down the line.
So, it’s essential to remain focused on your goal and make decisions that can take you closer to your goal and objective.
Make An Informed Decision About Taking on Two Remote Jobs
When considering taking on two remote jobs, it’s crucial to remember that no one has more invested in the outcome than you. As you evaluate yourself it’s important to filter out the noise and watch out for confirmation bias, where you rationalize your feelings to support a decision you’ve already made. People will give you advice based on their own experiences, and everyone thinks they’re right, including the information you find on this website. While it’s always beneficial to seek out multiple sources, don’t fall into the trap of over-analyzing and becoming still by analysis.
You should have already conducted your own research and have a good understanding of the pros and cons of taking on two remote jobs. Now, it’s time to ask hard questions that no one else has considered to ensure you haven’t overlooked any important details. By doing this, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
Set and Stick to Goals When Working Two Remote Jobs
It’s crucial to have a clear goal in mind when taking on two remote jobs and operate based on that goal. Ask yourself, is the goal early financial freedom? Paying off debt and buying a house? It’s easy to get indecisive or lose focus, which can lead to burnout, stress, and mental suffering. One of the most significant risks is falling into the trap of lifestyle creep and becoming locked into working two jobs indefinitely.
Therefore, it’s very important to start this journey with a clear understanding of why you’re doing it in the first place. Remind yourself of your goal every day to stay motivated and focused. This way, you can work towards achieving your goals without losing sight of what’s really important and avoid burnout, stress, and feeling stuck in a never-ending cycle of working two jobs.
Having an Exit Strategy
Having an exit strategy is a crucial complement to having a focused goal. Sometimes putting in everything you have or giving the best efforts, things might not always go according to plan. By having an exit strategy in place, you can stay ahead of potential problems and avoid unnecessary stress, such as when a co-worker is about to reveal your secret.
Knowing what you want to achieve and having a predetermined point at which you’ll exit the arrangement once you’ve reached your goal is essential.
In short, having an exit strategy is a critical part of a successful plan. By identifying your goals and having an exit plan, you can better navigate any challenges that arise while working two remote jobs and avoid unnecessary stress and setbacks.
Understanding and Meeting Others
Succeeding in working two remote jobs often comes down to perception. If you understand what people want from you, and you act and communicate in a way that meets their expectations, you’re more likely to get what you want from them. This can include keeping your job, getting a promotion, or achieving other professional goals.
For instance, a hiring manager may be looking for someone who has confidence. While you may not feel entirely confident, you can still give them the signals they’re looking for and project an image of confidence to meet their expectations. By understanding what people value and what they’re looking for, you can prepare and tailor your communication and behavior to meet those expectations and achieve your goals.
Some may question whether this approach is manipulative but understanding how people perceive and interpret cues is simply being aware of social dynamics. As long as you’re not using this knowledge to harm others, it can be a valuable skill in achieving professional success. Ultimately, the key is to be authentic and true to yourself while still being aware of the perceptions you’re projecting onto others.
Maintain a Low Profile When Working Two Jobs
It’s important to maintain a low profile when working two jobs. Bringing attention to yourself can make it more likely that someone will notice your double work life, which could lead to trouble. This means avoiding unnecessary conversations about your work life and not doing anything that would make you stand out. In addition, consider the work culture and dynamics of both jobs. If one job has a more formal and structured culture, it may be more important to maintain a low profile there. On the other hand, if the other job has a more relaxed culture, it may be easier to blend in without drawing attention. Ultimately, the key is to avoid being memorable or remarkable in any way that could attract unwanted attention.
Prioritize Your Health
Prioritizing your health is crucial, especially when you are juggling multiple jobs. Working two remote jobs can lead to long hours sitting in front of a computer screen, which can impact your physical and mental health. Make sure to take breaks, move your body, and engage in activities that bring you joy and reduce stress. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and spending more time with your loved ones can also improve your overall health and well-being.
Work-Life Balance
It’s important to remember that your time is valuable. Don’t work more than you need to. Once you’ve determined your personal ROI, you should think of the amount of time you’re spending on each job. If you’re overworking and exhausting yourself, it defeats the purpose of working two jobs in the first place. Find a balance that works for you and stick to it. It is very necessary to have work and life balance.
This can be difficult, especially if you’re the type of person who likes to overwork and takes on more responsibilities. But overworking yourself can lead to burnout and ultimately impact the quality of your work. Remember, you’re a human, and you need time to rest and recharge your energy.
In addition, don’t forget to factor in the time it takes to commute, switch between jobs, and take care of other responsibilities outside of work. Make sure to manage your time effectively and efficiently so that you can meet your goals without sacrificing your health.
Manage Your Time
The key to success in having two jobs is not to overexert yourself or burn out. As you mentioned earlier, prioritizing your health is crucial. So, it’s important to maintain a balance between meeting your job requirements and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Don’t do anything that would cause you to compromise your physical or mental wellness. Make sure to stay organized, manage your time efficiently, and prioritize your tasks effectively. This will help you survive, maintain your performance, and work another day.
Be Adaptive and Improve Yourself
Being able to adapt and learn quickly is essential when working two jobs, especially when faced with unique challenges. Being self-reliant and able to find creative solutions to problems can help you be successful in juggling two jobs. Additionally, being open to feedback and continuously improving yourself can help you stay ahead of the game and overcome any obstacles that may come your way.
Review Company Policy
When working two jobs, it’s important to be aware of any company policies regarding moonlighting. Some companies have strict policies prohibiting employees from working second jobs, while others may allow it with certain conditions. Make sure to review your employment contracts and company policies to find out if there are any restrictions or guidelines you need to follow regarding double employment or not.
Conclusion: 12 Rules for Working two Remote Jobs
In conclusion, working two remote jobs is a challenging but potentially rewarding endeavor that requires careful planning, goal-setting, and strong communication skills. By following the 12 rules mentioned in this article, you can increase your chances of success and avoid common mistakes that people do. Remember to keep your two jobs confidential, avoid emotional attachments, make an informed decision, set and stick to your goals, have an exit strategy, and understand and meet others’ expectations. With patience, dedication, and the right mindset, you can successfully navigate the world of remote work and achieve your professional and financial goals.
