How to work Multiple jobs
Working multiple jobs can be tough. For some it is necessary. For others, it is a desire. Either way, it can be a hard thing to tackle. If you are one of those people that have skills in multiple areas or more than one passion, you may find it desirable to work more than one job. There is an official term for these people and that word is multihyphenate.
What is a multihyphenate Individual?
The official definition of multihyphenate is a person with several professions or skills. Think of Rihanna, Nick Cannon, Justin Timberlake, or that person in your life who owns several businesses. Multihyphenate individuals have typically been looked at as doing too much, especially when we aren’t talking about celebrities.
If a person you meet tells you they work a full-time job, own their own business planning parties, and sell Mary Kay, what is your immediate response? It is probably something along the lines of “my goodness you do a lot” but said in both a confused and overwhelmed tone.
But when we look at celebrities like Rihanna who is a singer, owns a beauty brand, and owns an undergarments brand, we think she is a superwoman, deserving of being praised. Well, that random person you met is honestly no different. A multi-hyphenate person is simply someone who said yes to embracing more than one passion. They are making a lifestyle out of working more than 1 job or business. An article in Vogue said it best:
Being a multi-hyphenate is not about multitasking. It’s not about having 17 different tabs open. It’s about dedicating your time to many things that reflect who you are and remembering that you are not defined by just one job title.
How do you successfully work multiple jobs or run multiple businesses?
1. Do what you love
The first step to working more than one job or running more than one business is to make sure you are doing things you enjoy. Burnout can happen very quickly when you are working alone. There is no sense in stressing yourself out trying to work on more than one endeavor that you aren’t even passionate about. So, my advice is to explore things you are really good at and things you love to do.
For example, I am a speaker, blogger, and global venue finder. With speaking and blogging, I am able to share my story with many different audiences and help others add value to the world. With my work as a global venue finder, I get to travel and connect companies to destinations. The benefits of all these endeavors bring me so much joy.
2. Use a planner
Every adult human being should have a planner of some sort. I am a digital person, so I use an app on my phone and Outlook as my planners. You may like actual book planners. Whatever your desire, having a planner will keep you organized. At the beginning of each day, I can look through my tasks and see what I need to work on for any given day. I would be lost without my calendar. You may like some of these planners below.
3. Create a work schedule for yourself
Once you have decided on which businesses you will run, and you have a planner, you have to create a schedule for how you will physically work on each endeavor. I set aside a specific day each week that I commit to working on each part of my business. Yes, things do come up that may cause me to get “off track”, but I still try to ensure that the focus of the day is consistent with my original schedule.
Top 3 benefits of running multiple businesses or working multiple jobs
When you run more than one business or work multiple jobs you open yourself up to some amazing benefits.
1. You have the potential to make more money
This is true, especially if all your endeavors do not require the same amount of daily commitment. This requires you to be smart about how you implement each of your skills. It would not be smart, especially as a one-woman team, to choose 3 different endeavors that absolutely require 40 hours per week. You want to choose endeavors that allow you to still be flexible with your time, while still being productive and profitable. Some endeavors will have a low season and that is when your other endeavor will be great to keep your profits flowing.
2. You Will Not Deal with Burnout as Much
When you can regularly switch your focus to different things you love, you are stimulated in a different and positive way. This means there are fewer chances of you being burnt out. Alexander Den Heijer said, “You often feel tired, not because you’ve done too much, but because you’ve done too little of what sparks a light in you.” If you have been dealing with burnout you should definitely read this.
3. You Feel More Fulfilled
When you can say yes to doing more of what you love, it is a very rewarding experience. Imagine if you were really forced to ignore a piece of who you are. Imagine having this amazing skill and never being able to put it to use…how depressing! Thankfully, you do not have to say no to the things that reflect who you are. You can make the choice to do all the things you want.
How to manage multiple remote jobs or multiple remote businesses
The remote part of being involved with multiple endeavors doesn’t really change much. My recommendation is to switch up where you work for each endeavor. Maybe 1 business requires you to be in a quiet office space, while the other allows you to be more flexible and work anywhere. I often work outside of the home just to get away from the temptation of cleaning and doing things around the home. I highly recommend this. You may decide to limit each side of your business to a specific place. That can be helpful for training your brain to work on the right thing for that day.
How to decide what business to start
If this is something you need help with, I would be glad to help you! Email me the word “business” and we will schedule a call. I guarantee you; you will not regret it! Quit letting negative thoughts convince you that you cannot do this AND that. You can do it all. You can do whatever you want if you commit yourself to the process. You owe it to yourself.
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This is so encouraging and insightful. I’ve never heard the term multi-hyphenate before and it totally resonates with me being someone who like to craft, write, cook, eat, paint, clean, and create. It has always been hard for me to find a niche when they are specific to one thing. Thank you so much for sharing.
I am so glad this resonated with you. It is so freeing to finally embrace all the parts of you that bring you joy! I look forward to seeing you flourish in everything you do! 🙂
Well,well, well..I love this. I still multitask..or shall we say “multi-hyphate”. I still sing. I’ve sang (sing) background, I make T-shirts, I cook..,help organize, and help people get financially stable(get out of debt). I’ve owned a cleaning business, still own a not for profit organization and now partner with 3 others. Well and all of that being said I just want to say I love what you are doing. Keep up the great work!
I love it!! Keep being an amazing multihyphenate! The world needs allll of your gifts!