Thinking about a 2nd job

[severtecher]

I'd like to share a little of my experience with you - maybe it will help - maybe not. When I was your age (without a degree) I was in the same exact position you are in now as far as a job just that mine was with a wholesale plumbing supplier. Like you say - very busy all the time (30+ phone calls an hour) and always up and around physically checking inventory in the warehouse. I really liked it then, but after 10 years it kind of burned me out.

I am now an early retiree - forced into that because of health reasons. I can now look back at me career(s) and easily see a pattern of sorts. Making a long story short, I had 3 different jobs in those 37 years of working. First was the one mentioned above, second was an equipment operator for the state, and third was a truck driver. I am also a very solitary person - can you guess which one I like best?

One thing prevails above all else with my job life - I absolutely must love what I am doing or I am miserable. There is nothing worse in the world than not looking forward to going to work in the morning. One job was so bad that it turned me to heavy drinking for a 10 year period - drinking so that I might forget about having to go back to work the next day.

Your position now is fine, and I applaud you for thinking about something better while trying to improve yourself and your income. Yes, money is nice, and that is what makes the world go around, but please don't let money take a front seat in your short or long term job selection. Making $100k a year doesn't mean a thing if you are miserable with your job.

My humble suggestion - keep doing what you are doing, but start trying out some different things on a part time basis in the evenings. It will help some with your present financial situation, but more importantly help you find what you really like in a job. My last job I had for my last 10 years of my working days I just loved. It was a big part of my daily life and I looked forward to going each and every day. I was quite upset when my health issues made me stop at age 55.

Have you guess which job that was yet? I worked alone with no supervision. I had one task to complete each day which was simple enough to do but it came with a huge responsibility. I didn't make great money, but for where I live it was more than most my age in the very rural area I live.

Coaltrain has a good head! Liking what you do is top priority. Having good workmates is also a priority. I use to work 5- 12 hour days and 8 on Saturday . The 2 guys who worked with me made the time fly by. we had fun and made good money.
I had a motorcycle wreck a few years ago and am now 60. Looking for work goes like this anymore...

 

[powernoodle]

I wish I were 25 years old again. Dang.

Go to chiropractor school. Or become a pharmacist or a respiratory therapist. Learn to be an electrician or plumber. Join the Air Force. You could be a police officer or get licensed to sell real estate or insurance. The whole world is open to you. But the time to take action is now. Rock on, Officer Scott.

 

[BenchCo Spydermade]

I'm single with no kids, so that's a plus financially. I agree that it'd be hard, but I'm a hard worker and I know I could do it. I guess it just boils down to if I can find somewhere willing to hire me for the hours I'd be available for, that didn't completely suck. It wouldn't be permanent (hopefully), just wanting to really jump start some savings so I can have more stability moving into the next phase of my life. The more ideal solution would be to move to a better primary job or move into a career, but I'm not sure what I want to do at this point. A 2nd job seems like an easier fit, and easier to get out of if it turns out to not be something I want.

The only real expenses I have at the moment are the remainder of a car loan and basic rent/bills. I've got 30 more payments on my car loan ($9500) and my credit card is almost paid off. I've already paid most of the interested on the car loan, so I'm not too worried about trying to hurry and pay it off.

Put the work in now while your young, relax in future. You can always leave if it's too overwhelming.

 

[tinkerer]

I've done the 2 jobs thing. My only recommendation is do something different, like retail vs professional, or manual labor vs pro. Maybe house painting vs office, etc, etc.

It takes some of the stress out of the long hours.

Goals are wonderful things.

Larry
Tinkerer

 

[High_Noon]

I know this thread is a bit old, but I'd like to add my thoughts: As a 46 year-old male with 20+ years of working experience, I can offer you the following advice:
First, decide what you want - a job or a career. Second, decide on the amount of money you would like to make - now and in the future - and be honest with yourself here: if you are ok with earning 40K now, but in 10 years, you want to be making 150K, figure out how you can achieve this goal. Third, decide what you can do that you will enjoy to achieve your goals. You must enjoy what you do for a living if you hope to achieve happiness in your life. A dead end job, one that sucks, takes advantage of you, or is unfulfilling, will get you nowhere and will make you miserable. The economy in this country sucks, unemployment is rampant, taxes are incredibly high, manufacturing has largely moved overseas, etc... In order to succeed in today's world, you need specialization - skills that are in demand, skills that are "recession-proof." You should also decide now if higher education, such as a master's degree, is in the cards for you. A master's degree will open up a whole new world of opportunity for you - if you make the correct choice. You must find an industry where your skills are in demand. As an example, the oil and gas industry is booming and demand for highly skilled geologists is not going to diminish any time soon, + you can make real money in this field. If higher education is not an option for you, I would suggest a trade that is in demand, such as welding, gunsmithing, etc... A certified welder in N. Dakota can make big bucks in the oil fields right now. You can no longer limit yourself geographically and you have to take a good job or career where you find it. I wish you luck with your decision.