Beating Broke

Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

The Hustle Is Real: What No One Tells You About Working a Second Job to Get Out of Debt

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things you need to know about having a second job
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Working a second job to pay off your debt is no easy feat. For many, this is the only way to comfortably pay off their debt, especially since wages haven’t increased with inflation. NBC News reported that inflation outpaced wage growth for most workers in late 2021 and early 2022. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February 2025, 9 million Americans, or 5.5% of the civilian workforce, were working multiple jobs, marking the highest level since 2009.

The rising cost of household essentials has taken a toll on many families, pushing them further into debt. If this sounds similar to your situation, you may be considering working a second job. Before you start your search for an additional job, here are things that people won’t tell you about working a second job to get out of debt.

You Might Get Burnt Out

No one will tell you how fast you will get burnt out managing more than one job. Demanding schedules may leave you with less sleep and more stress daily. Make sure that you have an outlet to unwind and relax when you have downtime, or you may find yourself stressed and irritable more often. Self-care becomes even more important when you have a second job.

You Won’t Have Balance

You may struggle to find any work-life balance. You also might miss out on many important events with your friends and family because you don’t have adequate time off. This may also strain your relationships over time. At some point, this might not be sustainable for you.

You Still May Struggle to Pay Off Debt

You’ll have to be cognizant of lifestyle creep if you’re earning more. Managing your expenses and budgeting is very important when trying to pay down debt. Make sure that you have a plan as to how you’ll pay down your debt with your additional income, otherwise, you may not spend that additional money wisely.

Decline in Performance

If you’re stretched too thin, your work performance may decline. This could put both of your jobs at risk. Make sure that you are able to devote enough time to both of your jobs before taking on additional commitments. You’ll also have to consider if having a second job is a conflict of interest. Make sure to contact your HR Department if you are unsure, especially if you have a non-compete clause in your employment contract.

Opportunity Cost

The time that you spend on a second job could be used to increase your knowledge and skills, helping you grow in your primary job. You may be limiting your long-term career growth if you choose to have more than one job.

You’ll Pay More in Taxes

If you enter a different tax bracket because of your increased income, you’ll probably pay more in taxes. Make sure that you are filing your taxes appropriately if you have more than one job.

What are some reasons that you feel like you need a second job? How do you handle more than one job? Let us know your experience in the comments.

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Why Is Getting Out of Bed So Hard When You’re Broke

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Why Is Getting Out of Bed So Hard When You’re Broke

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struggling to get out of bed
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If you’re broke, you may be struggling to get out of bed. The weight of financial stress can be overwhelming, making it hard to find the motivation to start your day. Every morning may bring a fresh wave of anxiety about unpaid bills, job insecurity, or the uncertainty of how you’ll make it through the week. The mental, emotional, and physical toll of financial struggles can leave you feeling drained before the day even begins. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here are some key reasons why financial hardship can make it so difficult to get out of bed and what you can do to push through.

Exhaustion

You may be working several jobs to try and make ends meet. You may be pushing your body to the brink and may not be able to get proper nutrition to refuel. Physical exhaustion can also weigh on your mental health. Additionally, you may be stressed about your ability to pay bills or your rent. Worry and stress can also contribute to poor sleep, which can make the problem even worse.

Lack of Motivation

If you feel like you can’t get ahead financially, you may have given up. Lack of motivation can contribute to your inability to get out of bed. It’s hard to feel motivated if you feel like the cards are stacked against you, but remember that you can make small positive changes every day.

Depression

Laying In Bed
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Financial issues can weigh on your mental health. You may also be isolating yourself from friends and loved ones if you don’t have the means to go out with them. Such social isolation can be a trigger for mental health issues. You may be experiencing depression as a result. If you feel hopeless, be sure to seek help from a mental health professional.

Rejection

Getting up when you’re broke may mean facing more rejection from job applications. You may feel that it’s better to stay in bed than be rejected again. It’s important to remember though that rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth. You’re more than a job title or your financial hardships.

How to Make a Change

While it may seem difficult, setting small goals can help you get out of bed. Making a list of goals or things you’d like to accomplish each day can keep you on track. Be sure to celebrate each time you check something off your list. Setting a routine can also be helpful, especially when you’re struggling to get out of bed. This might include incorporating things that help you release dopamine, like exercising. If you schedule your day, you’ll be more likely to get out of bed.

It’s also important to seek support from family, friends, and a mental health professional if you’re struggling. Although it may seem difficult now, there are better days to come.

How do you get out of bed when faced with financial hardship?

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Stop Letting Your Money Sit Idle: 6 Tricks to Give Every Dollar a Job

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Every dollar has a job
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Do you just let your money sit passively in a checking account? By doing this you’re letting your dollars lose their value with inflation. With money just sitting idle, you’re missing opportunities for financial growth. You should be putting your money to work for you instead. When every dollar has a job, whether it be to pay off debt, invest, or save you’ll reap the benefits. Here we’ll talk about 6 smart ways to put your money to work.

1. Automate Your Savings

Before spending any of your money, you should pay yourself first and put money into a high-yield savings account. This easily can be automated to come out of your checking account with each paycheck or deposit. You can use apps like Acorns, YNAB, or Qapital to round up purchases and save spare change. A good rule of thumb is to aim to save 20% of your income and adjust this number as your income increases.

2. Invest Consistently

You can start small with investments by opening a brokerage account and investing in EFTs or index funds. You can invest a fixed amount monthly so that every dollar has a job. With easy tools like Coinbase or Robinhood, you can invest right from your phone. Even small amounts like $50 per month can grow significantly over time. Make sure you are diversifying your portfolio so that you can make the best investment decisions.

3. Create Sinking Funds

If you anticipate large expenses, you can create sinking funds. Set aside money monthly toward large expenses like car repairs, vacations, taxes, etc. Keep each fund organized and keep putting money into it so that you don’t incur debt when large expenses happen.

4. Maximize Employee Benefits

If your employer offers benefits like retirement accounts or other pre-tax benefits, make sure you are taking advantage of these financial opportunities. For example, make sure you contribute enough to your 401(k) to get the full employer match. It’s free money! This money can make a difference as you save for retirement over time. When you sign up for health benefits, make sure you explore HSAs, FSAs, and other pre-tax accounts to reduce taxable income. This can help you save money on health-related expenses.

5. Pay Off High-Interest Debt First

Don’t overpay on interest on your debt. Use the Avalanche method to pay down your highest interest debt first so that you don’t throw away money over time as interest accrues. This way you can keep your debt manageable and continue to pay it down within a reasonable amount of time.

6. Manage Your Spending

Make a budget and allocate your money toward needs, wants, savings, and debt repayment. Using budgeting apps can help you stay on track and make sure that every dollar has a job. You can use methods like the 50/30/20 rule to manage your money and help set a realistic budget.

How do you make your money work for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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