2 jobs at the same time tax

What do you do after you complete your job for the day? Drive home, prepare supper, spend time with family, and then crash? That is, after all, how the bulk of us spend our evenings. For others, though, the nights and weekends represent an unmissable opportunity to make additional money.

Of course, there are some clear advantages to working several jobs. The first is that having a second (or even third) job means having more money to pay off debts, put into savings accounts, or just pay the bills with. Aside from that, a second job may give abundant chance to develop new skills, strengthen our CVs, and get more influence over the course of our careers. For others, a second job is a crucial stepping stone to carving our own pathways, 'hustling' to start up enterprises on the side while working full time.

For others, though, adding another job to an already hectic work week is a huge hardship. It not only takes away our leisure time, but it also means less rest, more stress, and maybe an increased risk of health issues. Worse, working several jobs may be less cost-effective than we first believe, since the extra tax that must be paid makes it an endeavor that does not 'add-up' for some.

Whatever the benefits and drawbacks of working numerous jobs, the Office for National Statistics estimates that 1.13 million individuals are now doing several jobs. With real-term salaries down 8% since the financial crisis, many of us may be working second jobs simply to make ends meet. Is this, however, true for everyone? Finally, is having many jobs really worth it?

Stuart Hughes* works full-time as a Digital Marketer, but he also freelances as a writer and works as a bartender on weekends. His job contract does not forbid him from working with anybody else, but Stuart is naturally hesitant to share too much information with his employer.

Some people report tension or snide comments from employers and coworkers who see their second jobs as a lack of loyalty to the company, and it's not uncommon for people with a second job to keep it a secret from their employer, fearing promotion discrimination or undue scrutiny about their performance.

"My employer is aware of my predicament, but they are unaware of the level to which I work," Stuart explains. "I believe it is only reasonable to inform your employer that you are doing a second job, but what about the length of time I work?" That is strictly a private thing."

Having more than one job suits Stuart, no matter how tight-lipped he has to be about the additional hours he works. "If I could budget better," he acknowledges, "I'd be able to survive on the wages of my Digital Marketing job." "I'd be able to pay my rent and expenses, as well as purchase groceries." But it wouldn't be a fun way to live... I work additional shifts to supplement my income. It enables me to purchase items that would otherwise be out of my price range."

However, Stuart concedes that having more than one job has its drawbacks. "It's tough to plan in time with friends and family," he admits. "And good luck maintaining a relationship while working two jobs!"

Is it thus worthwhile?

"Indeed," Stuart affirms. "I realize most people would read this and wonder, 'Is working six or seven days a week enjoying life?' To which I would respond, 'it depends on the sort of person you are.' I like being busy. I also save part of my earnings to go traveling."

Darren Child, a groundkeeper from Luffenham, Rutland, is another person who appreciates being busy. Darren works from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the winter (and 5.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. on the golf course in the summer), landscaping, cleaning bunkers, repairing equipment, and other activities. "It's difficult physical labor, but I love it." "he claims "I've never been overweight, I'm physically healthy, and I like being outside despite never going to a gym."

Darren works at Asda as a delivery driver two or three nights a week during the winter, in addition to working on the golf course Monday through Friday (and one day every third weekend). During the summer, he decreases his employment at Asda to one evening per week, taking up duties on a Polo ground to supplement his income a few nights per week, as well as an afternoon or two at the store on weekends.

"I don't enjoy being idle — I need to be occupied," Darren explains. "And I enjoy stuff like vacations and vehicles, which I have to pay for." My primary work covers all of my necessities, but my side gigs cover my gas, vehicle payments, food, and hobbies, as well as loan payments."

Darren feels that working several jobs is financially worthwhile since it enables him to live the lifestyle he desires. "My vehicle is pricey, but I love it — I've always enjoyed driving, and I'm honestly content working a second job to pay for it." And, rather of being constrained by pricing, I'll walk into any restaurant and just choose the choice I want from the menu. I'm not wealthy, yet I consider myself fortunate in comparison to others."

Darren does, however, point out that the amount of tax he pays makes his second employment significantly less lucrative than we would expect. "At my second job, I make the minimum salary but pay tax on it, so it's nearly not worth it in the end."

That may not always be the case, and people should not be discouraged from taking a second – or even third – job due to tax concerns. It's always a good idea to double-check the amount of tax and National Insurance you'll have to pay if you change jobs. There's a Money Advice Service article with excellent information on tax and pay for second employment – including a handy suggestion; it's worth checking with your current employer first to see whether you're allowed to take on extra work.

Darren claims that the main reason he keeps doing his second job despite paying so much tax is because it allows him to take home just enough to supplement his income without having to perform a job he dislikes. "I don't want to work in a pub because I'd end up drinking too much!" And I can't work additional hours on the golf course because I can't use a chainsaw in the dark... As a result, the Asda work is worthwhile. Just.”

For the time being, he will continue to work multiple jobs. "I like my job." I believe in working hard, but if you have a second job, make sure you have a goal in mind. A good reason to do it. I have some astronomical expenses for my automobile, but I don't mind since it's a great car and I enjoy good vacations."

"I earned the money, so I can have anything I want — that's my work ethic." Having a second job is worthwhile because it offers me something to look forward to. Maybe I won't need a second or third job in a few years after my debts are paid off, but I'll always believe it's worth it - if only to keep myself active."