Working Two Remote Jobs at The Same Time: How to Manage?

Many people wonder if it is possible to be working at two remote jobs at the same time and be able to have time for studies, family and leisure. There is no single answer to this question. It all depends on time management, how productive you are and energy flow throughout the day.

Having two jobs can be beneficial. It allows many workers to save money for future investments or to take a trip abroad. Because of the number of hours, having two jobs could mean significant physical, mental and emotional wear and tear. This is why it is necessary to follow some strategies to be more productive and perform at each job.

Another benefit of having two jobs is that you can learn a lot at a professional level. It allows you to get new skills, get a broader professional network and serve as a link for new job opportunities in the future. For the latter to work, it’s important to be good at what you do and be responsible for jobs alike.

If you are looking to have two remote jobs, we have some tips to manage your time and be successful in your new quest.

Remote Vs. Teleworking

Teleworking are activities outside the employer’s facilities at least two days a week. Remote working is a service performed by workers who are at home. This means remote working is not the same as teleworking, for three essential aspects:

• Remote working requires an agreement with the employer. It could bring issues with working days or hours, distribution of work, recommendations on safety and health at work, etc.
• The employer is not obliged to provide work tools or pay the costs generated by remote work (electricity, internet, etc.).
• Telework can only occur at the address where the employee resides. Remote working could happen from anywhere in the world.

If you decide remote working is for you, please keep in mind the following:

1. Find out about all the measures that come into force and the conditions that have been communicated by your employer (working hours, functions, inspection, etc.). Any breach detected during a remote working audit and its execution is sanctionable.
2. Organize your work time at home and be honest about your available time. It is true that employers cannot expect you to be available “all day”. It is also true that, as an employee, you must respect the work schedule. Be attentive and available (by mail, telephone, video call, etc,) within your stated working schedule in case someone needs you. Follow the conditions of remote working in your company.

Remember that good faith is an essential element for the development and maintenance of labor relations. You should not lose your employer’s trust. It is your obligation to be providing services during working hours.

1. Schedule meetings, reports and follow-up calls. Organization of time is very important when remote working. Work with reserved agendas. This is one of the most efficient ways to be aware of your progress.  It can help distribute your workload.
2. Review and put into practice the recommendations on safety and health. The best way to avoid the occurrence of work accidents is to keep informed and be cautious. The main risks  in remote work are usually related to proper posture and exposure to equipment overheating. Read the recommendations provided by the employer and report any risks immediately.
3. Give yourself some free time. It not only respects the working day and time but also your rest time and family space. Take breaks during your day, thus control your posture and, when the end of it comes, disconnect!

Ten tips to survive working at two remote jobs at the same time

Many people decide to have a second job to increase their income and grow as professionals. A large number of at-home employees are part of this phenomenon due to the flexibility. Here are some tips to get a better performance when working like this:

1. Choose well. If you decide to have a second job, try to make it freelance or with flexible hours, so you can perform well in both jobs.
2. Organize your time. Find balance between the time you dedicate to the professional and the personal. Don’t let one overtake the other or neglect timing for yourself.
3. Rest. The capacity for work and its efficiency relate to the daily rest that you provide to your body and mind. Take advantage of any free time to sleep earlier or take a nap.
4. Take care of your diet. Having two jobs means that you will have less time. It is important to eat a healthy diet of foods that provide energy and are beneficial for your body.
5. Prioritize tasks. If you can, delegate chores around the house so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Try to decrease your burden of responsibilities, starting with your home.
6. Maintain communication with friends and family. Due to lack of time, it will be more difficult to see them, but moving away from them will cause stress and sadness. Try to call and meet them whenever you can.
7. Avoid consuming stimulating substances. Excesses serve, at first, to concentrate and regulate your energy. Later, the consequences for your health will be disastrous.
8. Balance professional life with personal life. Planning and organization are important. That way, one can avoid overcoming the other and causing stress, and with it, a series of problems that you do not need.
9. Responsibility and commitment. You can spend very few hours at your job. If you focus on doing things right the first time, you have a large part of the road to success assured. It is important not to commit too much and rest well.
10. Motivation. This must be present in everything you decide to carry out. The more interest you have, the greater the willingness to do quality work.

All in all, having two successful remote jobs depends on two things. First, establishing a routine. Usually, when we are at home, we get tempted to do housework. When you have two remote works it can get messy or complicated to try to handle separate times. To avoid “confusing the spaces”, establish a schedule and discuss it with your direct boss. This will allow you to have a clear work routine for both parties. Your bosses will have clear knowledge of the times when you must attend personal matters or your other job (which will allow work to flow more ). And you will be able to attend to both, your personal and work spheres without generating a negative impact on any of them.

And second, remember that communication is key. Maintaining constant communication with your boss, co-workers and team members establishes relationships of trust and is an important part of a remote work routine. Being able to follow these two basic rules to a T will simplify your time management and help you be successful at working at two remote jobs at the same time.