Should I work 2 jobs?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2009

I was one month shy of turning 25 years old when I was first issued my LVN license. I am unmarried with no children, so I am in a similar boat as you.

I always kept 2 or 3 jobs during my first year in nursing because I was hungry for money. After all, I hadn't been employed in over 1 year, so my savings account was nearly depleted by the time I graduated and had a license.

Working multiple jobs has contributed to the premature aging of my skin and has left me tired on some days. I am only 28 years old, yet I am developing horizontal fine lines on my forehead despite the meticulous skin care regimen. The two jobs has also left me feeling stressed and "compassion-fatigued" at times.

If you want to work 2 jobs, I would do so in moderation.

SnowRain7489 · Aug 3, 2009

Well either that or I'll work at a clinic M-F and at a hospital on weekends. Of course depending what type of clinic I work at whether it be a outpatient one or not factors in the stress level. LOL, yea I know what you mean about the skin regimen. I'm 24 and I started using night cream, oils, and other products on my skin for about 2 years now. I am very good on keeping my body healthy.

Strawberrykool · Aug 8, 2009

I'm a mom of 2 and I find it hard to not have 2 or 3 jobs. One I love money and the things that I want are costly. I like to work I'm not one of those party goers so why not work hard now. Plus hopefully if there is social security when I retire then I can collect some big bucks form the hard work now. I work LTC parttime but pick up fulltime hours, I do LFu clinics EVERY flu season ( they pay more ), I work thru 3, maybe more agencies just in case my current job decides to act up and not give me OT:nurse:

SnowRain7489 · Aug 9, 2009

Well & if the guy (that i'm w/, but we broke up & still talking) get together in the future I'll feel sort of complelled to work alot because he does. He has to work 7days/week. His father & mother work together at this same place, so he sees his parents working 7days/week because they have to&so he will to. I know that it's different and I shouldn't compete w/ him and I'm not trying to. He just inspires me to work for what I want.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 9, 2009

I've always worked more than one job. In addition to the great $$ it keeps me fresh and surely adds to the thought that the grass isn't any greener on the other side, lol.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Sep 10, 2009

I'm a new grad and i plan on working two jobs. Well my main job is partime so I'm picking up some PRN hours other places.

kat7ap · Sep 10, 2009

As a new LVN I worked M-F 8 hour shifts which very commonly would turn into 9-10 hour shifts, I would also work a 16 hour double at least once a paycheck because they were always short and looking for nurses. It's great if your employer offers extra hours because then you get OT pay for any hours over 40/week. This past year I started the night shift and have been working my butt off 50+ hour weeks. I'm only 27 and like TheCommuter, I have noticed my skin has aged quite a bit with all this work and lack of sleep at times. It can take a toll on you. Try not to over do it as a new grad, because it is stressful enough already and you don't want to burn yourself out too soon.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Sep 10, 2009

I don't have skin problems, but I am tired and can identify with the compassion fatigue syndrome. I have goals I am working on right now related to home repair, so, this is why I do extra hours. I also suggest doing it in moderation.

One of the difficult things is situating your mind to different set ups, policies and procedures and forgetting what day/time it is. As a new grad, try to learn how to manage time and not overwhelm yourself.