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Juggling multiple jobs: good money, but at what cost?
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Side work: Despite high unemployment due to the pandemic, some people are trying their luck by holding down two jobs, if not more. (Unsplash/Avel Chuklanov) (Unsplash/Avel Chuklanov)
A
s more companies offer the flexibility of working from home — and sometimes from anywhere — more people are using the opportunity to take on jobs from more than one employer.
Amid the economic fallout from the pandemic, which has led to higher unemployment, having a stable job nowadays is a privilege. However, some are trying their luck holding down two, if not more, jobs.
Take Sally (not her real name), for instance, who has a prominent position in a government ministry in Central Jakarta. However, the 35-year-old is also a freelance author, personal trainer and culinary entrepreneur.
"We need to be willing to work more and have less time for other activities. A lot of time is sacrificed," she said. "During working hours, you have to keep working. As a civil servant, I am not allowed to work [on my side jobs] during working hours, while my office working hours actually vary."
Another fellow civil servant, Widi Astuti Ari, 38, from South Tangerang, lives a similar life with additional responsibilities. Widi is currently furthering her studies.
"Because I need to study, my working hours depend on my campus schedule. But actually, [my business] was going on even before that," said Widi, who has a frozen meatball business. "In addition, for this business, I already have admin and production staff."
