Combining 2 jobs

GA7_2

Might have 2 part time jobs in a couple of weeks. I currently am contracted to 16 hours a week in a retail store. However every week I work different hours. 1 week I might work 20, another might be 30, another might be 35. Up until recently I typically do 20ish hours a week although the last month has seen me do 30+ every week.

Another job might well be coming up and I think that'll be around 20 hours a week also. Obviously this can get a bit complex. I've never been in this situation before really. Also Monday and Wednesday evenings I have to finish by 5 as I go elsewhere for something.

If/when I get the new job, do I speak to my current employer to say I only want 16 hours. That's my right to ask for that only isn't it? I shouldn't have to work more than 16 if I refuse to .. ? Also how do people combine the 2 work patterns. My current workplace I typically do 10-2 however the new job could see me getting a 1 month rota in advance. Not sure how to best go about this.

Any tips?

wierddumpling

Sounds like my job!

For my situation it's in my contract that if I was to seek a second job I should speak to my manager first and that it should not effect the hours I work at my first job. Although it really depends on your employer on how flexible they are. Most employers would prefer to have more part time staff than full time as it cuts down on national insurance and now the new pension scheme also.

Your probably best speaking to your manager to see what works out best for you and your original job.

sweetilemon

I wouldnt demand only 16 hrs as you may regret that if things dont work out. I would just explain to both line managers you have another part-time job and you will only be able to do overtime if it suits. I've generally always had two jobs, don't like feeling trapped with on employer with no other option and 'all eggs in one basket' type thing. It is had to keep both employers happy at times as your not always avaliable but as long as contracted hours don't overlap and both are supportive things should be fine! Goodluck!

Eliza_2

I agree with the above. I also have several jobs as well as run a business. The two jobs where I have to work at their premises (one in a shop, the other in an office) I make sure I have a rota and know which are my standard days. I then jigsaw these into the working week. Then if I am asked to do extra, which I always am, I know when I'm free and they are eternally grateful when I say I can do it. (Always a good move!!) Both know I have another job.

Another thing I would say is to keep a perfectly organised diary. On one occasion I did forget to go in to work and they had to chase me - no real harm done but I've never done it again! They now know it's best to text me with any extra hours, so I have a record just in case I ever forget again!!

Depending on your family and social plans, I've found it works well to think of the working week as having 7 not 5 days, I can work at either of the two jobs at what are traditionally weekends for other people, then get time off during the week when shops and leisure facilities are less busy. Works brilliantly for me. I also split a day into 3, - morning, afternoon and evening. I can then be rota-ed in the afternoon or the evening, and have a morning off if I like. Don't just think of 9-5, 5 days a week. The other thing I've found helpful is to befriend the office staff or whoever sorts the rota. They are much more likely to offer you extra hours at times to suit you (or conversely, not offer them if they know it wouldn't work for you - far better for your reputation not to be offered than be offered them and have to turn them down)

I know lots of people who have more than one job, I think it will become a more common scenario with permanent, full time jobs more and more hard to find and like sweetilemon, enjoy the variety and not being owned by one employer. Good luck anyway.