Here we go again, I took another job.

@GardenGerty (157047)
United States
October 2, 2008 1:25pm CST
That puts me up to three part time jobs. I work with the adult disabled providing residential support. Once a month I merchandise a product in two stores. Now I will also provide companion and homemaking services in the homes of people who are aging or physically unable to care for themselves, but not needing nursing home care. Then I am earning a little online. What do you think, am I crazy? What do you do?
11 people like this
35 responses
@lrglara (1334)
• Philippines
2 Oct 08
i dont think its crazy as long as you can manage your time. with the economic crisis right now, everyone is thinking of having more than 1 job. as long as you think you can manage your time, not stressed and happy, go for it! :)
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
2 Oct 08
I think that there is enough flexibility for me to enjoy this. I have Wednesdays and Thursdays completely off right now, and will try to keep it that way. Sundays off except for church. I do my merchandising on Wednesdays or Thursdays. It takes about three hours total once a month.
3 people like this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
2 Oct 08
Well do you feel useful? Do you have enough time to live? do you enjoy your jobs? Answer all these questions yes and I'd say you have it pretty much under control.
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
2 Oct 08
That is what made up my mind on this third job. The man I will spend time with just was found to have a glioma. His DIL said, "I bought eighty dollars worth of groceries, and Dad called and said there was nothing to eat." Hearing that someone is hungry gets me every time. I had a school job the last three years but began not enjoying it. I will still be able to keep two or three days completely to myself. I like what I am doing, all of it, and I am never bored.
2 people like this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
30 Oct 08
You do know it's all a circle, sometimes it's a very big circle but good given comes back. Thanks for the award, I'm so glad those few words were of help. Blessing to you.
1 person likes this
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
2 Oct 08
[i]Hi Garden, you are tough! LOL! I guess once you love what you are doing, that is fine..I also love to have more than one job and that will help me fulfill our plans here..LOL! This time, I am not working yet and still enjoying my time as a full time wife and full time Mylotter! LOL![/i]
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I have had times in my life when I did not work. Now I work quite a bit, but not all of it is that demanding. Enjoy yourself every day, whatever you are doing. You will have a long and healthy life.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
2 Oct 08
I had three part-time jobs for about a month. Then one by one I lost them and I am holding on to the last one. I work 12 hours for Blue Buffalo Pet Food by demonstating at PetSmart. I'm a guest vendor. I need a full time job and I'm trying to earn a few bucks here to try to get gas $ to look one day for a job or for a little food, whatever. I've have one month's of bills coming and half a month of income. So I have to hope and pray something comes up soon. Take care.
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
You are already doing what comes under the category of Merchandising. Sign up with NARMS.com and you can find more, either demonstrations or servicing products. I do that for about two and a half hours a month. Worth about thirty bucks, which will more than fill the gas tank.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I am straightening shelves, cleaning and arranging. Checking on out of stocks on Hill's Science Diet. The company that handles that is called Chuck Latham and Associates. Just started for them in Sept. I have a small car, Ford Escort, gets over thirty mpg. You could just go to the Chuck Latham Website and see if there are any openings. They are in Petco and Petsmart, at least around here. There is a really good hub on HubPages about merchandising. It is not mine, wish it was, it is well written. You can go look at it without signing up.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Where do you live that that fills a gas tank? My husband just filled mine for $43 this AM and I watched him do it. Still, that's down from $50. But $30 would really be a big help. Much better than the pennies at Helium and here and for way less a day. The Merchandizing I do at PetSmart is make sure the shelves look nice, I don't think that's the same as you're talking. A couple hours for $30, that's a decent wage. Thank you, thank you, thanks sooo much. If this works out, that would be amazing!
1 person likes this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
2 Oct 08
I think right now it's best to do what you can to earn money, if you are able to. Who knows where the economy is heading and how high the unemployment rate will climb. Best to save up some, or at least be able to keep up with the bills. I take care of my kids but have over the years picked up mystery shopping, telemarketing, and writing. Next I will have to go back to work... The almost non-existent raises my husband got in the last few years as the economy slowly headed south... well, we all feel it.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
2 Oct 08
I am actually doing better this year than in the last three. I do have some old bills that need addressing, but hubby and I are going to cash the checks from this job and stash them for emergencies, and/or vacations next year. We are earning okay right now.
2 people like this
@Metalchick (1391)
2 Oct 08
Sounds like your very busy most of the time with a lot of resposibilty. I only have one full time job although with the cost of living getting more and more expensive everyday I am wondering whether it wouldn't be beneficial for me to get a part time job as well...maybe bar staff or a receptionist in the evenings somewhere. Currently for the last two years I have worked fulltime as an administrator for a large shipping company in an oil refinery. The pay isn't that good but I do have a nice view over the water as our office is suspended on a jetty over the water so technically i'm working offshore. My jobs never boring and there's always new people to meet so I think this compensates suitably for the lack of salary...although more would be appreciated...hope my boss isn't using mylot LOL
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
2 Oct 08
Sounds like a fun job. I do not really enjoy office work, or have suitable skills. This new job looks like it will be about the same work as the one with the adult mentally handicapped, but one on one, so less stressful.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (84660)
• United States
5 Oct 08
As long as you aren't exhausting yourself every day, I say that is wonderful! My mom is 49 and looking for a new job that fits with her degree, and I can tell she isn't as focused as she was when she was working. She seems a little lost. On the other hand my dad (53) is sharp as a tack and more energetic because he is working. Neither one are old, but I think we all need to stay busy (of course not counting family time) even starting in our teen years. It wards off all kind of disease, not just the one that we all are warned about, which is dementia or something like that. And hey, I wish I could work right now. Heaven knows it would keep me more fit thatn I am now!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
30 Oct 08
Man, I am older than both of your parents. I hope your mom finds something that works with her degree. She is a teacher, right?
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (84660)
• United States
30 Oct 08
Her last job was as a professor, but her Masters is in Human Relations. She has half of another Masters in English.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
4 Oct 08
Well, besides my retirement, I have a 25 hour a week job doing "home health aide." Sounds kind of what you have added to your jobs. I've actually know the person I'm doing this helping for many years, or, as I tell people, I'm not nice enough to do it for strangers. I just hope I can do it for another 10 or so years or can get on disablity so I can draw Social Security.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
5 Oct 08
Actually, I would have to have another certification to do home health aide. The class would cost $267 to take. I should have taken it five years ago when it was only $47. Great emphasis is placed on the fact that we do no medical work, just companion, and light housekeeping.
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
5 Oct 08
That's what I do, but for the lack of a better name, that's what they call us. I could prep my clients meds if she needed me to, but not actually give them to her. I can help her bathe, even do minor things like lotions or bengay - but if she were to have a sore - I probably wouldn't supposed to do it. They said I couldn't give her the insulin shots (tho I give myself allergy shots, gave my cat insulin shots and even gave my client - before she was my client and was my roommate - blood thinner injections.) Just as well she had to learn because I wasn't going over off time to give her the injections.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
5 Oct 08
Nope I don't think you're crazy GardenGerty. With the economic times as they are more and more people are taking on a second even third job just to make ends meet. I myself earn extra income by writing my articles, and am always trying to find new outlets of places to write for that I might earn more money from my articles. It's not just you...everyone is looking to make extra money.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
5 Oct 08
I would like to get more established as a writer, and then I would be able to do more online, and less outside of my home. I hope by the time I really am ready to retire I can scale back.
• India
3 Oct 08
I think I am crazy too. I gave up all jobs and want to make money by freelance writing alone. Sometimes I get projects, sometimes I don't. Some months, there is a salary, some months there isn't. Well, it is life, and we have to live the way we want to. I can afford this lifestyle because I don't have kids to support. :) No, I don't think you are crazy; I think you are leading a very interesting life. the lives of those who work nine to five in one particular office for years is not that interesting, though it is financially secure. Cheers and happy mylotting
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
You are correct, I like to see and do new things and one job in one place for years and years would probably make me crazy. I think you are doing well working on your writing skills. I hope you business builds and builds.
• India
4 Oct 08
Thanks a lot, my friend. Your comment made my day! :)
• United States
4 Oct 08
Sounds like you love being busy! That's a good thing. And I'm happy things are working out for you. Right now, I'm thinking about getting a work at home customer service job. Or, maybe a part time job as tax preparer this upcoming season. I think a part time job is the ideal situation. Cause it gives you so much variety and change. Gotta love that! For me, that would mean more money at the house for stuff we need and want and also a fun activity outside the house.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
5 Oct 08
Hubby thinks that I really need the outside contact. I think I could be happy just working online. Of course, I say this after working 14 and1/2 hours today. Almost what I work in a usual week.
@Anne18 (11029)
3 Oct 08
Make sure you don't over do it!! I work from home doing market reserch on the phone. One of people who phone you when you are dishing your dinner up or trying to go out the door etc!!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
5 Oct 08
I do not think I would like that. I check caller ID before I answer the phone, usually.
• United States
4 Oct 08
wow your a worker girl! You are very driven to do the best that you can. And that is so awesome! You will reap your rewards! On Pay days! I hope that soon enough that you will make from one job that you make at all your jobs. And will not have to work so hard!
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
5 Oct 08
Today was not a hard day, necessarily, but it was long, because I had to get people up to drive a couple of hours to a Special Olympics volleyball tournament. I did have a few emotional conflicts, after we got back home. Not my emotions, but my ladies.
@sandra966 (269)
• Spain
3 Oct 08
No, I don't think you are crazy, but I do think you are lucky!Here's the thing, I've been looking for a part time job for ages. I see notes in shop windows asking for staff, but when I go in, they don't want me because I don't have the experience (because we all know you should have experience of washing up in a restaurant!), or the right hours (I still have to pick up my kids, because there is no after school clubs here), or just because my face doesn't fit. I've applied to various employment agencies, and haven't been offered anything. I would love 3 part time jobs at the moment, because it is the only way I can see out of our debt problems. While the jobs are there - you go for it!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
You will find that there are places online to write and earn. Some pay, even if you live outside the US and Canada. I see on your profile you are in Spain, otherwise I could suggest how to get some contract labor positions like merchandising. You could do a search for merchandising, in Spain, and perhaps find something.Those kinds of jobs you basically can set hours that are within the time frame of school.
1 person likes this
• Spain
3 Oct 08
Oh cheers for that! Will try that and let you know! Although with all your jobs, how do you still manage to reply to all of us? Thanks and take care.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
3 Oct 08
why would I think you are crazy for having so many p/t jobs? I actually think you are lucky in times like this you still earn and probably earn more than most people. A lot of people got laid off here, my husband is lucky able to keep his job otherwise we will not be able to keep the house. My small business is new and I am still paying off my loan. I have 5 yrs to do it but I prefer to pay it off as soon as I can. There is no p/t job for me anymore so all I can do is selling items online. Earnings from mylot is good to pay Ebay fee whenever I sell things there.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
You are making a future by having your own small business. My husband has been in and out of work a lot in the last five years. He is able to draw his early Social Security, and has a pretty stable job now. Paying your loan off early is good business.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
3 Oct 08
My, my, GG, you are a superwoman! I don't think you're crazy for doing what you're doing so long as you don't overwork yourself. I only wish that I was physically able to hold down even one job.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
These are not hard jobs, and also not high paying jobs. I think it gives me some structure, so that I get things done at home. It is only about forty to forty five hours monthly.
@Annmac (949)
3 Oct 08
I too am a carer! It's a job I love but for me it's a full time occupation. I don't think I could cope with two other jobs as well. I'd never have time to look after my own house and family or have the free time I need to recharge my batteries! As long as you are happy doing whatever you do then you aren't crazy!!!!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I usually only will work forty to forty five hours. For the last two years I sometimes worked 65 hours per week. It was not worth it.
@quinnkl (1667)
• United States
3 Oct 08
No, you aren't crazy, you are just doing what ya gotta do! I work an online job, do surveys, etc also, and looking for another pt job (hopefully online) to keep up with expenses, etc. So many people have to work more to keep up these days! As long as you don't overdo it and can handle it, then whatever works for you, I say!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I have much more time than I did last year, and so far, these jobs make me energized. I get to go lots of places with my adult disabled clients, and I will take it easy with my in home clients as well.
@Chevee (5905)
• United States
3 Oct 08
No I don't think you are crazy, you do what you have to do to survive, I wish in my small town that I could find something like those part time jobs you have. I will be out of a job soon and I am looking into getting 2 or more part time jobs to make ends meet. Congratulation, and I am sure you know when enough is enough for you.
3 Oct 08
i appreciate for ur workmanship...........keep it up yaar see ur very hardworking .and hope u can but take care of ur health also ................donot neglect that ................all the best for ur near future byeee
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157047)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I am in a much better position to take care of myself this year. My work is all in town, so I do not have the travel time, and I do have some days off reserved for myself.