Editorial: Is working two jobs becoming a necessity more than a trend?

It’s no secret that making money is what we need to function in everyday life. The real dilemma is if a job is providing us enough funds to live our lives comfortably. We are always capable of making money, but what are we going to sacrifice to do so?

For some people to live in a way without worry or shortfall in the financial department, they occupy two jobs. Working anywhere from 60-80 hours a week for a minimum wage isn’t something that anyone has to deal with. While I do disagree on jumping minimum wage by a significant dollar amount, I do believe that one job should allow a person to be sufficient enough to make it through everyday life.

But in today’s time, most people I encounter have either no jobs or two jobs. Those who work two occupations have one that is a full-time career and use the other to supplement wages. The secondary job is usually one to help with a person purchasing wants such as entertainment, clothes, or saving up for vacation.

A person needing two jobs isn’t something that has popped up. In fact, it’s been around for more than 20 years. When I was in middle school, I remember a former teacher working her day job instructing and assisting students. One day, my father traveled to his favorite video store to rent some new movies and behold, there was this teacher who was placing the return videos back on the shelf. I spoke to her and she gave me a sticker and smiled. I didn’t think too much of it at the time, but she was doing that second job to better herself. I think it is safe to assume what she did with that money, as she is now a high school principal in another jurisdiction.

More and more careers are transforming into “jobs”. For those who don’t understand that reference, some jobs are created to be an introduction into the working world or a temporary place of employment for those who seek a career. Careers are supposed to be lifetime occupations for a person to hold and establish a longevity and comfortable way of living.

So, is working two jobs going to continue to be a trend? As more top tier companies continue to make cuts at the lower tiers, it is evident that the middle tier employees may have to face the realization that a sacrifice of available free time may be the only way to live without any doubts or fear of not being able to live in a moderate lifestyle at all.