Are you feeling drained and listless at work? One of the biggest reasons we find ourselves frustrated from our jobs is because we don’t have an outlet for things that are important to us but we need to keep at it because of bills and general adult responsibilities.

Us millennials have two major problems hanging over us: crushing debt and the desire (with no outlet) to do something meaningful. Some of us went to college with the hopes of a guaranteed job when we graduated. It’s now a hilarious thought on hindsight.

Unless you graduated with a degree in one of the STEM disciplines, you probably didn’t land your ideal job right out of college. And that’s likely the reason why you’re stuck in a job you feel has no real purpose, and why your student debt is still hanging over your head.

See Also: STEM careers – How to Find the Best Job 

A second job can help solve both of those problems. Here’s how you find one that won’t kill you.

5 Steps to Finding the Right Second Job

1. Consider your schedule

This isn’t your main job (at least not yet) so you need to find something that can mesh with your current work schedule. Work-from-home jobs are perfect because the schedule is very flexible and you can work in your PJs.

2. Find something meaningful

One of the problems we need to solve is you feeling like you aren’t doing something valuable. So, we need to find a job that fulfills that need within you, whether it’s the need for a creative outlet, or to make an impact on the world around you.

3. Find something that pays

Volunteer work is nice, but when you have debt, your priority needs to be on paying it off so you don’t have it hanging over you and stressing you out. Find a second job that pays and put all that extra money towards your debt.

4. Consider a second job in a new career field

If you really can’t see yourself ever being happy in your current field of work, find a second job in a field that you’re interested in as a new career. It’s a great chance to try something new and to gain valuable skills that could help you land a new job.

See Also: 7 Steps On How to Figure Out Your Career

5. Find a balance

Consider the extra time your second job will take and why you need it. If you really are looking at training for a new career, it’s worth putting in extra long days to make the second job work.

If you’re just looking for a creative outlet and money to put towards debt, you need to find a second job with hours you can sustain for a long period of time. A second job can give you the outlet you need for meaningful things in your life, but it can also be draining if you aren’t careful.

Sometimes we just need to recharge our batteries by doing something we love. Whether that’s playing in a band, doing graphic design, or working part-time in a bike shop, we need a place to realize our passions. A second job can help you do that, and help you work through your debt at the same time.

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For most business owners, our people are our biggest asset. Our work staff likely have the largest effect on our bottom line, and it’s important that we let them know they are appreciated.

There is nothing that improves productivity as much as taking the time to ensure your employees are happy. Outside of huge yearly bonuses and scheduled raises, how can we accomplish that?

They say that money can’t buy happiness, so here are some easy ways to improve the working lives of your staff without spending a lot of money.

Create a Clear Career Path

One of the things that people value most in their jobs is the idea that they’re working towards something. Over time, mild frustrations at work can grow to become serious sources of stress. Nothing amplifies this more than the feeling of being “stuck” in a dead-end position.

Creating a clear, easy to understand career plan for employees is the easiest way to boost productivity. Not only will you have a system in place to move your most productive staff into a more authoritative role, but your employees will have something to work towards.

Make Balance a Priority

Outside of the office, all of your employees have a life. Unfortunately, life isn’t always predictable. If your staff is forced to constantly choose between their job and their life, then can easily feel resentment towards their job.

Having a little flexibility with your scheduling will allow employees to take time for themselves and their family. Not only will your staff be happier at work, but they’ll be happier in all aspects of their lives.

See Also: 5 Ways to Balance Work and Family Time Even if You’re a Workaholic

Ask for Input

Business doesn’t always have to be a top-down structure. Sometimes, the people on the ground level are the ones who have the most input on your business. Taking the time to get feedback from your staff is a great way to make them feel involved.

When employees are actively contributing to your business instead of just blindly following orders, they feel much more proud of their involvement and the job becomes a source of pride, rather than just an obligation.

Reward Dedicated Employees

It’s not always about financial reward, sometimes it’s just about recognition. There are sure to be a few members of staff who are always willing to give their best on every project.

Taking the time to publicly recognize the contributions they’ve made to your workplace and thank them is a powerful morale boost, and serves as an inspiration to other employees to follow in their footsteps.

Encourage Staff to Leave Their Comfort Zones

Nobody wants to be another cog in the machine, repeating the same tasks day in and day out until retirement. As your staff gets comfortable in the work environment, they may want to try out different responsibilities.

At first, it might not seem wise to take a talented employee and place them in a new role, but the ability to learn and grow will bring them much more job satisfaction. Plus, employees of having a wide array of skills are often much more effective.

See Also: 5 Steps to Creating an Inspiring Workplace 

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