My primary job has been quite stressful these past few months. My development team is rapidly shrinking and my teammates and I are required to perform much more work with much fewer hands. When layoff rumors began circulating this fall I decided to pick up a temporary second job.
As time goes on I am less and less worried about losing my job, but I figured it certainly couldn’t hurt to plump up our emergency fund. In fact, as rumors swirl I find myself checking out more and more from my full-time job. When layoffs occur at my company employees are immediately escorted from the building. They don’t have time to box up their belongings or collect their things. I think that’s a horrible way to end a career at the company, but I’m sure upper management doesn’t care to hear my thoughts on the matter.
If I am fired I will not step back into the building. I packed up and took home my personal belongings long ago. This week I noticed other folks bringing in boxes and packing up their cubes. I guess everyone wants to be ready in case the axe falls. I would imagine no one wants to step back into the building to clean out their cubes.
Tomorrow will be my last day of work at job #1 until the new year. During my two week vacation from job #1 I plan to work between 30 and 40 hours at job #2. Since job #2 pays me an hourly wage it probably makes sense to squeeze in as many hours as possible, but I look forward to my year-end vacation and still plan to spend at least a few days reading and relaxing at home.
I think I’m being proactive enough for the time being. Of course, I’m also hoping for a decent severance package if I am let go.
Sounds like you’re being quite proactive. Good for you. Beware of burnout from overworking though. Don’t jeopardize your health, even in the short term, in order to work more hours. Getting sick even for a short while is a great way to earn less while racking up extra expenses.
Thanks for the kind words. I definitely won’t risk my health for work. I’ve had significant health issues in the last few years and I know health should never be taken for granted!