Once you’ve got a career, there’s nothing in the rules that says you can’t have a secret sideline – providing it doesn’t break the terms of your employment or betrays any workplace confidences.

Many people see this simply as having a second job or even moonlighting. Whatever you call it, most people simply do it to make ends meet or to have a little extra income.

On a positive note, however, it can be to do something you really enjoy (as opposed to your main job), a money making hobby for example. It can also be for the added security and confidence it gives you as you are in control of your own affairs.

Time management
Once you’ve decided to become a 5 to 9'er, however, then you’ve got to start being super efficient at time management – you’ve got to make sure your main job runs smoothly (otherwise you risk losing it), and you’ve got to make sure you have the energy and commitment to do the second.

No boss really wants to know you are giving anything but total commitment to them. So, no matter how good you are at your main job, telling your boss you have a second job somehow suggests you are not giving your all.
In which case it’s simply best to keep quiet about what you do. Keep it to your close friends only if you must.

Oddly enough, doing two jobs can make you more efficient at both, because you don’t have the luxury of being apathetic at work. Keep records and time keeping of what you are doing so that you can see whether your combined jobs really are bringing the extra ‘bacon’ that you want.

Emergencies
There’s always a point at which an emergency at work means you have to temporarily devote more time to your main job than your second. This, of course, is your choice. But, simply walking away from your main job may not be an option – you simply have to do the sums.

You can make up time by working weekends and late nights, and once again if the results are worth it, then this is the best course if you want to keep both jobs going.

Being honest
You may not let on about your second job, but the temptation is to sometimes use your main employer's time or resources.

However, using company time, telephones and photcopiers and printers to do your own work may seem legitimate but can get you into serious trouble and undermine trust. And is it strictly honest? Also, if you need such time and resources, is your second job really viable?

Sacrifices
You’re working at two jobs, so your social life (and the clear head you need for both) means you may have to forego wild nights out, or too many social gatherings.

You may see this as a necessary sacrifice but it can get lonely and demoralising always having to pass up a gathering because you have to get something done.
Trying to build in a little work/life balance is therefore crucial – and makes even greater demands on your time management skills and efficiency. 

The good points
Bearing in mind everything we have said, doing two jobs does have some seriously good benefits.

Presumably you’re making more money so you’re one-up on the 9 to 5ers.
You are in some small way your own boss in your second job, so the motivation is all yours as is the feeling of being in control.

You’ll have a degree more confidence and ‘can-do’ attitude that the serial ‘wingers’ can only dream about.

And finally
If doing a second job is for you, then be discreet and as honest as you can be. As well as having extra money and confidence you could also find that you start to make real progress in other skills too because you are having to become more efficient and driven. On a life-work note, micromanaging your work time could actually make you more efficient in your social life and you could find that you even end up with more time to do the things you really want than those who plod through life without a plan.