APRIL 13 — One of the first things you learn about most journalists in Malaysia (or many civil servants for that matter) is that they never really just have one job.

Some freelance in some capacity, not necessarily as journalists. One of my colleagues bakes cakes and I’m pretty sure she’s not the only one with an alternative income stream. 

The reality of your salary not being able to cover all your needs and, let’s be honest, wants, is something journalists have known for a long time.

The first question that most of you wannabe side-giggers will ask is usually: how do you get an extra gig? It really depends on one main thing: you. What are you good at and what are you able/willing to do?

You need to be very realistic about your ability and skills as well as the time you have available. Take into account that you will only be able to expend whatever leftover time and energy from your main gig into your side-gig. Your time, your energy and your willpower are all finite.

I could write an entire column about the year I tried to juggle three gigs at the same time, but I won’t. Because it was awful. It almost made me quit writing for good. But I learned one thing: if you have a side-gig, make sure it is nothing like your main one. No matter how good you are at one thing, it can quickly become loathsome if you have to do it even in your spare time. 

These days I’m a tiny bit wiser. I’m careful about what I take on and resist the urge to accept every offer I’m given. A lot of times, I instead refer them to other people I know who can do a good job. It’s a great way to make friends and gain favours, as that way when they’re too swamped to take on something, hey, maybe they’ll think of you.

Always think carefully before you say yes. There was a time when a big name handed me a last minute assignment, which I thought sounded interesting and the money wasn’t bad either. 

It was a disaster — it wasn’t until the actual day that both the client and I realised that the brief was woefully inadequate, and I was probably ill-suited to the particular task. I did learn a lot about my limitations and among them are overly formal proceedings and a general allergy to corporate lawyers. 

You do not have to take overly complicated part-time gigs. A friend of mine used to be a copywriter by day and a barista by night. Many of my performer friends teach creative arts to children and the more famous ones emcee at events.

At the same time, you have to ask yourself: do you really need the side income? Could you spend less instead? Cook more, eat out less? Rein in the shopping or travel? If the answer is no, then here’s another bitter pill to swallow—you will still be spending a lot, but in terms of your energy and time.

Remember why you’re doing what you do. In my case, it was because I had family commitments that took a lot of my income and old debts which were the consequence of that, as well as some medical issues. 

On the days I wanted to cry because I had to spend my offdays chasing deadlines instead of seeing my friends, I had to remind myself that at least now I could afford a real bed, with a real spring mattress instead of the two lumpy ones I piled on top of each other in a corner. 

It might not sound like a big deal to you but I still remember sharing a tiny rental room with my brother; and him sleeping on the floor on a bedsheet because there wasn’t money for another bed.

To be honest, I wish we didn’t live in a world that necessitated people having to figure out how to make more money outside of work. Still if needs must that you have part-time work, remember too, to take care of yourself first. Don’t sacrifice your health just so you can get a new car or take the family to Legoland. You may be juggling two jobs, but bear in mind you only have one body and just this life to live. 

Have your own #2kerja story or just need to vent about working in Malaysia in general? Feel free to email me at erna@themalaymailonline.com. I promise to reply... once I’m done knitting this baby sweater someone commissioned.

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.