Whenever overtime is approved at my workplace, I find myself subtly expressing disapproval, ensuring no co-worker notices my reactions. While I acknowledge the perks tied to my job, including the opportunity to earn overtime wages equivalent to one and a half times my regular wage, part of me knows that my job demands immense mental effort, rendering me unprepared to work beyond 40 hours per week.
THE UNDERRATED CONCEPT OF OVERTIME
Based on the nature of your job, it’s fair to say that repeating tasks for long periods can lead to exhaustion. The concept of overtime, in my view, is a subtle way used by employers to say, “We think you need to work more, so here’s $X added to your hourly wage as an incentive. This means extra time at work and likely less time with family or doing personal tasks. But never mind, you’re earning something. Even though a chunk of it will be taken by taxes, that makes it alright, doesn’t it?”
More often than not, I pass on overtime opportunities, and instead explore other alternatives for making extra cash. Depending on overtime isn’t optimal, as it’s availability remains unpredictable – the company can abruptly withdraw it.
If you wish to adhere to your standard schedule to avoid overworking yourself at your job, below are five strategies to supplement your income without resorting to overtime.
1. REQUEST A PAY RISE
Rather than laboring extra hours, think about maximizing earnings from your current workload. This reduces the chances of experiencing burnout from long working hours. If you’re due for a performance review or haven’t had a pay rise in awhile, discuss it with your manager. Possibly, there might be promotional opportunities available or you can highlight your contributions to the organization since your time of hire to secure a raise. However, the first step is taking initiative to ask.
2. CAPITALIZE ON YOUR BONUS
If you’re entitled to annual or quarterly bonuses, leverage these. By conscientiously meeting your weekly targets to qualify for your bonus, you can enjoy additional income without needing overtime. My employer offers monthly bonuses contingent on team performance, eliminating my need to log extra hours.
3. ENTER DIRECT SALES
Despite the negative perception some have towards direct sales due to its association with pyramid schemes, it’s possible to earn honest money (though not vast amounts) through legitimate direct sales organizations such as Avon, Mary Kay, Stella & Dot, or Pampered Chef. You would relatively be doing this by sharing your catalogues with colleagues, friends, and relatives interested in the products you recommend.
4. ESTABLISH A SIDE HUSTLE OR VENTURE
Prioritize self-employment over securing a second job. Market your unique skills and/or services you possess. Using your spare time, engage in tutoring, lesson delivery, content writing, graphic designing, marketing, professional photography, web development, bookkeeping, or prepare taxes. A side hustle enables flexibility of work hours and earning potential. Remember, a side hustle doesn’t necessarily have to be a large-scale endeavor. You can donate plasma over the weekend, pet sit, or sell unused household items online.
5. SECURE A TENANT/ROOMMATE
Depending on your living circumstances, securing a roommate or renting a portion of your home could be a cost-saving measure or source of additional income. Splitting essential living costs and utility bills with a responsible roommate can result in substantial savings.
While our full-time jobs can be draining, developing alternative income generating methods that don’t significantly drain your time can be beneficial.
PRECIOUS TIME
My frustration with overtime stems from the fact that it encroaches on my personal time. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while earning extra can be challenging.
Surprisingly, millennials, according to a study by Fidelity Investments, preferred better work-life balance even if it meant earning less or accepting a $7,600 salary reduction. Hence, the need to generate enough income from your full-time job to prevent the sacrifice of personal time to work longer hours.
Do you believe that the benefits of overtime surpass its drawbacks? Are any of these alternative income-generating strategies appealing to you?
