Ohio workers weigh job stability against work-life balance

Farah Siddiqi

Americans working multiple jobs to cover living expenses has become increasingly common and Ohioans are no exception.

According to U.S. Census data, a significant portion of Midwestern workers hold secondary jobs. A study by the consulting firm My Perfect Resume found 71% of U.S. workers rely on additional income to make ends meet.

Jasmine Escalara, reinvention coach for My Perfect Resume, noted while this extra work is necessary for many, it can negatively affect job performance.

"Forty-nine percent of people surveyed said that their secondary source of income is actually impacting their performance at their primary job," Escalara reported.

She noted the imbalance decreases the ability to achieve a lifestyle supporting a work-life balance. The lack of productivity brought on by stress and fatigue from a primary job means you are likely not putting in the extra investment needed to get higher pay, better titles or job promotions.

Another shift affecting workers is the growing trend of companies mandating full-time office returns. For Ohioans who established routines around remote work, the shift can create disruptions and force difficult career decisions. Some workers may need to seek new opportunities if flexibility is a priority.

Escalara advised employees to evaluate their options and consider a change if necessary.

"If you have gotten a taste of this and you don't want to go back, then it's really about, 'I may need to find another company that's going to be able to give me this flexibility,'" Escalara noted.

Among those surveyed, 21% of people surveyed report experiencing stress and burnout and spending less time with family and friends while juggling two jobs. Escalara suggested starting a job search to find a company permitting remote work.