Most people are familiar with the terms unemployed or underemployed, but what is “job straddling”?
When your job is to dig into the work history of hundreds of people a year to write their resume, well, let’s just say some personal details come out.
“Job Straddling” is a term that describes someone who is hanging onto an old career as they transition to a new career. It could also be someone who has one career, but has a side job they just don’t want to give up.
Of the folks I’ve spoken to, more than 30 percent have a second job, or even a second career, that they continue to do on a part time basis over their regular job. I chose the term “regular job” because “full time” is difficult to define these days. With companies employing more “part time” people 25-30 hours so they aren’t required to provide benefits for those in “full time” status, “Job Straddling” is quickly becoming a way of life that some people haven’t chosen, but actually need.
“Job Straddling” for others is to fulfill a passion they have always wanted to try and for some, it’s just a way to keep busy and spend time meeting more people.
Personally, I embrace the straddling and love the ever changing responsibilities I face each day. If I had to pick one career to step away from, I don’t know which one I would choose, or even if I could make a choice.
Of my family and friends their reasons for “straddling” are varied; financial, fun and social. What’s your reason for “Job Straddling”?