Author Topic: Been thinkin' about taking on a third Job. Any tips?  (Read 300 times)

August 22, 2012, 12:10:03 PM
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Seymor Onion

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Hey guys.
I've been helping out some of the residents at my Apartment Complex, with *PC Problems, on the side.
I've been dong it by word of mouth only, up to this point, but I just finished setting up a Xerox office printer for the APT staff.
They were very impressed by my efficiency, low hourly rates, and small markup on parts (still way cheaper than a big box store's prices for parts, as I buy online).
They offered to put my Business Cards in with the "Welcome New Resident Packets" and suggested that I also hand a flier in a common area, on the cork bord, near the APT's mailboxes.

Small problem though. I don't have any business cards to give them. This is easily remedied; I can get some made locally.
However, I'm not sure if I should juggle three jobs, and would like some advice from those of you who have had more than one job at a time, before I make a decision.

I can do the PC Tech Guy thing 7 days a week, Mornings or Evenings M-F, and anytime Sat & Sun.
My close proximity to USPS, FedEx, and UPS Drop-off locations is ideal, as my shipping speed (Second Job ~ SeymorOnion.com) won't be affected, at least.
It won't affect my other Day Job either, as most of the time I am able to do that work from home.
The only major issues that may become a problem are lack of sleep, and lack of time for gaming.  :P
I also need to see if the other guy that was doing PC Tech Support for the complex is still doing it.
I haven't seen his flier for a few months, and have also been getting more and more requests to look at people's computers since around that time, so there's a good chance he has either moved on to bigger and better things,
or he started overcharging.  >:(

*Installation of Hardware and Software, Wired and Wireless Networking Setup & Installation,
Teaching how to use, and helping to set up, E-Mail,
Installing additional DSL Filters (Shoulda been done by ATT, you say, but people do buy extra phones all the time)  ;D
Troubleshooting why stuff doesn't work anymore; and solving the problem. It usually turns out to be a defective/old mouse, keyboard, or a virus.

Onion Game Cases; Summer 2013!
NES Game Case's 3D-Printed Prototype Photos:
http://tinyurl.com/kbysxr9

The HuCARD Envelope Artwork Thread (USA):
http://tinyurl.com/ma95woq

August 22, 2012, 12:50:24 PM
Reply #1

scaredtowake

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as someone who has held a pretty grueling work schedule numerous times in the past, i say DON'T DO IT.  the allure of making extra money is definitely not worth the lack of sleep, increased stress, and depreciation of both physical and mental health.  if you can work yourself out a better, tighter budget, you'll notice the increase in $$$ and still have time to enjoy life (and game!)   ;D

August 22, 2012, 02:50:18 PM
Reply #2

Maben

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As someone who comes from the PC repair business, I will tell you that it can help a lot especially on the scale that you are talking about.  You can take on jobs as you please and as it fits your schedule.  As far as a "third job" goes, this is about as ideal as it gets. 

Also if it really takes off you can start to make some nice cash :D

August 22, 2012, 04:12:40 PM
Reply #3

scarmullet

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As someone who worked 2 full time jobs at once....Do not do it....seriously it will mess you up. I ended up being hospitalized for exhaustion...just for working 16 hours a day, 6 days a week...for 7 months with no days off.

Have someone run Seymour Onion.com for you.
My LPs Channel. Currently playing Legend of Zelda: Windwaker HD, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Resident Evil 2.

http://www.youtube.com/user/thatguyontheright1?feature=mhee
I recommend liking and subscribing to promote health, happyness, and longevity.


please like and subscribe.

August 22, 2012, 05:00:14 PM
Reply #4

Maben

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As someone who worked 2 full time jobs at once....Do not do it....seriously it will mess you up. I ended up being hospitalized for exhaustion...just for working 16 hours a day, 6 days a week...for 7 months with no days off.

Have someone run Seymour Onion.com for you.

Kind of have to agree with this assessment too.  My assessment was only from working computer repair close to full-time.  I've never worked the number of hours you are talking probably.

August 22, 2012, 07:23:03 PM
Reply #5

Mick Dundee

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keep the PC repair to the word of mouth and on a good for you schedule that allows you to still do what you want/need

August 22, 2012, 07:44:59 PM
Reply #6

AO007

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As long as you realize that not every single video game is worth buying, you'll find that even having one job can you more than enough disposable income for your gaming hobby.

August 22, 2012, 08:06:18 PM
Reply #7

scarmullet

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As long as you realize that not every single video game is worth buying, you'll find that even having one job can you more than enough disposable income for your gaming hobby.

Right, but I collect to complete series...not to own every game ever made. Right now I am working on Ultima...one game I know I'll never own is Ultima IV on Sega Master System.
My LPs Channel. Currently playing Legend of Zelda: Windwaker HD, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Resident Evil 2.

http://www.youtube.com/user/thatguyontheright1?feature=mhee
I recommend liking and subscribing to promote health, happyness, and longevity.


please like and subscribe.

August 22, 2012, 09:08:43 PM
Reply #8

larryinc64

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As long as you realize that not every single video game is worth buying, you'll find that even having one job can you more than enough disposable income for your gaming hobby.
I think he is trying to save up money to make some Seymor Onion game cases, and plastic molds are very expensive.

August 24, 2012, 09:54:54 AM
Reply #9

Seymor Onion

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As long as you realize that not every single video game is worth buying, you'll find that even having one job can you more than enough disposable income for your gaming hobby.
I think he is trying to save up money to make some Seymor Onion game cases, and plastic molds are very expensive.
QFT. The income from the third job will go towards the Molds, and gasoline.
Not to go OT, but man, gas prices are something else...  :-\

Thanks for all of the advice, guys. Especially the part about keeping it to Word of Mouth.
I'm transitioning over to White Envelopes for the 5-packs, and my printer will only print on them one-at-a-time. I have about 982 more to go.
Also, I'm having a hard time finding a local place to help me out with cutting the GBA Inserts.
They're taking their sweet time with callbacks, and seem to only want to call me, or meet with me, while I'm working on someone's PC, or in the middle of working on my First/Main Job.  :P
Onion Game Cases; Summer 2013!
NES Game Case's 3D-Printed Prototype Photos:
http://tinyurl.com/kbysxr9

The HuCARD Envelope Artwork Thread (USA):
http://tinyurl.com/ma95woq