This economic downturn has produced a surge in the number of part-time workers, including freelancers and consultants, managing two or more shift jobs.  In finding ways to cope with the subsequent challenges, there are lessons for all of us.

Standard techniques for productivity and time management become even more difficult to employ.  

• Instead of being able to focus on one type of activity at a time, which is more productive because you limit ineffective multitasking efforts, you are bouncing from one type of job to another.
• You may not have the luxury of scheduling an uninterrupted block of time each day if all of your jobs are for only two to four hours.
• There is little downtime because the shift consumes extra travel hours.  You may end up with few quality minutes for family and self.

However there are also lessons here for everyone, regardless of whether you are handling one job or balancing several positions.  What can you do when you find yourself in a situation where you are struggling to keep up?

• Become better organized on the home front.  Have a system for dealing with mail and other incoming items.  It is much easier to put processes  in place right now, and keep up with them, then to watch a chore grow into an overwhelming project.  This saves minutes every day and cuts down on stress.  If you need help to start, get it now instead of waiting.
• Involve family members.  You cannot do it all yourself.  Delegating and sharing tasks with a spouse and children does not mean you are shirking your home duties.  Rather it leaves more time for interaction.
• Make the best use of the “free” minutes you have.  What can you do that is both productive and escapist, like a workout with a lively dance theme?  You want to look for something that will turn off the mental work switch and absorb you without going into a dull, vegetative state.
• Plan ahead for the coming week.  Write down both business commitments and personal activities.  Things may change but are more likely to happen if it is written down first.