SUMMER 2009 EDITION
JOBS»
Columbians pick up multiple jobs
to make ends meet
COLUMBIA — Feeling the effects of the economy, Sandra Zapata and Juan Calle had to find a way to make ends meet.
That's why the couple is working multiple jobs. And they're not alone.
More than 7 million Americans, or 5.4 percent of the population, have multiple jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most people are collecting two paychecks and need them to survive because of the recession.
“I am very worried about the economy,” said Zapata, who has both a full-time and a part-time job. “People have trouble paying bills. Now, five jobs do not pay as much as two jobs used to.”
With Zapata’s husband being twice laid off, she knew her full-time job as a nutrition assistant at MU Extension would not suffice. So she took a part-time job as the head promoter at Centro Latino, which helps Hispanics in Missouri with their health, education and culture.
“I was very worried after one month. When I saw the opportunity at Centro Latino, I knew I had to take it,” she said.
A busy person, Calle works seven days a week. In addition to owning a landscaping company, he has part-time jobs at Stony Hill Farm and Sam’s Club.
“People ask me when I sleep. I tell them that when I die, I’ll sleep,” he said. “Right now, I’m working three jobs to take care of my family. You can either declare bankruptcy or learn to work more than one job. You learn to work with what you can have.”
The couple has two children 3 and 7. Both love spending time with them, but those moments are not as frequent as the family would like.
Until the economy improves, Zapata and Calle will spend their time working multiple jobs. Despite everything, Zapata remains positive.
“I cannot complain about the jobs,” she said. “I’m surviving and so is my family. That is what matters.”
Though some find multiple jobs a necessity, others, such as Darlene Richardson, work multiple jobs to take advantage of extra income.
“Because of Social Security and my retirement package, I am really not affected by the economy,” Richardson said. “I work two jobs to do extra things.”
Richardson, who was previously retired, is now the office manager at the Columbia Area Senior Center, working on the financial aspects of the company. For her other job, she sells tickets to MU football games and various concerts.
The extra income enables her to take trips to places such as New York, Cape Cod, Mass., and Nashville, Tenn., with the senior center. She said that’s her favorite part of her job. Richardson also takes advantage of the extra money to put aside some for her grandchildren at Christmas.
“If I didn’t have a part-time job, I couldn’t do these extra things I enjoy doing,” she said.
Richardson, who retired in April 1996 after working 25 years in the accounting department at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, enjoys dancing and fishing.
“Having these two jobs makes sure I’m involved and staying active,” she said. “It really helps me stay young.”
It is not known when the economy will improve, but Zapata is optimistic.
“The economy is going to be better very soon,” Zapata said. “This is not going to last forever.”