I’m 30 years old and want to save up to buy a home — but I’ll need to work two jobs to make enough money. How do I find balance while I pursue my dream?

How to find balance

If you decide to go ahead with this plan, whether it's to moonlight as a barista, do freelance work on the side or take up any other part-time job, you will be far from alone. Around 9 million other Americans hold multiple jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are a few things to keep in mind as you work harder than ever towards your goals.

Your health is a priority

Saving for a home is a long-haul project, so make sure you’re realistic about what you can handle in the long term, not just what is possible in the short term. If you burn out or become ill from overwork, you may end up spending all the extra money you save on your health. Try to stick to a healthy diet and take at least one day off in the week.

Consider your skills

When searching for a second role, consider what skills you already have that you can turn into a lucrative side hustle. If you have a hobby that you’re great at, such as sewing, woodworking or other handicrafts, can you find a job teaching these skills at a local studio, or set up a studio in your home? Similarly, you may be able to take on freelance work related to your current career that will help you save up quickly for your downpayment. Also consider any jobs you may have had early in your career. If you paid the rent on your tips as a server in college, you may be able to find a restaurant where you can pick up some shifts and put those old skills to work.

Use your time wisely

If you work two jobs, you’ll need to use your downtime as effectively as possible. Things like chores, errands and meal prep should be planned ahead and scheduled, so that you can also fit in time with your friends and family. Job site Indeed recommends thinking of simple strategies to save you time, like using a slow cooker for your evening meals, and opting to use public transportation to get to work instead of driving, so that you can use your commute time to check items off your to-do list.

Look for flexible roles, and don’t be afraid to ask

If you have to work two full-time jobs, then two remote roles may sound like the ideal answer. However, not everyone is in an industry where work-from-anywhere is the norm. Regardless, you can try to find a job with a more flexible schedule. Have a clear discussion with your boss about your homeownership goals and what you’re willing to do to achieve them. You may be granted some flexibility that will allow you to pursue a second role with greater ease.

Indeed also recommends asking your current employer to consider a compressed work week schedule. For example, if you work 10 hours a day for four days, rather than the typical 9-to-5, this can give you an extra free day to devote to your other role.

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Planning with your extra income

While you’re focused on job hunting and planning your days down to the last hour, don’t forget to look ahead to the future: Set a timeline for your goal, and create a realistic budget for your new income so that you have both a healthy amount going to your home savings account each month, and a good emergency fund set aside for unexpected expenses.

You might consider working with a financial advisor to create your savings plan. They can also give you more information on first-time homebuyer programs that may be available to you, and which banks offer dedicated home savings funds with attractive interest rates. Be sure to do some research on your own in any case, as there are both federal and state-level programs designed to help buyers get on the property ladder. These can include down payment assistance programs, low-interest mortgages, and other incentives.

Finally, if you have a traditional IRA and you're a first-time homebuyer, you can withdraw up to $10,000 toward a down payment penalty-free. You can also consider borrowing from your 401(k), and you'll usually have many years to repay the sum with interest if it's used to buy a primary residence, but make sure you understand the pros and cons.

If you have any savings in a Roth IRA, you can consider putting a portion of this towards buying your home. Since your contributions to this type of IRA are made with after-tax money, withdrawals of contributions (not earnings) are also tax-free and penalty-free at any age. If you've had a Roth IRA for more than five years, your earnings will not be subject to taxes if you use the withdrawal to pay for a first-time home purchase.

Balance your homeownership goals of today with your retirement plans of tomorrow. Using your retirement accounts in this way may be risky if you don’t have other substantial forms of retirement savings.