We are becoming a truly inclusive and flexible employer because ultimately, we know that people have different lives and different needs from their roles, and we want to support our diverse team’s needs. We have opportunities for anyone willing to work hard and get stuck in, including those looking to secure a second job to help with the increased cost of living. 

Second jobs are increasingly common, and the Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimate that around 1.1 million people in the UK work more than one role. Second jobs open doors to a whole host of benefits aside from the extra cash, and at M&B, this is certainly the case. With us, you’ll make new friends, learn skills for life, and most importantly, have fun along the way! 

We spoke to some of our team members, Aleisha and Geoff, about their experience of working at M&B as a second job. Here’s what they said:

Spinning plates in the NHS and M&B 

Aleisha is a Front of House team member at The Gardeners Arms in Hull. She’s been with us for six months, and usually works around 2 shifts (12-16 hours) a week whilst also training and working in the NHS.

‘I work on an Acute Assessment Unit full time and go to university once a week, then I go on placements twice a year. The course is 2 years long and when I qualify, I will be a Band 4 Registered Nursing Associate.’ 

Aleisha told us that she really enjoys her second job at M&B because her manager and colleagues are very understanding, supportive and flexible with her hours, working around her availability. 

‘The team is brilliant, and we all work really well together, the atmosphere makes it a really fun place to work. I enjoy my shifts and the fact that it doesn’t feel like work to me. I’d missed the buzz of working in a bar and wanted something to keep me busy on my days off. It gives me an opportunity to work a completely different role from my main job, and I enjoy serving the guests and making sure they are having a good time in our establishment. It makes me very proud to be a part of the team.’

What it is like to have a second job as a chef?

Geoff is a part-time chef at the Moorlands Stonehouse in Sheffield. He’s been with us for over 10 years, learning the ropes in most kitchen jobs, and currently works around 13 hours a week for us. Outside of M&B, Geoff is a Food Operations Manager, and as well as being able to pay off his mortgage faster, he enjoys being with the team, because in his words, ‘it's in my genetics to work in hospitality.’

Following starting out as a chef in his early career, Geoff has used his skills and experience to his advantage. He told us the best things about his role are creating great food, meeting great people, talking to guests and providing great service. We love to hear it!

Work that suits your life 

Gemma is a Shift Supervisor at the Green Tree Inn in Hatfield, working around 20 hours per week. Outside of M&B, she is a Team Leader at a children’s home that provides residential care for children with challenging behaviours. We asked her what she enjoys about working at M&B as a second job, and she told us that her role is straightforward, the team is great, and she has supportive managers.

‘I get to work hours around my primary job, so it works perfectly for me and enables me to pick up shifts on my days off. It’s one of those jobs you don’t have to take home, when you finish work your job is done. For me, that means less stress!’

Other than the extra income which goes towards buying a house, Gemma says it’s nice to have the variety of doing two completely different jobs. ‘My primary job can sometimes be stressful, so having a second job is a nice change and the social aspect is also a benefit. You get to know all the regular guests and we have a good relationship as a team.’ 

Find a second job at M&B

Having a second job comes with a bit of balancing, but the benefits are so rewarding. At M&B, our culture is supportive; we really value the diversity of our teams, and understand that different working patterns are required to support this and having a good time. We’ll always recognise people that work hard, and we’ll support you with career progression wherever possible. 

If you’re looking for a second job, browse part-time jobs and find a role that’s right for you, whether that’s a chef job, kitchen assistant position or a bar and waiting vacancy.