Mitzi Lacerna, a 28-year-old part-time content creator near San Francisco, is on a mission to save $100,000 for a down payment to buy a house. To achieve this ambitious goal, she is working two full-time jobs: one as a barista earning $27.94 an hour and the other as an overnight attendant at an apartment building earning $22 an hour. Lacerna’s dedication to her financial goal is evident in her rigorous work schedule and disciplined saving habits.
Lacerna’s decision to work multiple jobs stems from her desire to secure a stable future for herself. After immigrating to the US from the Philippines in 2018, she began working multiple jobs in 2021 to accelerate her savings. Lacerna is part of a growing trend in the US, where around 8.4 million Americans, or roughly 5.2% of the workforce, work multiple jobs for various reasons such as saving for retirement, dream vacations, or personal goals like weight loss.
Working over 80 hours a week is no easy feat, but Lacerna’s strategy is straightforward: she saves everything from her higher-paying job and lives off one paycheck for her expenses. Her grueling schedule involves working as a barista from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and then transitioning to her role as a resident relations specialist at a residential condominium building from around 10 p.m. to 6:50 a.m. Despite the demanding nature of her jobs, Lacerna remains focused on her goal.
Lacerna’s commitment to saving is evident in her lifestyle choices. She diligently tracks her finances and practices mindful spending, avoiding unnecessary expenses on clothes, shoes, and other luxuries. While her schedule may not be sustainable in the long run, Lacerna’s dedication to living below her means serves as an inspiration for others looking to achieve their financial goals.
Despite the challenges of working two jobs, Lacerna remains determined to reach her $100,000 savings target. Once she achieves this milestone, she plans to transition to a new career path in medical coding. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and perseverance in pursuit of one’s dreams. Mitzi Lacerna’s journey serves as a reminder that with dedication and a clear goal in mind, anything is possible.
