Should I go for extra work so that I have extra income?
This is a personal decision to be considered, but it is always better to have additional income, if in the position that saving is necessary. But, it comes at a cost too, especially to things like time with family. However, a lot of the "time with family" many claim tends to be in front of a screen these days, so is it really quality time?
It is not a quality time. I would rather argue that the decision to not go for extra work is to avoid the work. I don't want to be in a situation where I am working extra hours but I am not able to lower the financial predicament at the comfort level soon enough. At this age, I just don't want to kill myself but would like to pay more. Is that fair?
Fair is a personal label in these situations, only you can be the judge, because you have to live with the consequences, for better or worse. I am sometimes in two minds on these things, but I tend to err on the side of work, as I know what I am like when there is a severe lack of money and I am better off not being home then anyway :)
Agree. It's a personal choice. I am okay until I have a balanced wallet. I would definitely have to look for ways to make up the deficit. One of the reasons I changed jobs last summer was to avoid the exact scenario. The pay bump helped me navigate the deficit. I am not sure how long though.
Hopefully this period doesn't last too long, but it is likely to be a little while at least, so if it looks like you might need to get a second job, do it before you are forced.