expression, godan verb (-ku)
to have two irons in the fire; to be engaged in two trades at once
Idiomatic expression meaning to hold two jobs or engage in two different occupations simultaneously. The literal image is wearing two pairs of straw sandals at the same time, which is impractical.
彼は昼は会社員、夜はバーテンダーと、二足のわらじを履いている。
He wears two hats: a company employee by day and a bartender by night.
Having two irons in the fire is tough, but it's also rewarding.