In today’s economy, where stability feels more like a fleeting dream, an increasing number of employees are finding themselves entangled in a web of secrecy, balancing two jobs simultaneously. Dubbed “over-employed,” these workers navigate a delicate juggling act between commitment and discretion, often concealing their “moonlighting” to avoid conflicts of interest and potential repercussions. As traditional employment models evolve, the phenomenon of over-employment sheds light on the complex dynamics shaping the modern workforce.
In the world of remote work, beneath the surface of single-job professionalism, lies a concealed world where individuals meticulously orchestrate their dual roles. For many, financial necessity is the driving force behind this double life. With the cost of living skyrocketing and stagnant wages failing to keep pace, securing a second job becomes a means of survival rather than a choice. The allure of supplementary income, whether to pay off debts, support families or pursue personal aspirations, propels individuals into this realm of covert employment.
Yet, the decision to lead a double life comes fraught with challenges and ethical dilemmas. Balancing conflicting schedules, managing exhaustion and navigating the moral uncertainties of loyalty and honesty strain the mental and emotional resilience of over-employed workers. The fear of being discovered looms large, instigating a constant state of vigilance and anxiety. Moreover, the blurred boundaries between professional and personal spheres blur further as over-employment blurs the lines between work and life. Consider the juggling act of concealing information in day-to-day chit-chat.
The rise of remote work and flexible arrangements in the wake of the global pandemic has provided fertile ground for the spread of over-employment. With the physical constraints of office spaces dismantled and geographical walls dissolved, individuals grasp the opportunity to diversify their income streams. The digital landscape becomes the opportunity to live life under “dual identities”, seamlessly transitioning from one virtual workspace to another, often within the same 40-hour workweek that their employers each believe is dedicated to their organization.
However, the phenomenon of overemployment is not without its consequences. Employers, unaware of their employees’ extracurricular activities, risk potential conflicts of interest, compromised productivity, and breaches of confidentiality. The lack of transparency undermines trust within organizations and undermines the principles of professionalism and dedication. Moreover, over-employed workers themselves face burnout, strained relationships and diminished job satisfaction as they struggle to reconcile the demands of their parallel careers.
As the gig economy continues to flourish, policymakers and labor advocates grapple with the regulatory implications of over-employment. Traditional labor laws, designed to govern a straightforward trajectory of employment, struggle to adapt to the reality of today’s modern workforce. Addressing issues of fair compensation, and adequate benefits necessitates a paradigm shift in labor regulations to accommodate the evolving nature of work.
There are plenty of workers taking advantage of the benefits of working remotely by secretly working multiple jobs. It’s unclear how many people are doing this as between jobs that pay under the table or employees working as independent contractors, the Bureau of Labor Statistics can’t track this. But there’s a growing trend and working multiple jobs has become easier.
Yet, amid the shadows of secrecy and the complexities of compliance, over-employment also unveils a narrative of resilience and adaptability. For many individuals, the ability to leverage their skills and talents across multiple domains fosters a sense of empowerment and self-determination. The pursuit of passion projects, entrepreneurial ventures and creative pursuits alongside traditional employment reflects a desire for fulfillment and autonomy beyond the confines of conventional career trajectories.
Moreover, the phenomenon of over-employment underscores the imperative for organizations to embrace a culture of transparency, flexibility, and inclusivity. Fostering open communication channels, implementing flexible work arrangements, and recognizing the diverse needs and aspirations of employees can mitigate the need for secrecy and create an environment conducive to traditional workplace values.
The trend of over-employment is increasing exponentially, so much so, that Redditt has a section in which ideas and tips are shared among those juggling two jobs. And while most employers would look at this activity as unethical and disloyal, a post on Reddit summed it up: “Stay loyal to my company: 3% annual raise, Find a new job: 10 -40% raise, Find a second job: 90 – 130% raise”.
Tips for employers to look out for include employees who reject having their photo on your companies website or marketing efforts. Detecting if an employee is working a second job while employed with you can be challenging, but here are some signs that might indicate they are doing so:
• Frequent absences or tardiness
• Unusual and inconsistent performance
• Desire to not have their photo on your company website or social media channels
• Frequent requests for schedule changes
• Inability to reach the employee during working hours on a sudden and consistent basis
It’s essential to approach any suspicions with sensitivity and professionalism. Avoid making accusations without concrete evidence. Additionally, ensure that your company policies regarding conflicts of interest and moonlighting are communicated to all employees.
In the ever-evolving landscape of work, the concept of over-employment challenges conventional notions of career identity and organizational loyalty. As individuals navigate the maze of dual roles, they confront the contradiction of opportunity and constraint, striving to find steadiness amidst competing priorities and ethical considerations. Ultimately, the narrative of overemployment transcends the confines of an undercover existence, offering a glimpse into the resilience, adaptability and complexity of the modern workforce.
This article was originally posted on The Morning Call on April 7, 2024. Tina Hamilton is an Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) member in Philadelphia, and is the founder and CEO of myHR Partner.