A new trend called “overemployment” is spreading among companies, where employees work two jobs remotely without their bosses knowing.
The behavior often goes unnoticed as the organized employee strategically plans meetings, Zoom calls, and deadlines to ensure they don’t overlap.
But if managers find out, it could have serious consequences, including loss of employment and possibly the end of your career.
However, this has not stopped workers from continuing to try to earn more money as inflation and the cost of living continue to rise.
Melbourne-based author and LinkedIn specialist Sue Ellson told FEMAIL she thought the trend had started earlier, especially as some industries began testing the four-day workweek.
“This trend really demonstrates how we are moving from a ‘time for money’ model to a ‘value for money’ model,” he said.
‘Anyone who can keep multiple employers happy at the same time by combining their own additional talents and resources has found a way to deliver the “value” an employer wants.
“If an employer doesn’t spot this, the behavior is likely to continue: these people who have multiple jobs are basically using technology more creatively than others.”
Employees are resorting to working two jobs simultaneously to earn more money without alerting bosses (file image)
But if management finds out, it could mean serious consequences, including being fired and possibly the end of your career.
Sue Ellson (pictured) shared her thoughts on being “overemployed”
But employees who must be physically at work, such as doctors or teachers, will miss this opportunity.
Ms Ellson stressed that people who multitask are presenting themselves in the wrong way to employers and that careful thought needs to be given from a moral and legal perspective.
He also hopes the trend will encourage employers to review how they operate and how they exchange value with employees.
Many have taken on two or more roles to make more money, especially in Australia with inflation and interest rates set to rise throughout 2024.
But those in the know, such as IT gurus and white-collar workers, have been aware of the hack for years.
Melbourne author and LinkedIn specialist Sue Ellson told FEMAIL she thought the trend would have started earlier when some industries began trialling the four-day workweek.
The decision to work multiple jobs is widely welcomed by employees, but some say it’s not worth the stress.
“I’ve heard of people who don’t even outsource anything, they’re just efficient. As long as they do their job right. What’s the problem? Let them thrive!” wrote one online.
“I work three full-time jobs. It’s crazy,” said another.
“If the company doesn’t realize this very quickly, I guess it’s already doing enough,” said a third.
‘I worked two technical jobs at the same time and made a lot of money, but the stress was too much and I had migraines every day.’
“For tech jobs you sign an NDA, a non-compete agreement, and there are some legal ramifications if you get caught – it’s a great way to end your career,” one warned.