We all have that one friend who used the pandemic as cover to work two jobs at once without telling either employer.
Oh…we don’t? Well, they exist.
The Wall Street Journal talked to six white-collar workers who are secretly juggling two remote jobs at once. It is legal, according to employment experts, though obviously if you’re found out you’re likely to be fired.
How does it work exactly?
- Some of the workers told the WSJ they use color-coded browser windows or multiple devices to keep their tasks separate.
- But slipups can happen. One double-dipping employee said that they unmuted a speaker while on simultaneous meetings and for five seconds a meeting at one job could hear a meeting at the other.
The catalyst: Some multiple-job employees said they were emboldened by Overemployed, a website dedicated to helping people work two jobs at once and achieve “financial freedom.” On the site, you’ll find helpful blog posts like, “How to set low expectations at your two remote jobs,” and “12 rules for working two remote jobs” (Rule #1: Don’t talk about working two jobs).
Bottom line: While offering remote positions can open up new talent pools for employers, it can also lead to apathy in employees and a sense of disconnect from their jobs.
