The Hidden Lives of Overemployed Workers

In today's work landscape, some employees are quietly juggling multiple full-time jobs within the standard 40-hour week. This trend, which gained attention after a software engineer was caught working for several Silicon Valley startups simultaneously, is more common than many realize. The shift to remote work has made it easier for employees to hide their side gigs, as bosses struggle to monitor productivity.

The Overemployed Worker

One worker, who spoke anonymously, currently holds three jobs, earning around $725,000 annually. They previously managed five roles at once, thanks to AI tools that help streamline tasks like emails and meeting notes. This worker sees it as a game, pushing the limits of how many jobs they can handle without burning out. At their peak, they earned over $1 million a year.

Another worker in the healthcare technology industry holds two full-time jobs, earning nearly $250,000 combined. They don't feel guilty about taking jobs from others, arguing that employers hire them for their expertise, not the hours they put in. This worker also noted that the demand for talent in their field makes it easy to find new opportunities without actively searching.

The Ethical Debate

However, not everyone approves of this trend. Lewis Maleh, CEO of an executive recruitment agency, warns that working multiple full-time jobs without employer consent is unethical and risky. He advises against it, unless the companies involved are aware and agreeable.

The Role of Remote Work

Remote work has played a significant role in enabling this trend. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 33% of workers were remote in 2024, down slightly from 2023. While some companies are pushing for a return to the office, remote work remains prevalent. Experts predict that as remote work becomes more normalized, employers will get better at tracking productivity, making it harder to hide multiple jobs.