Every morning, just before 9am, Nadia* logs on to her computer, checks her emails, and reviews her work calendar for the day ahead. Her 9-5 in human resources is quite ordinary, part of a team of 12 all working remotely since 2021. Recently, she’s been due for a pay rise from her £45,000-a-year salary.
However, there's something less ordinary about Nadia's work. At the same time each day, she logs onto another computer in her home office, starting her second job as a virtual assistant to a chief executive. No one, including her co-workers and bosses, knows she’s balancing both jobs simultaneously.
Nadia, 42, a mother of two from north London, identifies as an “overemployed” worker. She explains, “I already had my HR job when a recruiter reached out to me in 2023 about the virtual PA role. I applied on a whim and got it. I thought, why not keep them both on?” Although the workload can be intense, the combined £87,000-a-year salary significantly helps with childcare and mortgage costs.
Growing Trend
Nadia is not alone; polygamous working is a growing trend, especially since the Covid pandemic pushed many into remote work. Although this practice isn’t technically illegal, it may breach employer codes of conduct. Recent cases highlight the risks, such as a civil servant who was charged with fraud for holding three full-time jobs simultaneously.
The appeal of this unconventional work style has turned it into a social media phenomenon, with TikTok and Reddit communities sharing tips on juggling multiple jobs. One influencer claims to have made £200,000 from two 9-to-5 roles, encouraging others to consider this path.
With 28% of Britons working remotely, the opportunities for overemployment are abundant. Workplaces have adapted, allowing for more flexibility, especially in sectors like IT and tech.
Watch Out for Tax
Mark*, 56, from Manchester, manages to work for a big American tech company while also doing clinical coding for the NHS, earning over £130,000. He shares his strategies: blocking out time for meetings, using different computers for each job, and being vague on LinkedIn to maintain secrecy. He warns about tax implications from holding multiple jobs, noting how it can push him into a higher tax bracket.
High-Stakes Risks
Despite the allure, working multiple roles carries high stakes. Business coach Peter Boolkah expresses concern over burnout among employees, which could lead to lower productivity. Nadia herself worries about being caught and the consequences of her dual employment.
“I’d be absolutely mortified,” she admits. “I live in daily fear of one of my bosses finding out.”
*Names have been changed.
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