The term “Moonlighting” refers to people working in one profession while also maintaining another job. While many people know what the term means, they are often unclear about “Why Do People Moonlight?”
They may do this without the consent of their current employer and sometimes without even their knowledge. Moonlighting is typically done by people looking to supplement their income, but some want to build up their portfolio while they gain experience in different fields.
Although the idea of moonlighting is not new, people keep asking the same questions. There’s a lot of middle ground to find, so we thought it would be helpful to answer some of the most common and frequent questions like “Is One Job Enough?” and help clear your doubts.
Moonlighting, how is the term origin?
The term “moonlighting” was coined in 1883 by a British magazine, The Spectator, which published an article entitled “Is Moon-Lighting Justifiable?”
The term moonlighting comes from the word moon because it’s usually done at night. So, for example, You might be a salesperson during the day and a DJ at night. You could also be a lawyer during the day and work as an event planner on the weekend; As A Professor of Economics, you could be an engineer and have your own YouTube channel.
Why Do People Moonlight?
Moonlighting is an excellent way of having a backup plan for when the economy goes south. It can also be a way to explore different careers and learn new skill sets.
There are many reasons why people choose to have a second job. Some might be for passion, financial security, or to make the most of their talent. Some have the mindset of “giving their creativity a chance” or “just to experience art”, but that is entirely up to you and what you want to do. Today there is a growing opportunity to moonlight.
Multiple portals offer part-time or project-based jobs like Fiverr, Upwork, etc.; the list is long and provides ample opportunities for every skill set. There are writing jobs, translating jobs, graphics, designing animation, consulting, social media, marketing, influencer marketing a whole lot of things.
Social media has made it very easy, and working from home has given people the extra time to moonlight, Saving time on travel, and many are using that time to monetize. For example, in August 2022, a private company surveyed 500 employees and found that 60% of them knew someone who was moonlighting.
Is Moonlighting Legal in the US?
The question of whether moonlighting is legal in the US is a tricky one. The answer varies from state to state. However, the thumb rule is that if a person has a full-time job and does work for another employer, they are not allowed to work more than 40 hours per week for the second employer.
In some states, it is legal. Other states have specific laws prohibiting moonlighting. Check with your state for their rules about it in general and their particular regulations for salaried employees.
How to Legally Moonlight in the US without Breaking Any Rules or Laws
It is becoming more common for people in the United States and the United Kingdom to work in more than one job to allow them to supplement their income. However, as long as you’re paying your taxes for any money that you make from this, it should be perfectly legal for you. It’s advised not to do this too often, so it does not seem like you’re avoiding your responsibilities.
Most states allow for moonlighting and have specific laws about it. However, some places are more permissive, so you should check in with your state’s rules and regulations to get the complete picture.
- The first step to legalizing moonlighting is to make sure that you get your employer’s permission before you take on any freelance work.
- The second step is to make sure you are working under a contract. A contract needs to be set up with your employer. If they’re unavailable, your state’s laws may guide the types of arrangements that are legal in your area.
- The third step is that any free work you do must be in addition to your regular job and can’t be assigned to your regular job. For example, you can’t work as a babysitter while employed by someone else.
- Finally, the fourth step is to include the following information in any contract under which you participate: The name of each person for whom you perform free work. The job title and address of each person for whom you perform free work.
What do employers think about it?
Employers are most concerned about the moonlighting activities of their employees. They want to ensure that any external influence does not compromise the company’s interests.
That is why companies often have a policy that discourages employees from engaging in any outside work or activity that can be considered a conflict of interest and breach of confidentiality with the company they work for. When an employee participates in outdoor work, that individual’s actions can negatively impact the company. For example, employees might be misusing company resources for other work, which can cause people to show up late, leave early, take too many breaks, and multiple things.
Moonlighting Policy- A Progressive Step?
It is essential to be proactive about what your moonlighting does. Companies should create a policy in advance, so employees know where the company draws the line and protect confidential information. Employers benefit more from moonlighting than employees because they can stop salaries if unmet expectations or even terminate them.
Having an employee moonlighting policy in place helps to showcase a progressive workplace. It also increases transparency, as well as having an understanding of the terms of employment. Some great companies believe in the benefits of moonlighting, where employees can work after office hours with their company’s knowledge. They’ve shown that this can benefit both sides, as employers get to control talent and be open about their hiring process. As long as the employees’ interests are protected, this can work well for everyone.
Conclusion
While it can be challenging to find a suitable job, moonlighting can provide the flexibility you need. You can also explore other career areas, such as writing, teaching, or entrepreneurship.
Some employers may not like the idea of moonlighting because they worry about potential conflicts with work hours and productivity. However, if you can adequately manage your time and work on projects that interest you, it could be an excellent opportunity for both parties involved.
Companies should also define a formal, legal policy outlining the terms of employee moonlighting. For example, some companies are considering implementing a four-day work week or whether employees should take on additional jobs. It is also time to carefully think about implementing the two-job concept.
