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Work – when we think of it, we are understandably concerned about our job security. But is that always the best policy? Job moonlighting can be a very safe way to supplement your income while keeping your job. However, many organizations are apprehensive of moonlighting because many dimensions are at stake.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about job moonlighting in detail so you can make the best decision for yourself. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of moonlighting and share our views if you should be secretive about it. Finally, we’ll look at what’s next for job moonlighting – how the tide is turning in its favor and what new opportunities are on the horizon!
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Table of contents
What is Job Moonlighting?
In simple words – moonlighting is working on a second job that you’re not officially employed to do. It can be anything from completing simple administrative tasks at a company to being creative and working on your projects.
There are many benefits to job moonlighting. Among them are increased income and more opportunities for advancement. However, before you take the plunge into moonlighting, weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Here are four questions to ask yourself before starting a job moonlighting:
-What are the benefits of job moonlighting?
-What are the legal implications of job moonlighting?
-How will I be able to document the job properly in case of any legal issues?
-Will my current employer find out about the job moonlighting?
The pros and cons of moonlighting
Moonlighting can be a great way to increase your income and add some extra hours to your schedule. However, before you jump into the moonlighting pool, you must consult a legal expert to make sure it’s safe and legal for you.
The pros of moonlighting include increased income and a more flexible work schedule.
However, the cons of moonlighting can include decreased job security and feeling less valued.
Pros
There are many pros to moonlighting employees:
Increased income – Moonlighting can increase your take-home by up to 50%. It is because you’re working additional hours and are therefore eligible for extra compensation. Many startup employees look for these opportunities.
Flexible work schedule – Moonlighting can give you more control over your work schedule. If you need to take time off for personal or family responsibilities, or if you have a job that’s unbearable in the morning but perfect at night.
Opportunities for advancement – Many companies value employees’ outside interests and skills; as a result, more options are available for those who moonlight.
Improved career prospects – Due to the increased startup exposure and potential opportunities with moonlighting, many employees see a boost in their career prospects.
Cons
While there are many pros to moonlighting, there are also some cons to consider:
Decreased job security – If you’re working additional hours outside your regular schedule, your position at your current employer could be in jeopardy.
Feeling less valued – When you’re not officially employed by a company or doing freelance work as part of a project, it may feel like you’re not contributing as much value as usual. It can make the job feel less worth doing and make you more likely to leave if a job opportunity does not materialize.
Not being able to take time off – if you’re working additional hours, it may be tough to take time off for vacations or other personal obligations. It can lead to feeling stressed and drained from your job, which could have negative consequences.
Why are organizations apprehensive of moonlighting?
If you’re considering moonlighting, be prepared for the potential backlash. Organizations are apprehensive of moonlighting for a few reasons. One is that it can lead to the erosion of trust between employees and employers. In some cases, moonlighting may be seen as espionage or stealing their employer’s intellectual property.
Additionally, it’s considered a violation of an employee’s contract, which can have legal consequences. If you’re still on the fence, email your HR department to get their thoughts on the matter. They may have some advice or pointers that will help you make a decision that’s in your best interest.
As per media, there are instances that companies are asking employees to leave for Moonlighting. Wipro did that for 300 employees in Sep 2022.
The desire for employees to be dedicated
Employees who moonlight often face a dilemma – do they keep their job a secret, or should they open up about it and risk tension with their boss? On the one hand, employees may find some flexibility in their work schedule as they can go back and forth between full-time work and moonlighting. On the other hand, there are pros and cons to being secretive about your moonlighting activities.
The pros include preserving privacy, managing time more efficiently, avoiding conflict with peers, etc. However, the con is that you may not get recognition for all of your hard work. If you’re not upfront with your boss from the start, then resentment could build up over time. Ultimately, it’s crucial to weigh both sides of the coin before deciding either way!
Fear that moonlighting will lead to absenteeism and unproductive work
Many businesses are apprehensive about allowing their employees to moonlight. They fear that employees will be less productive and likely to fall flat on their work performance. However, recent studies have shown no link between moonlighting and absenteeism or unproductive work-life balance.
Another worry is about an increase in workplace laziness. However, all these fears need not prevail – with an understanding of both parties, things can run much smoother!
First and foremost, proper communication is essential so that each party understands what the other expects from them.
Concerns over potential conflict of interest
Employees are always worried about potential conflicts of interest. It is especially the case in the corporate world, where employees take advantage of their position or neglect their work duties for personal gain.
Moreover, moonlighting can create competition and jealousy amongst employees vying for the same job opportunities. It can also erode trust and credibility with customers who may feel like they’re not getting a good deal compared to those who have already left their previous employer (moonlighting).
Lack of trust between employee and employer
When employees and employers don’t trust each other, it can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. This lack of trust often crops up in the form of disputes between employees and their supervisors. A survey by Forbes has found that people are less productive when moonlighting – not just because they’re putting in two jobs instead of one, but also because they’re not focused on one task.
Many organizations have moonlighting policies in place to avoid any such problems arising. However, if these policies aren’t well communicated or understood by everyone involved, then conflict is almost inevitable. As a result, both sides suffer – the employee loses focus and motivation during their second job; the employer suffers a loss of time dealing with conflictual situations rather than focusing on the work.
Possible data breach
There is a fear that employees might leak company secrets, confidential information, proprietary information, or steal trade secrets while moonlighting. It could result in a data breach that can have consequences for the organization, including loss of trust and loyalty on the part of employees.
You must be open and honest with your boss about your moonlighting plans – for they know what to expect. And make sure you put preventive measures in place, such as installing security software or having an emergency protocol in place if there are any concerns about employee behavior.
How can companies explore the moonlighting scenario to their advantage?
Moonlighting is a beautiful thing. It can help companies improve their relationships with clients and employees, which may lead to higher productivity. But before companies can reap the benefits of a healthy moonlighting scenario, they must consider all the factors.
Policies that support moonlighting are essential, ensuring that all the necessary provisions are in place to make it work smoothly. Moonlighting is a valuable opportunity for good employees to get additional experience or work remotely. Considering how moonlighting can benefit your company is the first step to a successful relationship!
Educational Resources
Here is some training that you can share with your employees and peers to up-skill.
CRM Salesforce for Beginners – Become an expert in CRM Salesforce by mastering concepts of CRM, its business implications and how Cloud computing is changing the way businesses use technology to engage with their customers.
Design Patterns Certification – Understand Design Patterns, to enhance your skills, aiming to be an efficient Software Architect and develop some highly scalable and maintainable applications.
Become an expert in Analytics for Retail Banks – Master the concepts of analytics lifecycle, data infrastructure, customer lifecycle, and digital trends while going through global retail banking case studies.
Mastering Git and GitHub – Master the concepts like Branches, Design and Git work flow by using Git Command Line, GitHub Desktop and SourceTree.
Certified Blockchain & Healthcare Professional – Master the art of building robust healthcare-based blockchain systems.
Become a Certified Blockchain Architect – Craft the guidelines and structure of the whole blockchain system.
Certified Blockchain & Law Professional – Gain an in-depth understanding of the Blockchain in legal processes.
Blockchain & Supply Chain Professional – Master the core concepts of implementing Blockchain in Supply Chain industry to solve large-scale problems.
Certified Blockchain & Finance Professional – Gain an in-depth understanding of the Blockchain technology in Finance.
Should you be secretive about moonlighting?
When we speak about moonlighting, being secretive or not becomes a personal decision and should be discussed with your partner before making a decision.
Consider the impact on your family and how it will change the dynamics of your well-being.
The most important factor is what you think is best for your career and individual situation. If you’re unsure, lean on the side of caution and be secretive. You never know, it might be the right decision, and you can later reveal your secret in due time!
The Risks Associated With Moonlighting.
Moonlighting can be a risky business decision, as it can lead to conflict with your boss or co-workers and may even jeopardize your work. Here are three of the main risks associated with this practice:
1. People may think you have something to hide – especially if it is illegal or unethical.
2. If you are secretive about your moonlighting, others might suspect something wrong with you or that you don’t care about your job.
3. This behavior could also earn you the label of “flakes.”
Read your offer letter and employee handbook carefully.
If you decide to join the band of moonlighters, ensure that it does not conflict with the company’s policies and values. It’s also important to read your offer letter and privacy policy carefully before deciding if you want to moonlight, as some conditions may be difficult or impossible to comply with.
For instance, if you are looking for permission/guidance on how much time you can work outside your regular job, this might not be an option due to the policy stated therein.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to make more money depends on your circumstances. However, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding to work part-time or full time:
1. Employees who work part-time may be less likely to receive benefits like paid sick days and maternity leave.
2. Part-time workers may be less likely to get raises or promotions because their employer can assume they have other commitments outside of work.
3. Most people who work part-time believe they make more money overall than those who work full-time.
The practice of Moonlighting is not as uncommon as people might believe. It simply means working on a second job while keeping your primary job. In general, you can moonlight if it does not disrupt work or negatively affect your productivity at work. When it comes to moonlighting, people think about whether or not their employer will find out and fire them.
Employers can take disciplinary action against the workforce for engaging in misconduct, such as working outside their contracted work hours without prior authorization or engaging in improper conduct while at work.
However, the short answer is no – employers cannot prevent employees from moonlighting as long as it doesn’t conflict with any clause in the employee’s contract. If you refuse and continue to moonlight, your employer may fire you for disobeying rules.
Conclusion
So, you’re thinking about moonlighting? Great idea! However, before jumping into the job market, consider the pros and cons of moonlighting. Although job moonlighting can be a great way to make extra money, some organizations are apprehensive about it because of the potential risks. On the other hand, there are plenty of benefits – from making new friends to boosting your resume.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to be secretive about your job moonlighting. However, we recommend consulting with your concerned employer before taking any action. We want you to have the best possible experience when moonlighting, so please leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: The post may contain affiliate links.
