Ohio Chatter

Working two jobs at the same time ... bad idea?

Serious Business
O-Trap Chief Shenanigans Officer
18,909 posts 140 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Sep 25, 2019 4:52 PM

I've worked from home for years.  I've had this idea before, but I've always shrugged it off as one with too many unforeseen pitfalls.

Well, I'm contemplating it again, and I figured I'd ask people on here if they've got any advice on what those pitfalls are or might be.

Since I work from home, there wouldn't be any problems with having to be in two places at once most of the time.  And since I'd be using my own equipment, it seems like I could easily shift from one browser to another without much trouble.

Obviously, if the companies operate in the same spaces, there would probably be non-compete issues.  But if they weren't, and they didn't explicitly prohibit additional employment, would it just come down to time?

I know we have a few business owners on here, so I guess I'm asking this:  If you had a remote employee that was getting everything done and performing well, would you care that he was either doing so for another company as well or if it took him less than 40 hours a week to accomplish it?

There isn't actually anything like this on the table, for the record.  Just a hypothetical that I've considered.

gut Senior Member
18,369 posts 115 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Sep 25, 2019 5:38 PM

1) Doubt anyone cares as long as you're getting your work done well, and you're responsive & available (as anyone working remotely on a computer all day should be).

2) Some companies require you to disclose any potential conflicts or other business interests.  Many are not diligent about keeping that updated, but probably require you to disclose it if there are changes.  Might set off some red flags if you ask, and otherwise could be a terminable offense if they find out (but how would they find out?)

Also, be aware of productivity tracking software out there, either installed directly on your work-provided PC or applications you're using over network.
O-Trap Chief Shenanigans Officer
18,909 posts 140 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Sep 25, 2019 6:03 PM
posted by gut

1) Doubt anyone cares as long as you're getting your work done well, and you're responsive & available (as anyone working remotely on a computer all day should be).

2) Some companies require you to disclose any potential conflicts or other business interests.  Many are not diligent about keeping that updated, but probably require you to disclose it if there are changes.  Might set off some red flags if you ask, and otherwise could be a terminable offense if they find out (but how would they find out?)

Also, be aware of productivity tracking software out there, either installed directly on your work-provided PC or applications you're using over network.

Good call on the productivity tracking software.  I've never worked with anyone who insisted on that much oversight, but that would definitely be something to consider.

As I think about it, I'm not sure how I'd explain the need to change hours for one company on days that the other might require me to travel.  That would probably take some gymnastics.  Otherwise, though, I'm pretty sure I could fill two roles relatively well.

May have to be something I look into.
OSH Kosh B'Gosh
4,424 posts 18 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Sep 26, 2019 12:32 PM

I'm working three jobs right now. Haven't had any complaints from my employers. 
FatHobbit Senior Member
9,058 posts 68 reps Joined Nov 2009
Thu, Sep 26, 2019 3:54 PM
posted by OSH

I'm working three jobs right now. Haven't had any complaints from my employers. 

At the same time?  (Same hours?)
OSH Kosh B'Gosh
4,424 posts 18 reps Joined Nov 2009
Fri, Sep 27, 2019 9:11 AM
posted by FatHobbit

At the same time?  (Same hours?)

Essentially. I own my own business and operate it all the time (1), I'm an independent contractor and during work hours I do have to do some communication/planning (2), then my full-time job where I keep regular office hours and run a business for an ownership group (3).
jmog Senior Member
7,737 posts 50 reps Joined Nov 2009
Fri, Sep 27, 2019 10:39 AM

I am working two jobs right now, but not at the same hours. 

 

I have my regular salaried engineering job which requires 30-40% weekday travel.

I also work some nights (when I am in town) and about 2 weekend days a month as a consultant/contractor for a steel company. They pay me really well and a couple times my take home check from them was more than my regular pay, and I only worked 2.5 days for them in the 2 weeks.

 

At times I do take calls for the 2nd job during normal working hours. I will step out of the office if I am working at the office. If I am traveling it isn't an issue. 

 

This second job will allow me to pay off my house inside of 5 years from now rather than 25. 
Automatik Senior Member
15,737 posts 98 reps Joined Nov 2009
Fri, Sep 27, 2019 7:28 PM

Of course it depends on the situation, but I’d prefer to go the route of just getting a better job. 
O-Trap Chief Shenanigans Officer
18,909 posts 140 reps Joined Nov 2009
Fri, Sep 27, 2019 9:13 PM
posted by Automatik

Of course it depends on the situation, but I’d prefer to go the route of just getting a better job. 

I make something in the upper quarter of salary for my profession.  If I can 2x that, I'll take the win.
gut Senior Member
18,369 posts 115 reps Joined Nov 2009
Sat, Sep 28, 2019 3:23 PM
posted by jmog

This second job will allow me to pay off my house inside of 5 years from now rather than 25. 

ya hustlin' for that paper!
allrightythen! Member
6 posts 0 reps Joined Apr 2019
Wed, Oct 2, 2019 6:20 AM

Are you hourly salary or commission? If you were salary or hourly  I dont think your primary employer would appreciate you working for someone else on there dime..IF your commissioned what can you do to increase productivity so you dont have to take on the extra job.If it's something you can do on your own time without any interference I would not think there would be any issues.  Nothing wrong with wanting to explore and capitalize on opportunities.Out of the 2 how will your priorities one over  the other if needed?  

 
O-Trap Chief Shenanigans Officer
18,909 posts 140 reps Joined Nov 2009
Wed, Oct 2, 2019 8:24 AM
posted by allrightythen!

Are you hourly salary or commission? If you were salary or hourly  I dont think your primary employer would appreciate you working for someone else on there dime..IF your commissioned what can you do to increase productivity so you dont have to take on the extra job.If it's something you can do on your own time without any interference I would not think there would be any issues.  Nothing wrong with wanting to explore and capitalize on opportunities.Out of the 2 how will your priorities one over  the other if needed? 

I'd be salaried more than likely.  As for the last question, I'd probably just power through for a long day to get both finished.

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