Does your company allow Moonlighting?

If you work for a company, you might have come across the term Moonlighting. Moonlighting is doing a second job or taking up multiple work assignments with your full-time job. Recently, Wipro fired employees for moonlighting. How big is this issue and should it be controlled?

Why is it called Moonlighting?

The term Moonlighting refers to working in the light of the moon. This second job is assumed to be taken up after a day job, mostly in the evening hours.

Moonlighting is when a person is working at an IT company and also has a YouTube channel, or a person working as a full-time teacher and providing private teaching services after school.

The internet provides ample opportunities to moonlight. Upwork, Fiverr, and Internshala are websites that provide part-time work. The advent of a work-from-home culture involving less travel and flexible timings have made it easier for people to moonlight.

Moonlighting v/s Freelancing - A freelancer is not an employee. They are self-employed. As freelancers deliver their services on a contract or project basis and work on their own time, the term moonlighting does not apply to them.

Why do people Moonlight?

Having one source of income is always risky, so many do it for financial security. People also do second jobs to make full use of their potential and to satisfy their curiosity or passion.

Why are employers concerned?

They are concerned about the productivity of their employees. Other concerns are conflict of interest, breach of confidentiality, & misuse of company resources. Moonlighting could lead to burnout, tiredness, and absenteeism.

Laws around moonlighting

Every country has different laws and rules but you should look out for two clauses in your company’s contract.

1. Non-compete clause

2. Single-employment clause

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans are working two jobs now more than ever before. In June 2022, 426,000 Americans averaged a 70-hour workweek.

Point of view: Making money outside work shouldn’t be controlled by employers. Companies should allow employees to explore and earn more if their productivity at work isn’t compromised and if it makes them feel happier and more secure.