This is a free excerpt from one of Shortform’s Articles. We give you all the important information you need to know about current events and more.
Don't miss out on the whole story. Sign up for a free trial here .
Why are many Americans working multiple jobs at once? How does overemployment impact workers and employers? What’s the future of overworking in the US?
Overemployment—working multiple jobs simultaneously—is a growing trend that’s enabling some Americans to significantly increase their incomes. While providing clear financial upsides, prolonged overemployment can negatively impact professionals’ mental health, job security, and relationships with employers.
Here’s a look at the upsides and downsides of overemployment.
Overemployment Is on the Rise
Across America, a small but rapidly growing group of white-collar professionals are secretly adopting an unconventional strategy to ramp up their income: working not just one, but two or even three full-time remote jobs at once while strategically keeping their employers out of the loop.
Background
Overemployment, the practice of working multiple jobs at the same time, has emerged as a quiet workplace rebellion of sorts in the US. Enabled by the shift to flexible remote and hybrid work models during the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice is often seen among white-collar professionals in sectors including technology, business, finance, and marketing, where remote and flexible work options are more prevalent.
In August 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that close to 5% of the US workforce (7.5 million employees) held multiple jobs. The figure jumps to 37% for remote workers specifically, according to a January 2023 Monster survey. And over 300,000 overemployed professionals have found community on digital platforms like Reddit and Discord, where they celebrate, commiserate, and exchange ideas related to working multiple jobs.
Overemployment Upsides
Experts say that overemployment provides Americans several important benefits, including:
Many overemployed professionals say there’s nothing unethical about holding two jobs simultaneously so long as they’re meeting all their responsibilities. They further contend that advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are enabling them to better manage the workload that comes with holding multiple full-time jobs, by automating tasks and facilitating multitasking.
Overemployment Downsides
However, experts also say that overemployment comes with significant problems, including that:
- Individuals working multiple jobs simultaneously can experience ongoing stress and anxiety from hiding their double life from employers.
- Prolonged overemployment can lead to burnout, sleep deprivation, marital problems, and other negative outcomes.
- When employers discover that workers are juggling jobs, it can damage trust and reduce employees’ job security.
Employers’ Response
Experts say that these issues speak to a central tension at play: Overemployed professionals often say they’re simply using their time and skills efficiently and that they deserve the compensation they earn from each job. But many executives consider overemployment blatant fraud.
Some companies are fighting back by monitoring remote workers through tracking software. Others are firing employees they discover secretly working several jobs simultaneously.
Looking Ahead
While some perceive the increasing trend of overemployment as a tool to gain unprecedented control over their lives and level the playing field in a rigged work system, others question its sustainability amid potential corporate backlash.
Despite the challenges, some experts say that if juggling jobs is a natural progression of capitalism—which current overemployment trends seem to indicate—businesses must adapt to this new reality and identify meaningful ways to connect with workers who value flexibility and autonomy. In a future work world likely to be shaped by factors such as remote work, the gig economy, and AI technology, collaboration and trust will become even more crucial. Employers who show faith in and adapt to employees’ work styles will be rewarded with a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce.
Want to fast-track your learning? With Shortform, you’ll gain insights you won't find anywhere else .
Here's what you’ll get when you sign up for Shortform :
- Complicated ideas explained in simple and concise ways
- Smart analysis that connects what you’re reading to other key concepts
- Writing with zero fluff because we know how important your time is
