If you’re like me, the idea of overemployed is pretty appealing. It would mean I could work from anywhere I want and never have to worry about finding a new job again. But before you quit your day job to start applying for your dream position, there are a few things you should consider. Being overemployed can be risky, especially if one of them is your main source of income. Here are a few things to keep in mind before make the switch.
#1 If one or both employers find out you are overemployed
What should you do if your boss finds out you have a second job? What if they discover you’ve been working remotely for another company? The first thing to do is stay calm. There’s no need to panic or make any rash decisions. If your boss asks you about it, be honest and open with them. Explain that you’re passionate about your work and that you’re looking for ways to challenge yourself. You may also want to mention that you’re doing it for the extra income. If your boss is okay with it, great! If not, you may need to choose between the two jobs. Ultimately, it’s up to you which job is more important to you. But if you can find a way to keep both, that’s even better!
#2 Check for Non-Compete Agreements
If you’re thinking about taking on a remote job, there’s one potential pitfall you’ll want to avoid: non-compete agreements. What are non-compete agreements? They’re basically contracts that prevent you from working for a competitor of your current employer. And if you have one, it could limit your ability to take on a new remote job.
So how can you tell if you have a non-compete agreement? The best way is to check your employment contract. If it includes language about not working for a competitor, then you have a non-compete agreement. Alternatively, you can ask your employer directly. They should be able to tell you if you’re bound by a non-compete agreement or not.
If you do have a non-compete agreement, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t take on a remote job. However, you’ll need to be careful about which job you choose. Make sure that the company you’re considering is not in direct competition with your current employer. Otherwise, you could find yourself in violation of your contract.
Bottom line: if you’re thinking about getting a remote job, take the time to check for non-compete agreements.
#3 If the employer(s) find out about your overemployment…just be honest
So, you’ve been caught with your hand in the cookie jar – or, more accurately, with two remote jobs. What should you do?
First, take a deep breath. It’s not the end of the world. You can handle this. Next, sit down with your employer and explain the situation honestly. They may be understanding and give you some leeway. Or they may not be happy about it, but as long as you’re upfront with them, they’ll respect your honesty. Finally, depending on your employer’s reaction, you may need to choose between your two jobs. If they’re both great opportunities, it’s up to you to decide which one you want to keep. But if one is clearly better than the other, maybe it’s time to cut your losses and focus on the job that’s a better fit for you.
#4 Keep Your Overemployed Status to Yourself
If you’re working two remote jobs, there’s no need to tell your coworkers. In fact, it’s probably best to keep it a secret. Here are a few reasons why: First, you’ll be able to get twice as much work done if your coworkers aren’t constantly coming to you with questions or distractions. Second, you’ll be able to focus better if you’re not worrying about what your coworkers think of you. And finally, if word gets out that you’re working two jobs, you may find yourself in the position of having to justify why you’re doing it. So save yourself the hassle and keep your second job a secret. Your coworkers will thank you for it.
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