Over the past three years, Charles has earned between $100,000 and $300,000 annually by secretly juggling remote full-time and contract jobs. He understands, though, that his "overemployment" might not last forever. The extra income has allowed him to make significant home improvements, purchase a rental property, invest in a personal business venture, and buy a new car, he shared via email with Business Insider. However, recent return-to-office mandates and hiring slowdowns have decreased the availability of fully remote positions in his field — consumer products in the tri-state area. This situation has left him reliant on his two remaining remote jobs, dreading the potential need to commute.
While his savings have grown, Charles has become accustomed to multiple paychecks. This extra income would be especially beneficial when he and his wife start a family, a plan they aim to realize in the next year. With the end of his "overemployment" in sight, Charles is exploring other income-generating ideas, such as selling online classes, creating a dropshipping store, starting a podcast channel, self-publishing books on Amazon, selling digital goods on Etsy, creating a TikTok channel, and selling stock photography.
"I would try to find other ways to boost income if it all didn't work out," said Charles, who asked to use a pseudonym due to professional concerns. "I've always been of the mindset of how can I make a lot of money and fast."
Financial security often lacks shortcuts, but over the last few years, some Americans have discovered a sort of cheat code. Business Insider has interviewed over two dozen over-employed individuals who have earned up to $1 million a year by secretly managing multiple remote jobs. This extra income has helped them pay off student debt, save for retirement, and afford luxuries like expensive vacations and weight-loss drugs. Yet, the practice can be mentally taxing, and its ethics are debated. Despite this, most current and former over-employed individuals told BI that the financial benefits were substantial.
However, the golden age of overemployment might be ending. Landing a remote job has become more challenging. During the peak of the pandemic, about half of US working hours were remote, leading to a rise in over-employment. Recent return-to-office mandates have reduced the prevalence of these roles. Competition for remote positions has also intensified. LinkedIn data shows that fully remote job postings have declined from 20% in April 2022 to about 8% by May, yet 46% of the applications in December were for remote roles.
Additionally, layoffs and slowed hiring in the IT and tech industries — fields that facilitated remote working and job flexibility — have impacted over-employed workers. Employee-monitoring software has further complicated the situation, making it harder to hide multiple jobs. Many over-employed workers also recognize that burnout is a risk, regardless of job availability.
Remote work hasn't vanished entirely. In June, around 24% of full-time US workers aged 16 and older worked from home at least part of the time, with 11% being fully remote. However, hybrid work arrangements, where employees go to the office a few days a week, are less feasible for those juggling multiple jobs.
Five current and former job jugglers shared their responses to their over-employment ending — or their plans if it does. Business Insider has verified their earnings and identities, but they used pseudonyms due to professional fears.
Adam, a security risk professional in Arizona, is on track to make about $200,000 this year from two remote full-time jobs. His over-employment since 2022 has helped him reduce his student loans by $50,000, max out his 401(k), boost his credit score, grow an emergency fund, and support friends financially. Adam is considering starting a podcast, becoming a financial coach, and consulting to make up for potential lost income. He's also maximizing his current income to prepare for future financial changes.
Tomas, an IT worker in Georgia, earned over $250,000 last year from two remote jobs. The extra funds helped him grow his net worth to $500,000, pay for two cars, and travel more. While Tomas plans to continue being over-employed and might even take a third job, he also acknowledges the need to cut back on expenses if necessary. For instance, he recently spent $3,000 on luxury items, which he knows might not be practical without his extra income. If none of his new income ideas pan out, Charles also plans to cut expenses, starting with subscriptions.
Joseph, a network engineer in Texas, earned $344,000 in 2022 from three remote jobs, enabling him to pay off his mortgage and save for his children's education. Despite being laid off from two jobs last year, his overemployment provided job security. Now with a less stressful single job, Joseph is financially stable thanks to his savings from the extra jobs, which covered his living expenses, home, and car loans.
Luke, an e-commerce professional, made about $225,000 in 2022 from two remote jobs