George, a 39-year-old IT professional in the southeast, secretly took on a second remote job in 2022 to avoid a potential return to the office. Worried his finance industry employer might mandate in-office work, he sought a new remote role and ended up juggling two similar positions simultaneously.
Encouraged by a recruiter, George decided to try "over employment," believing he could easily drop one job if it became overwhelming. Two years later, he earns approximately $250,000 annually—double his previous income—while typically working no more than 45 hours per week. This extra income has enabled him and his wife to accelerate mortgage payments and build a multi-million dollar nest egg, with George considering retirement at 50.
While his wife occasionally suggests reducing his workload to alleviate stress, George intends to continue working both jobs. He finds the financial benefits outweigh the stress and the risk of being discovered. He's part of a growing trend of "overemployed" individuals who leverage multiple remote jobs to boost their earnings, often using the extra money for travel or debt repayment. However, this practice carries risks, including potential professional repercussions and burnout.
George's original employer initially classified his team as remote, but some teams have since been required to return to the office several days a week. Living about an hour's commute from the office during rush hour, George is concerned about a potential mandatory return. His second employer, however, has fully embraced remote work, reducing that particular concern.
George acknowledges that managing two demanding jobs with numerous meetings isn't easy. He's had to adjust his expectations, focusing on being "good or decent" in both roles rather than striving for exceptional performance in one. Open communication with colleagues and bosses has been crucial, especially when meetings overlap or deadlines need adjusting. He emphasizes that maintaining good work quality, reasonable timelines, and honest communication minimizes scrutiny.
George plans to remain over-employed until retirement to maximize savings and create a financial buffer against potential layoffs. His long-term goals include retiring early, traveling, and possibly moving abroad to reduce living expenses. He recognizes that the current high demand for IT workers has facilitated his situation, but he wants to capitalize on the opportunity while it lasts.