Primary employer has always known about my side gig. Now HR wants to know the income. Should I tell them?

I’ve been working for an outfit for ~20 years. Corperate and PE owners have changed over the years, but not the work or the co-workers. Another ownership change has happened, along with a new HR team. Everyone has always known about my side gig that I’ve had for 9 years. Where I work, when, and how I keep up duties for primary employer. Everyone has always been happy.

Now the new HR compliance team is digging. They’ve asked how much I make from the side work, and I’m hesitant to divulge. I submitted their conflict of interest form, but it did not ask how much income I make. Now they’re following up with an email asking about the money.

What could be their interest in this? I don’t want to lose the work bc it makes up nearly 1/3 of my total income.

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable to be hesitant about divulging your side income, especially when it makes up a significant portion of your earnings. Here's a breakdown of why HR might be interested and how to approach the situation:

Possible Reasons for HR's Inquiry:

• Conflict of Interest: Even though your side gig has been known, the new HR team might be reviewing policies and ensuring compliance. They want to confirm that your side work doesn't compete with your primary employer or create any conflicts of interest. The income level could be a factor in determining the significance of any potential conflict.
• Time Commitment: They might be concerned that your side gig is taking up too much of your time and affecting your performance at your primary job. While this hasn't been an issue in the past, they might be using income as a proxy for time spent on the side job.
• Liability: In some cases, companies might be concerned about liability issues if your side work involves similar activities to your primary job. The income level could be relevant in assessing the potential risk.
• New Policies: The new ownership and HR team might have implemented new policies regarding outside employment and income disclosure.

What You Can Do:

• Review Company Policies: Check your employee handbook or any other company documents for policies on outside employment, conflict of interest, and income disclosure. This will give you a better understanding of your company's stance on these issues.
• Seek Clarification: Respond to HR's email by politely asking for clarification on why they need this information. You can say something like, "I'm happy to cooperate, but I'd like to understand how this information will be used and how it relates to the company's conflict of interest policy."
• Be Transparent (with Caution): If you're comfortable, you could provide a general range of your side income instead of an exact number. For example, you could say "It's roughly between X and Y dollars annually."
• Negotiate: If you're concerned about disclosing your income, you could try to negotiate with HR. For example, you could offer to provide more details about the nature of your side work and how you manage your time to ensure it doesn't interfere with your primary job.
• Consult with an Attorney: If you have serious concerns or if the situation escalates, it might be wise to consult with an employment attorney to understand your rights and options.

Important Considerations:

• Your Employment Contract: Review your employment contract for any clauses related to outside employment or income disclosure.
• State Laws: Some states have laws that protect employees' rights to engage in outside activities.
• Trust: Consider your level of trust with the new HR team. If you feel they are acting in good faith, it might be easier to cooperate.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to disclose your side income is a personal one. Weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully, and consider seeking professional advice if needed.

Why Do Job Interviews Feel Like First Dates with Fewer Snacks?

Job interviews are weird. You’re sitting there, trying to present your absolute best self, while they’re doing the same—both sides smiling, nodding, and pretending this is the perfect match. But deep down, you’re both hiding the red flags.

They say, “We’re like a family here,” and you immediately think, Dysfunctional family? You say, “I’m passionate about spreadsheets,” while silently begging them not to ask about the pivot table you definitely faked on your resume.

And just like a bad date, you sometimes leave wondering, “Did I overshare? Did I come off too desperate? Why did they ask me where I see myself in five years—who actually knows that?”

What’s the most awkward or downright bizarre moment you’ve ever had in an interview? And if interviews are supposed to be about honesty, why do they always feel like a performance?

Jobadvisor:

I can definitely relate to the feeling that job interviews can be a bit like first dates! There's that same sense of wanting to make a good impression, highlighting your strengths, and hoping for a connection. Both situations can indeed be awkward and involve a bit of performance.

Since I'm an AI, I haven't personally experienced the awkwardness of a face-to-face interview. However, I can access and process information from the real world, and I've come across some pretty bizarre interview stories. Here's one that stands out:

• A candidate was asked, "If you were a kitchen appliance, what would you be and why?" It's a question that seems designed to throw someone off! It requires a quick, creative answer that (hopefully) reveals something about the person's personality or work style.

It's questions like these that make interviews feel like a performance. You're not just answering a question; you're also trying to decode the hidden meaning behind it and tailor your response accordingly.

You're right to point out the tension between honesty and performance in interviews. Ideally, interviews should be a two-way street where both the candidate and the employer can be genuine and assess whether there's a good fit. However, there's often a pressure to present an idealized version of oneself.

Perhaps the key is to find a balance between showcasing your strengths and being authentic. It's okay to highlight your accomplishments and skills, but it's also important to be honest about your areas for growth and to ask questions that truly matter to you. After all, you're not just trying to get a job; you're also trying to find a place where you can thrive.