The typical overemployed worker is a male millennial making six figures annually across multiple tech job
Read their original article: https://www.businessinsider.com/overemployed-remote-jobs-workers-millennials-tech-overemployment-retirement-savings-2024-2#:~:text=Some%20%22overemployed%22%20workers%20are%20secretly,extra%20income%20and%20job%20security.
Over the past year, Business Insider has interviewed approximately 10 individuals who have quietly taken on multiple remote jobs, collectively earning up to $820,000 annually.
These "overemployed" individuals are predominantly male, earning well over six figures, and typically working in tech or IT positions, aiming to sustain this arrangement for as long as possible.
While some companies may permit employees to take on additional work under certain circumstances, doing so without authorization could breach employment contracts and lead to termination.
Determining the total number of overemployed individuals is challenging. The subreddit r/overemployed boasts nearly 300,000 members, where workers exchange tips and guidance, though not all members are likely to be actively juggling multiple jobs.
As of January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that around 416,000 Americans were simultaneously holding two full-time jobs, primarily blue-collar workers.
The ambiguity surrounding overemployment is compounded by varying definitions. For instance, the St. Louis Fed defines it as anyone with a full-time job who works additional hours for another employer, rather than specifically engaging in secret multiple job-holding.
Despite the lack of precise figures, the phenomenon of overemployment has sparked discussions among workplace experts, managers, and single-job holders about the implications and ethics of double-dipping in the job market.
Overemployed individuals often fit the profile of male millennials in tech or IT roles, reflecting the industries' gender demographics where women comprise 23% of tech employment in the US, as reported by WomenTech Network.
The prevalence of overemployment in IT and tech sectors could be attributed to the higher availability of remote positions, a key requirement for most job jugglers. These industries also offer the flexibility that facilitates overemployment for some individuals.
Many of the overemployed individuals interviewed by BI were millennials, although Gen Zers and Gen Xers also engage in job juggling. The average age of multiple jobholders is 42, according to the St. Louis Fed.
Typically, overemployed individuals earn between $100,000 and $500,000 across up to four jobs. However, they often find the stress of managing multiple roles worthwhile only when they are well-compensated.
Therefore, the vast majority of job jugglers interviewed by BI earned at least six figures annually, with higher earnings correlated with more jobs and greater experience.
In some exceptional cases, overemployment can be even more lucrative, with individuals earning over $500,000 across multiple non-simultaneous roles.