The Shift from Overemployment to a Balanced Life

John, a millennial software engineer based in California, once earned up to $300,000 annually by secretly juggling two full-time remote jobs. This lifestyle provided him with high income, job security, and the flexibility to work from home. However, recent changes have led him to scale back and rethink his approach to work and life.

The Rise and Fall of Overemployment

John started working multiple remote roles in 2021, a practice known as overemployment. He saved most of his extra earnings, accumulating over $150,000 in savings, which allowed him to splurge on experiences like a $9,000 honeymoon. But about a year ago, one of his jobs ended when the company folded, reducing his income significantly.

Adding to the challenges, his remaining employer began encouraging a return-to-office (RTO) policy, requiring him to work from the office a few times a month. This made it harder to manage multiple jobs, as he could no longer attend virtual meetings for one job while working on tasks for another during office days.

Adapting to New Priorities

With a child on the way, John decided to prioritize work-life balance over maximizing income. He now focuses on a part-time side hustle in software engineering, earning about $50 an hour, which brings his total income to around $225,000 this year—down from his peak but still substantial.

He has reduced his part-time hours to 5-10 per week to avoid burnout and ensure he has time for family responsibilities. John emphasizes that scaling back hasn't meant cutting spending, but rather saving less money. He maintains a frugal lifestyle, relying on his W-2 income for daily expenses and using side hustle earnings for savings.

Building Financial Security Without Multiple Jobs

John feels financially secure due to his savings, which include a rainy-day fund covering six months of expenses. He also leverages his professional network for job security, confident that he could quickly find new employment if needed. His employer's flexible RTO policy allows him to work from home when necessary, preserving some of the remote work benefits he values.

Lessons for Remote Workers

This story highlights the challenges and trade-offs of overemployment, especially in a changing job market with tech layoffs and RTO mandates. While juggling multiple jobs can boost income, it may not be sustainable long-term. John's shift to a side hustle and emphasis on savings and networking offers a model for others seeking financial stability without the stress of overemployment.

John sums it up: "As much as I like working, I like not-working better. My priority in life will always be my family, and being able to focus on what matters will be great for my well-being."