How Remote Workers Are Secretly Earning Over $1 Million by Juggling Multiple Jobs Within a 40-Hour Workweek

The Rise of Overemployment in the Remote Work Era

If you've noticed your coworker's constant 'away' status on Teams or their camera-off policy during meetings, they might be part of a growing trend: secretly holding multiple full-time jobs within a standard 40-hour workweek. This practice, known as overemployment, has gained traction, especially among remote workers in tech and healthcare industries.

The Viral Case That Sparked the Conversation

Last month, the story of a software engineer working at multiple Silicon Valley startups simultaneously went viral, prompting companies to scrutinize their employees' work habits more closely. The prevalence of remote work has made it easier for workers to manage multiple roles without their employers' knowledge.

How They Do It: AI and Productivity Tools

One anonymous worker shared with Fortune that they currently juggle three jobs, earning a combined $725,000 annually. At one point, they managed five roles, thanks to AI productivity tools that automate tasks like email responses, meeting notes, and deliverables. "It became a game to see how many jobs I could handle without losing my sanity," they admitted.

The Ethical Debate

While some argue that overemployment is a smart way to maximize earnings, others question its ethics. Lewis Maleh, CEO of Bentley Lewis, warns that holding multiple full-time roles without employer consent is unethical and could have long-term career consequences.

The Future of Overemployment

Despite the controversy, the trend shows no signs of slowing down, especially with remote work remaining prevalent. However, experts like Jerry Jacobs, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, believe that as companies get better at monitoring remote productivity, the feasibility of overemployment may decline.

Key Takeaways

• Remote work has enabled workers to secretly hold multiple full-time jobs.
• AI tools are making it easier to manage workloads across several roles.
• The ethical implications of overemployment are sparking debate among professionals.
• As companies adapt to remote work, the trend may face challenges in the future.