Additional Coverage:
- Fears of a return-to-office mandate prompted a millennial to secretly get a second remote job (newsbreak.com)
A local millennial, “George,” is secretly juggling two remote IT jobs in the finance industry. He started his second job in 2022 after his primary employer hinted at a return-to-office policy.
Initially, George sought a new, fully remote position as a backup plan. He received an offer but hesitated to leave his original job. His recruiter suggested keeping both.
Now, earning $250,000 annually, George is working around 45 hours a week and is on track to retire by 50. The extra income has allowed him and his wife to accelerate their mortgage payments and build significant savings.
While his wife occasionally suggests he cut back due to stress, George finds the financial benefits outweigh the drawbacks. He appreciates the flexibility and financial security, especially in light of recent economic uncertainty.
George’s first employer is still considering a return-to-office policy, a major motivator for his overemployment. His second employer is fully remote. He admits juggling both roles can be challenging and requires careful communication with colleagues and managers.
He acknowledges that dividing his time means he can’t always excel in both roles simultaneously. His strategy is to maintain a good standard of work at both companies and be transparent about any potential delays.
George plans to continue this double life until retirement, aiming to travel and potentially move abroad. He’s aware of the risks associated with overemployment, but feels the current high demand for IT workers justifies the risk.