In recent years, a growing number of professionals are embracing what’s known as “polywork”—the practice of working two (or more) full-time jobs simultaneously. While some people are attracted by the prospect of doubling their income or pursuing diverse professional passions, polywork comes with complex considerations. It’s a trend that speaks to our modern work culture, where flexibility and opportunity often meet with high demands and potential risks. But is it as easy as balancing two job titles and two paychecks? Not exactly.
In this article, we’ll discuss why polyworking has become such a hot topic, examine its potential drawbacks, and offer insights to consider when contemplating this unconventional—and occasionally risky—approach to work.
Why polywork is on the rise
The popularity of polywork stems from a few key factors shaping the current work landscape. With the increase in remote work, professionals now have more flexibility in their schedules. This change has given people the opportunity to consider unconventional ways to earn income and pursue multiple career paths. In times of economic uncertainty, some workers find that an extra job provides more financial security, helping them meet long-term goals like paying down debt or saving for a house.
But the reasons go beyond finances. Many people also see polyworking as a way to pursue different interests. If your full-time job is stable but not particularly fulfilling, a second role could allow you to explore something new without leaving the security of your main job. This approach allows some to gain skills and build a diverse career portfolio, which may open doors to other roles down the line.
Potential legal issues of polywork: What the fine print says
The first step to understanding the legal aspects of polywork is knowing what your employment contract permits. “Legally, a person can hold two full-time jobs—unless a contract or employment agreement specifies otherwise,” says employment lawyer Edward Hones. “Most employment contracts in the U.S. operate under ‘at-will’ terms, meaning that, absent specific restrictions, employees generally have the right to work multiple jobs.”
However, many companies include specific clauses to prevent conflicts of interest or dual employment that interferes with primary duties. “Contracts with exclusivity clauses usually prevent employees from working with competitors or taking on additional employment that could lead to a conflict of interest,” Hones says. If your contract has one of these clauses, working two jobs—even outside of your regular working hours—could put you at risk of breaching the contract.
Before taking on a second role, carefully review your current job’s employment agreement. Pay special attention to any exclusivity or non-compete clauses, which could restrict the kind of work you’re allowed to pursue. Even if your contract doesn’t specifically forbid polywork, be cautious of overlapping responsibilities that might create potential legal issues.
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Tax and benefit implications: The hidden financial details of polyworking
Polywork also has unique tax implications and impacts on benefits that many people don’t anticipate. For instance, when working two jobs, each employer withholds Social Security and Medicare taxes from your paycheck. This can sometimes lead to overpayment in FICA taxes, but, as Hones points out, “employees can generally reclaim the overpaid portion when they file their tax return.” So, it’s a hassle, but one that can be rectified if you’re aware of it.
As for retirement benefits like 401(k) plans, working two jobs may mean having access to two different retirement accounts. However, keep in mind that there are IRS-imposed annual limits on contributions. If you participate in two plans, you’ll need to ensure your combined contributions don’t exceed the cap. Consider consulting a financial advisor who understands the unique tax and retirement implications of working two full-time jobs.
For a little extra guidance, read this next: Two Jobs and Tax: Will a Second Job Affect My Taxes?
The performance paradox: When working too much works against you
Balancing two full-time jobs doesn’t only come with logistical challenges—it can also impact your performance. It’s easy to imagine burnout becoming a reality when your schedule is twice as packed. Overlapping deadlines, back-to-back (or worse—conflicting) meetings, and high expectations from both employers can lead to a level of exhaustion that ultimately affects your productivity and performance in both roles.
“Overextending oneself also increases the risk of performance issues,” Hones says. Employers tend to notice when performance suffers. If you start missing deadlines or seem disengaged, they may wonder if something else is eating into your time.
“If both employers have high expectations, this strain could eventually lead to burnout or disciplinary action from either employer,” Hones says. In other words, doubling up on jobs doesn’t always mean doubling up on success.
The risk of “double-dipping” and confidentiality breaches
Beyond performance, there are ethical and legal considerations around confidentiality and “double-dipping.” Double-dipping refers to working both jobs during the same hours, which many employers explicitly prohibit. Even if you think you can handle both sets of tasks in parallel, this approach could raise red flags, potentially putting you at risk of disciplinary action or termination.
Confidentiality is another critical factor when holding two jobs in the same industry. “Competing obligations or sharing industry-specific knowledge across two roles could expose employees to confidentiality concerns or even legal action, especially if proprietary information is involved,” Hones says. When juggling two positions, transparency and an airtight commitment to confidentiality are essential to avoid potential legal complications.
Work-life balance: The unseen toll of polywork
For those who embrace polyworking, one of the biggest challenges is maintaining a work-life balance. Polywork, by its nature, can leave very little room for personal time, social activities, or even adequate rest. While the initial goal of financial gain or professional variety might feel exciting, the reality can often be overwhelming. Time for self-care, relationships, and mental well-being may fall by the wayside, leading to stress, burnout, or even health issues over time.
While some people manage to find a rhythm, sustaining a balanced lifestyle with such a demanding schedule is challenging, and the toll on personal life is real. It’s worth considering whether the potential benefits of polywork justify the commitment and impact on your quality of life.
Bottom line: Think twice before polyworking
Polywork might seem like a path to financial freedom or a way to diversify your skills, but it comes with complex legal, logistical, and personal risks. Between scrutinizing the terms of your contract, juggling multiple sets of tax and benefits requirements, and balancing your own energy and mental health, you’ll have a lot to manage with this dual-employment trend. It’s worth assessing whether the potential benefits outweigh the many challenges and understanding all the implications before diving in.
“Being transparent about workload and careful with time management is needed to navigate polywork responsibly,” Hones says. By making informed choices and carefully evaluating all aspects of polywork, you can determine whether this lifestyle aligns with your personal and professional goals.