One paycheck is not enough. The need for second incomes is mounting.

Sarah has two jobs: a marketing specialist by day and a freelance graphic designer by night. Each morning, she heads to her corporate job, managing digital campaigns for a tech company from 9 to 5. Once her workday ends, she transitions to her freelance gig, creating branding materials and social media graphics for various clients. Often, she works late into the night or on weekends to meet client deadlines, juggling multiple projects.

Despite the financial benefits, she struggles to maintain a healthy work-life balance, striving to excel in both jobs while managing her well-being. Sarah’s experience encapsulates the highs and lows of being overemployed, highlighting the complexities many individuals face in today’s economy. 

Sarah is not alone. Many are juggling between jobs, sometimes without their employers’ knowledge. 

What started during the pandemic when many had more time to spare is becoming a norm, with many choosing to retain full-time jobs and side hustles to make ends meet.

Hamza Khan, Co-Founder and CEO at Letswork, says that “the flexibility of remote work and the simplicity with which one can start side businesses via digital platforms are leading more people to take on multiple jobs, projects, or businesses.” He adds that this trend is driven by “the desire for financial security or the pursuit of personal passions.”

HOW EASY IS IT TO HANDLE TWO JOBS? 

The founders of Prana House, Gitanjali Diwan and Rupali Tanna Jaiswal, who juggle full-time jobs alongside their wellness venture, emphasize the rewarding nature of their dual commitments. They acknowledge that while managing two roles can be challenging, the fulfillment of making a positive impact drives their passion.

“Rather than thinking of it as balancing two separate roles, we view our passion for wellness as something that enhances our professional performance,” Diwan says.

For them, pursuing a second job was realizing a lifelong passion for wellness. “We both love what we do, and our full-time positions allow us to hone the skills we’ve developed over 20 years,” Diwan adds. 

Starting Prana House has been transformative for their personal growth. “Building this business from the ground up has been a significant part of our journey,” Jaiswal says.

When asked about potential conflicts with their employers, she adds, “There is no conflict of interest at all. When you are confident in your role and passionate about what you do, everything aligns perfectly.”

IS IT  LEGAL TO HAVE TWO JOBS?

As inflation and the cost of living increase, more individuals will likely take on multiple gigs. Understanding the legal landscape is critical for ensuring security and stability in the long run.

According to Lucy Melville, Associate – Employment at Addleshaw Goddard, the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 recognizes part-time work as a legitimate employment model in the UAE. The Labour Law allows employees to take on a second job, provided they obtain consent from their current employer, hold the appropriate work permit, and do not exceed eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. Melville emphasizes the importance of securing the correct work permit, as recent amendments impose significant fines—ranging from approximately $27,200 to $272,000—for non-compliance and potential criminal sanctions.

While part-time workers and employees with multiple jobs are not specifically protected under the Labour Law, Melville notes that they have avenues for recourse if they feel unfairly penalized by their employer. Employees who have experienced a breach of their employer’s obligations can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or the relevant free zone authority. Melville advises employees to familiarize themselves with their employer’s policies regarding additional employment to mitigate any potential risks.

CAN YOU GET FIRED FOR HAVING ANOTHER JOB?

But can you get fired for having another job? No, says Melville, provided that the second job was obtained lawfully and complies with company policies. Simply having a second job does not constitute a “legitimate reason” unless the employee has violated conditions related to their part-time employment or if the additional job has resulted in underperformance. In such instances, these factors may justify a legitimate reason for termination.

Rachell Hill, Partner – Employment at Addleshaw Goddard, stresses that prior documented consent from the existing employer is imperative before taking on a second job. She advises employees to “check their full-time employment contract and any applicable company policies to ensure compliance with their employer’s procedure regarding entering additional employment.” Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of communication, stating that employees should “communicate with their employer their intention to enter into a part-time employment contract and get the required consent from them before doing so.”

OVEREMPLOYMENT AS A PERMANENT FIXTURE

Khan observes that the trend of multi-job holding is not just set to grow, but become the norm, challenging the traditional full-time employment model. He explains that as individuals “increasingly diversify their income streams,” companies “may need to adapt by offering more flexible, project-based contracts rather than traditional roles.” However, he warns that this shift could lead to “fewer full-time positions and push employees to shoulder more financial and job security risks,” reshaping how we view stable employment and benefits.

Meanwhile, Diwan believes the trend of holding multiple jobs depends on individual motivations. “For some, it’s a necessity; for others, it allows them to pursue their passions. Many find meaning, opportunity, growth, and accomplishment through this arrangement.” 

Jaiswal emphasizes that individuals must reflect on their motivations and intentions to determine what serves them best. “At times, it’s about seeking balance and fulfillment.” 

Hill highlights that “in conjunction with the modifications to the Labour Law that accommodate innovative working models, the UAE government has significantly overhauled its immigration framework.” 

Such reforms introduced flexible visa options and residency permits, enabling employers and employees to explore diverse employment arrangements, including remote work and flexible hours. She notes that the UAE’s evolving employment framework is positioning the country as “a formidable contender on the global stage by offering a variety of job opportunities.” 

Hill emphasizes that these forward-thinking changes are pivotal in fostering “a dynamic, inclusive, and competitive economy,” making the UAE an appealing destination for workers and businesses worldwide.

With the scale of change in the job market, it’s safe to say that while we’ve all become used to changing jobs throughout our careers, we’re entering an era in which most will have more than one career.