In a recent article by Business Insider, a US millennial, known as Charles, revealed that he made over $100,000 last year by secretly working multiple remote jobs. Charles, who is based in the New York tri-state area, initially took on a freelance side gig to save up for a Tesla while working his main remote job. After the side gig ended, Charles continued to seek out remote opportunities, taking advantage of the shift to remote work brought on by the pandemic.
Over the past few years, Charles has managed to work a mix of remote full-time and contract jobs simultaneously, keeping his overemployment a secret from his employers. This job juggling allowed him to earn substantial amounts of money, with over $300,000 in 2021, over $200,000 in 2022, and over $100,000 in 2023. With this income, Charles was able to pay off debts, make home improvements, buy a rental property, invest in a personal business venture, and purchase a new car.
However, as hiring slowdowns and return-to-office mandates have impacted the job market, Charles has found it increasingly challenging to find new roles in his industry. Some companies have scaled back hiring, while others are mainly recruiting for in-person or hybrid roles. Despite the decline in remote job postings on platforms like LinkedIn, the demand for remote roles remains strong, with fully remote jobs accounting for nearly half of all applications in December.
Charles expressed his reluctance to return to a traditional office setting, citing the dreaded work commute as a major factor. He highlighted the cost and time associated with commuting to work, emphasizing the benefits of working remotely. To avoid suspicion from his employers, Charles uses separate devices and calendars for each job, ensuring that he can complete tasks for both roles without putting in extra hours.
While job juggling can be lucrative, the fierce competition for remote gigs has made it unattainable for many workers. Despite the challenges, Charles remains committed to working remotely and is willing to fight any potential repercussions if his overemployment is discovered. His story sheds light on the evolving landscape of remote work and the strategies individuals are employing to navigate the changing job market.
