Financial necessity drives some to risk legal and ethical repercussions while silently managing dual careers.
SINGAPORE: In a city known for its relentless work culture, a rising number of Singaporeans are navigating the hidden challenges of being “overemployed” — holding two full-time jobs simultaneously. While initially a survival tactic for low-wage earners, the phenomenon has extended to white-collar professionals leveraging remote and flexible work opportunities that emerged during the pandemic.
Ms X, a school teacher in her early 30s, embodies this struggle. As the sole breadwinner for her family, her S$3,000 monthly teaching salary barely covers her family’s needs, including young children and elderly parents with high medical expenses. Since 2020, she has secretly taken on a second full-time role as a tutor for a tuition company.
Government data highlights the scope of this trend. As of January 2023, 3.1% of Singapore’s workforce held multiple jobs, slightly below the 10-year high of 3.5% in 2021. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng reported in 2022 that over 53,200 Singaporeans worked more than one job, with half earning less than S$1,500 per job.
However, this financial necessity comes with legal and ethical concerns. For instance, Ms X’s employer, the Ministry of Education (MOE), prohibits teachers from working at tuition centers. An MOE spokesperson stated, “MOE takes a serious view of misconduct by our staff and will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those who fail to adhere to our standards of conduct and discipline.”
Employment lawyer S. Suressh of Harry Elias Partnership echoed these concerns, emphasizing that working for a competitor without employer consent could lead to dismissal.
For some, the risks are unavoidable. Germaine, a 25-year-old student, works two remote customer service roles to fund her studies. By managing her time meticulously and coordinating with colleagues, she ensures her dual workloads don’t clash. Despite the strain, she maintains a social life, dedicating evenings to exercise and family dinners.
Others, like Mr Q, a product manager running a graphic design business, find themselves morally conflicted but see no alternative. Supporting his family and funding his children’s education drives his decision, even though it breaches his employment contract.
Jasper Toh, principal consultant at HR firm Impact Best, warns of severe consequences for those caught moonlighting. “Employers might terminate employees without notice and even inform future employers about their actions if a reference check is requested,” he explained.
Despite the risks, individuals like Ms X remain unapologetic, citing financial necessity as their sole motivator. “I don’t think anybody wants to work two full-time jobs without a break,” she said. “Some of us do it because we desperately need the money to keep our families afloat.”
