The Tribune

“Moonlighting” has become a mainstay for many Bahamian workers, who enjoy the benefits of receiving two or three salaries at any given time. With all the talk about multiple streams of income, the increase in taxation and the mounting pressure to earn more, many workers are seeking to supplement their main salary. Although corporate executives and human resources departments often frown upon this practice, there are advantages to both the individual - and the company - that might encourage employees taking another job.

Our dialogue today, then, explores the advantages and disadvantages, both perceived and actual, of an individual who takes on a second or third job.

Money, of course, remains the key factor motivating persons to seek employment outside their main job. The chief breadwinner for the home, particularly with an expanding family and the constantly rising cost of living, finds it almost necessary to supplement their salary with a second job. For some, this employment is seasonal and does not conflict with normal work. For example, many teachers during their Christmas and summer breaks find work for the weeks and months they have off, while nurses charge for additional home care for the elderly or disabled.

Persons also use a second place of employment as their “safety net”, and a means of securing themselves in the event of termination. Having a second job provides individuals with a greater degree of freedom and, psychologically, allows them to not feel tied to one place of business. This second place of employment is often the hobby or place where they exhibit their true and innate gifting, but cannot rely solely on it for their entire income. The baker will hold on to their main source of income, but sell cakes and bread on the side, while the receptionist with a beautiful voice can be seen on weekends in the hotel lobby alongside the local band.

A second job often gives individuals an avenue to acquire new skills. This opportunity can prove beneficial to aging employees who want to remain vibrant and current, as well as younger team members who are looking to earn extra cash. Enrolling in vocational programmes at the local technical institutions allows persons to provide services, and begin entrepreneurial exploits, during their free time.

But, while there are advantages to having a second job, the drawbacks are just as real and worth considering. Limited time must be one of the greatest drawbacks to having a second job. Working a 40-hour week, and then finding an additional 20-40 hours to commit to another company, will significantly cut into rest time, family time and leisure time - which are all vitally important to healthy and productive living. The wise employee must count the cost and prioritise well.

There is often a direct “conflict of interest” in working a second job. Consulting for a direct (or even indirect) competitor can put you in a dicey situation, as important trade secrets, sales and marketing strategies can be exposed by the employee trading their services.

The greatest fear for the employer, leading to workplace policies that restrict “moonlighting”, is performance slippage by an overwhelmed employee who cannot afford to give up the second job, yet cannot balance the time demands involved in serving two masters. Burn out is a real challenge, as both companies will require your full attention, devotion and loyalty.

Scripture provides this warning: “No man can serve two masters, for either he will love the one and hate the other.” In the decision-making process for whether to take a second job or not, please do all of the following:

• Pick an unrelated field (avoid at all cost any conflict of interest).

• Consult your human resources department (ensure you are within your company’s policy confines).

• Sit down with the people you know and trust, and evaluate why you are taking on a second job. If this requires too much of your time and energy away from your wife, children and family, some life and budget adjustments may need to be made.

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at iferguson@bahamas.com.