Implications for Immigrant Workers Working Two Full-Time Remote Jobs

7.7 MIN Read

In today's changing economy, workers are looking to get ahead in new ways. As some expectations regarding work hours and time in the office shift away from traditional norms, some are striking while the iron is hot and working two full-time jobs remotely simultaneously. But what are the implications for immigrant workers working two full-time remote jobs?

What Is Remote Working?

Remote working is the ability to perform your job without stepping into a traditional office setting. Instead, the tasks are completed from home, a private office, or a co-working space.

You have a lot more wiggle-room than before now that you're out of sight from managers and coworkers, thanks to the lockdowns that shuttered offices worldwide during the pandemic.

Many employees that are now remote workers began thinking about how to maximize their time and profitability. One answer for the more industrious was to work multiple jobs remotely without letting anyone at either company in on the secret. Sure it's unconventional, and some say it's unscrupulous working two remote jobs, but isn't it just a way to get ahead when attempting to achieve financial freedom?

Considerations for Holding Two Remote Full-Time Jobs

If you have a marketable skill that makes you valuable to a business, there's more latitude than ever before for you to dictate the terms of your employment. Where blowing off a calendar invite before the pandemic was a guaranteed red flag, employees benefit from much more leeway these days and could potentially work two or more jobs.

The built-in excuses of remote working lifestyle are accepted, especially when you have skills and experience that help a business turn a blind eye to a few instances of unresponsiveness because "the internet was down" or "there was a leak in the upstairs apartment." Then it all comes down to how motivated you are to maximize your availability with a second full-time job.

By working two remote jobs, you have the obvious benefit of earning two salaries. That means more money! However, financial gain is pretty much the sole reason to secretly work two jobs.

There is an obvious allure to paying off loans more quickly or building a nest egg with a second job. And some people have figured out that they can get away with ratcheting down their commitment by spreading their skills across two full-time remote jobs.

Remote workers performing two jobs need to understand the consequences that even a successful run of dual employment may have. Even if you manage to coast at both jobs, there is always the looming threat of being found out and fired from one. Be sure not to violate any employment contracts that require you to disclose a second job or conflicts of interest or contain non-compete agreements.

Plus, when it's time to pay the toll of working two jobs, our body, mental health, and relationships usually pay the bill. So make sure to consider how you will maintain a work and life balance.

Pros and Cons of Two Full-Time Remote Jobs

Pros

Earn extra income
Diversify your work commitment
High reward
Financial freedom

Cons

Secrecy can be stressful
Risks overloading oneself with too much work
High stress
Others may question your ethics
You may even question yourself

Attributes You Need to Excel When You Work Remotely

When you work remotely, one of the biggest skills you need to have is managing your time effectively. If you are the kind of worker who will slack off all day and become completely unproductive without a boss or a coworker who might turn you in for playing video games during the workday looking over your shoulder, remote work isn't for you.

But, if you are an effective time manager, you can get your work in and workout, cook dinner, and maybe even squeeze in a trip to the park with the kids during your free time, all on the clock.

Other traits that will help someone working for two employers earning double income include the following:

Competency and the ability to work smarter, not harder.
Utilize specialized skills that not everyone can leverage for added job security.
Disciplined self-starters are the best remote employees.
Compartmentalization and communication are essential for working two jobs.
The self-discipline to keep your secret quiet is key.
Reach a goal and exit before burnout.
Fly under the radar, don't overachieve, and stay in the middle of the pack.

The Money Aspect (Cha-Ching!)

Everyone has something that they're working for. For some, it's a new sports car, a vacation to Europe, or finally getting the house with a big backyard in the suburbs. For others, the goals might be more modest but just as important.

The dual incomes you earn from working two full-time remote jobs can alter the course of your life. So putting in the extra energy to work for two incomes starts making a lot of sense when you pay off a loan much earlier than planned, double your retirement savings, or invest in your own startup. Cash is king, even in the bitcoin era.

Ethics, NDA's, and Confidentiality

Anyone who has benefitted from working for a loyal employer would be shocked to realize that working two full-time jobs is a thing. They may start using words like cutthroat, immoral, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unethical, or illegal.

Although it might not match their vision of moral employment, working two jobs to get ahead and performing well at both is entirely ethical as long as you're pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, regardless of their moral beliefs.

Isn't that the American way?

You'll still have to understand that when working in this sort of arrangement, even if your job is not part of the same industry, you must maintain your personal ethics. Sure, you're gaming the system a bit, but you can't violate a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement to make it work. That's crossing the line into unethical, if not illegal, territory.

Effect on Employers

For employers who are used to profiting off the maximum efforts of their fearful employees, the effect of realizing some of them are neglecting day-to-day responsibilities to work at another job can be galling. But if those same employees have a serious skill set and perform well, if not excellently, is there really any harm?

A savvy employer may even benefit from turning a blind eye to the practice. They don't have to even approve of the arrangement, but they can still reap the rewards of your work.

Easing the throttles back at work happens for all kinds of reasons. Smart companies might realize that they'd rather have a go-getter working two jobs simultaneously on their team than a person with one job who spends half the workday playing Wordle or shopping for new clothes for spring on their dime.

Related Article | 10 Smart Gig Economy Jobs for Immigrants

Double Job Implications for Immigrants

Immigrants should be careful when working two full-time remote jobs. The rules for certain newcomers can have some hoops to jump through and potential pitfalls to avoid.

Temporary Visas: H-1B

It is possible for immigrants on temporary visas to hold two jobs remotely. But you'll have to have filed a separate H-1B application before starting work for your second employer.

You must also work with the H-1B regulations imposed by the federal government and in accordance with any legal agreements you signed upon your hiring at the first job.

Green Card Holders

Green card-holders are subject to some rules and regulations, and in some cases, they may have to work their original job for up to a year. But after satisfying that requirement, they are free to work one job, two jobs, or more. Or you can opt not to work at all.

If you have questions about your particular arrangement, seek the counsel of an immigration attorney.

FAQ:

Is Working Two Remote Jobs Illegal?

In most cases, it is not illegal to work two jobs. However, doing so may violate a non-compete clause or similar language in your employment contract.

Can I Work Two Full-Time Jobs at the Same Time?

It is possible to work two full-time jobs at the same time. But, it's often quite a juggling act.

Is Working Two Full-Time Jobs Worth It?

Working two jobs simultaneously can take a lot out of you. You can pull it off without burning out if you're efficient, skilled, and good at communicating. But it would help if you had a goal and an exit strategy.

Final Thoughts

Serving two full-time jobs isn't easy. Some might prefer to loyally work one job and potentially never get that big raise, promotion, or expense account. On the other hand, putting the pedal to the metal and earning two incomes can be laborious. Moreover, doing so may put your relationships and even your health under pressure.

For employers, letting their most industrious workers spread their wings a bit isn't necessarily a bad thing. They can still benefit from your work, even if you aren't working quite as hard. But when you hit your goal, and you're behind the wheel of your new car or debt-free and happy, it may be worth it in the long run.

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