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Remember when having one stable job was considered sufficient? Not anymore. Across the UK, a growing group of savvy professionals is discreetly earning two full salaries while keeping their employers in the dark. Welcome to the rise of the 'overemployed.'
The shift to remote work during the pandemic didn't just change where people work — it also altered how many paychecks some are now collecting. According to recent data from the Cabinet Office's National Fraud Initiative (NFI), the number of people juggling multiple full-time jobs has surged since 2020, with some managing three or even four roles simultaneously. While not illegal, this practice can breach company policies, prompting fraud investigators to crack down on offenders.
Nadia (not her real name), a 42-year-old mother of two from North London, is part of this growing trend. Each morning before nine, she powers up her computer, checks her inbox, and prepares for her HR job, which looks like any typical workday. But Nadia's routine has a twist.
The Hidden Lives of the Overemployed
Since 2021, Nadia has been working remotely as part of a 12-person HR team, earning £45,000 a year and potentially up for a raise. Yet, while her first laptop is running, she boots up a second one — her gateway to a second job as a remote executive assistant. Neither her colleagues nor her managers are aware of her double life.
'Most mornings, I'm anxious they'll find out,' Nadia admits, glancing at her two screens. 'But then I check my bank balance, and that gives me the courage to log in... twice.'
With the support of her family handling school drop-offs and pick-ups, Nadia pulls in a combined income of £87,000 annually. The extra cash helps cover childcare and mortgage payments, but she admits to occasional pangs of guilt. 'If they found out, they'd be furious,' she says.
Britain's Dual Job Boom
Nadia’s case is far from isolated. The NFI reports that double jobbing is becoming more prevalent, particularly in industries where remote work is common.
One recent incident involved Kashim Chowdhury, a 54-year-old civil servant from East London, who was reportedly holding three full-time government jobs simultaneously. Another case involved a social worker who was caught when they accidentally answered a call related to their second job during a video conference for the first.
In May, Minh Phuong Ngoc Vong, working at a US nail salon, confessed to earning over £730,000 annually by juggling as many as 13 remote IT jobs. Meanwhile, a Business Insider report revealed professionals making up to £450,000 a year from two or three positions.
Why Multiple Roles Are So Tempting
The appeal of this unconventional work arrangement has gained traction on social media, where influencers share their success stories and tips.
'It worked for me; I made £200,000 from two 9-to-5 roles,' says one influencer. 'If you think it’s illegal, think again — it’s absolutely possible to do both.'
However, not every industry lends itself to this hustle. Researchers say the trend is most common in tech, consulting, and less scrutinized roles within large corporations.
Managing the Tax Implications
Mark, a 56-year-old from Manchester, is another dual job hustler. He started taking on extra roles during the pandemic and now works full-time for a US tech company while also holding a clinical coding position for the NHS.
Earning over £130,000 annually, Mark has perfected the art of keeping his jobs separate. He uses distinct computers for each role, keeps his LinkedIn profile vague, and strategically manages his schedule.
However, he admits that higher earnings bring tax complications. 'My second job pushes me into a higher tax bracket, and I lose the tax-free personal allowance,' he says. 'If they ever ask, I’m ready to say it’s because of rental income.'
The Risks of Being Overemployed
While the financial benefits are clear, the risks are substantial. Business coach Peter Boolkah warns that juggling multiple roles can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and potential disciplinary action.
Nadia acknowledges the dangers, admitting she nearly slipped up once but plans to continue for as long as she can keep her dual roles under wraps.
For now, the practice remains most prevalent in IT, tech, and consulting — industries where remote work and flexible hours make it easier to pull off the double job hustle.
