Since the widespread shift to remote work during the pandemic, a growing number of Australians have discovered a hidden advantage of working from home: the ability to quietly juggle more than one full-time job.
In a world where Teams and Zoom calls can be dialled into from anywhere and productivity is measured more by outcomes than hours, a small but increasing number of professionals are choosing to take on two full-time remote roles simultaneously – without informing either employer.
This “secret second job” phenomenon, which gained attention overseas, is now showing signs of local momentum. According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of Aussies working more than one job hit a record 6.7% in 2023, up from 5.2% in 2014 (news.com.au). While this doesn’t distinguish between traditional side hustles and full-time remote roles, experts suggest remote work is blurring the boundaries.
A survey by ResumeBuilder found that more than one-third of remote workers in Australia earned over $100,000 by holding multiple roles simultaneously (HCAMag). While these individuals often thrive in roles with limited oversight, asynchronous schedules, and a heavy focus on independent output, the risks are real. Of those surveyed, 63% said they had been caught, with more than half losing at least one job as a result.
Internationally, the story is similar. Business Insider recently profiled workers in tech and software development who quietly earn over $400,000 annually by splitting their time between two high-paying roles (Business Insider). Many of these individuals point to a lack of challenge or under-utilised hours in each role as the trigger for seeking out additional work. Online communities like Overemployed.com have even emerged to provide guidance on staying undetected while balancing double commitments.
But the strategy isn’t without its ethical and legal grey areas. Most employment contracts include exclusivity clauses or conflict of interest provisions, making it risky to withhold such arrangements. And beyond the legal implications, there’s the question of sustainability: juggling two demanding roles can lead to burnout, shallow performance, or personal stress, particularly when constantly hiding the truth from employers.
For many, it’s a high-wire act between financial ambition and professional risk. With the rising cost of living and stagnant wage growth in some sectors, the temptation to maximise income during this window of remote work flexibility is understandable. But with more companies now tracking productivity and reinforcing in-office policies, the window may soon be closing.
Whether seen as entrepreneurial or unethical, this new breed of Australian worker is challenging traditional ideas about loyalty, productivity, and what a “full-time job” really means in a digital age.