Working p/t while you have a full-time job

lukatmyshu

Senior member
Aug 22, 2001
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So out of curiousity (not necessity) I think I might look for a part-time (contract) work. I'm a software-engineer working for a fairly well-known bay-area (california) company and I'm not sure if it's allowed or not. Anyone here know the legality of this situation? The jobs I'd be working for are also software engineering, but in a totally different area.
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,019
156
106
Here's my advice.

Tell no one you are working on the side, NO ONE. Do not use your work phone or email, not even once, for your side job.

You can work on the side if you want, unless you signed something that said you can't. But as soon as your employer gets wind of it, your job could be in jeopardy. Maybe not even at first, but when it's convenient for them you'll get the speech "We only want people who are dedicated."

Don't cut back on your normal work hours.

I've seen it happen time and time again. People start doing work on the side, they tell a friend, the friend tells someone else, the boss finds out, and when it's convenient for the boss, the person is terminated.
 

jonessoda

Golden Member
Aug 3, 2005
1,407
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If you signed a non-compete contract, and are looking to work in the same industry, no such luck. Otherwise, it depends on the laws of your area, and the policies of either company.