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Nature of second jobs has changedBy Amanda Kramer
A. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. At least that's according to Charles "Trip" Royal, a business consultant in Madison. Over the years, Royal said the concept of moonlighting has changed entirely. In fact, if you're in need of extra cash, adding a second job on top of your first may be the ideal situation. "I think (moonlighting) is kind of an outdated term," Royal said. He explained that years ago moonlighting meant working at night after spending your daylight hours in your regular career. However, Royal said his definition of moonlighting has expanded to "how you want to spend your free time." "Now you might have a cottage business or sell things over eBay ... really the Internet has changed the whole picture," Royal said. "If you need extra money ... what's the difference between you getting a second job, or taking care of the kids while your wife goes to work?" There are regulatory and ethical concerns that could affect moonlighting -- for example, if you're a lawyer, you really shouldn't take up extra work with a competing firm. Most moonlighting situations should be OK with human resources managers thanks to the changing nature of the relationship between employees and their employers. Nowadays, Royal said, many employees realize job security is more and more elusive -- so securing some extra finances for the future may be necessary. And while employers have the right to ask for good work from their employees, employees have a personal responsibility to manage their career and do what they need to do in order to provide themselves with a satisfying and secure future. And, when it comes to talking with managers about moonlighting, Royal said that in general, many employees probably don't need to tell their managers about their extra-curricular activities. But, if it may interfere with work hours -- where they'd need to leave early or come in late -- then it's common sense to have a good sit-down with the boss. Amanda Kramer is a freelance writer who will find experts to answer your workplace-related question. kramer.news@gmail.com madison.com ©2009 Capital Newspapers. All rights reserved. |
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