Moonlighting: The Double-Edged Sword Reshaping India's Work Culture

Imagine this: It’s 2 AM, and Priya, a brilliant coder at a Bengaluru tech giant, is still at it. But this isn’t for her day job. Nope, she's moonlighting — working on a game-changing app for a Silicon Valley startup.

This is the new reality of Indian workplaces, where ambition meets controversy, and the line between loyalty and personal growth gets blurry. So, what’s the deal? Is moonlighting cheating, or is it just the way forward in today’s hustle-driven world?

Once moonlighting was seen as corporate betrayal — like stealing office supplies but way worse. But times have changed. A survey by Genius Consultants found that 57% of Indian employees view moonlighting positively. So why the shift?

In the US and UK, moonlighting is not only accepted but encouraged, with 36% of U.S. workers and 1 in 10 UK workers holding second jobs, particularly post-pandemic. While gig work is now a way of life in the US, India has yet to fully embrace this change.

India's Hold-Up: What’s keeping us from jumping on the Bandwagon?

A 2023 NASSCOM report shows that 65% of Indian IT firms still have strict no-moonlighting policies. But is this fear costing us more than it’s saving? Are we holding ourselves back in the race for talent and innovation?

Why Companies should start embracing Moonlighting

Employers need to intentionally evaluate their approach to moonlighting as it increasingly becomes mainstream. Why are companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Cred, and Dream11 are riding the moonlighting wave, and why you might want to join them. The answer lies in understanding why employees indulge in moonlighting

1. Economic Rollercoasters are the new normal- Remember when we thought tech jobs were bulletproof? Think again. Even the big guns like Amazon, Meta, and Google are showing cracks, laying off thousands. Whether it's the pandemic aftershock, tech disruptions, or just the economy throwing a tantrum, no one's immune. In India alone, 23,000 employees lost jobs in 2022. Moonlighting isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a safety net.
2. The rising cost of living is eating Paychecks alive- Inflation’s a beast, especially in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Salaries aren’t keeping up, and moonlighting becomes the extra push professionals need to stay afloat.
3. AI is here, and it’s Shaking things up- The World Economic Forum predicts 85 million jobs could be displaced by AI by 2025. But moonlighting in adjacent fields can help employees stay relevant and adapt to this new tech-driven world.
4. The New Balance: Work and Life together- Gen Z and millennials? They’re not about that "all work, no play" life. For many, moonlighting is the answer to pursuing passion projects and side gigs, keeping work exciting allowing them to balance their work and passion projects. e.g A coder moonlighting, is a DJ or home chef.
5. Diversified Skills = Future-proof careers- Moonlighting isn’t just about extra cash. It’s about evolving, learning new things, and staying ahead of the curve. In a world where skills lose their relevance fast, moonlighting is like a real-world online course which also helps building your network.

Working on diverse projects outside your 9-to-5 brings fresh ideas and perspectives. Moonlighters often return to their day jobs with out-of-the-box solutions that boost innovation.?

Leadership in the Moonlighting Era: A Playbook for Forward-Thinking Leaders

We’re at a crossroads, and as leaders, we need to make a choice: adapt or risk losing out on some of the best talent. Here’s how you can stay ahead:

1. Redefine Policies for 2024, Not 1984 Create moonlighting guidelines that fit today’s realities — be clear, fair, and forward-thinking. Employees should know what’s allowed and what’s not, but make it progressive.
2. Create space for Open Conversations Foster an environment where employees feel safe to talk about their side projects. The more open the conversation, the better you can support them while keeping productivity intact.
3. Launch internal Gig Markets Why not offer moonlighting opportunities within your own company? Create freelance-like projects within your organization, giving employees the variety they crave without leaving your doors.
4. Discover hidden talents That accountant moonlighting as a data analyst? She might be your next BI expert. Look for talents within your workforce that may not be obvious based on their current roles.
5. Stay Competitive Reassess your employee benefits and compensation packages. Are you doing enough to keep your employees engaged full-time, or are they seeking fulfilment outside of work?

Leaders, Don’t Get Caught in the Dark

Moonlighting isn't black and white – it's a spectrum of grey.

On one hand, moonlighting can offer valuable benefits, such as enhanced skills and broader experiences. However, it can also pose challenges if not managed carefully. If employees struggle to balance their primary job with additional commitments, it can impact their performance and the organization's culture. There's a risk of diminished cultural alignment and engagement when juggling multiple roles.

The impact of moonlighting can vary greatly depending on factors like your company's growth stage and the nature of roles within the organization. Startups and established firms face different challenges, and leadership roles may have distinct implications compared to junior positions.

The Employee’s Cheat Sheet: How to Moonlight without Burning Bridges

For all the professionals thinking of dipping their toes into moonlighting, here’s how you do it without stepping on any toes:

1. Pause before you plunge- Is your career ready? Does a side gig fit your goals? Can you juggle both without crashing? Smart moonlighting enhances, not derails. Know when to shine and where to draw the line.
2. Be Honest- Transparency is your best defence. HR managers prefer you be upfront about your side projects rather than hiding them..
3. Manage your time like a Pro- Use productivity tools like RescueTime to keep on top of multiple commitments. It’s all about balance, and burning out helps no one.
4. Moonlight smart, not hard- Pick side gigs that complement your day job. The idea is to grow your skill set, not just add extra hours to your week.
5. Stay Legal- Do your homework on your employer’s policies. Even if they’re open to side gigs, they may have non-compete clauses or confidentiality agreements. So, respect those rules, or you might find yourself in a legal trouble.

Given the nuances of moonlighting, it's important for organizations and employees explore all the possibilities and find a balance that benefits everyone involved. By doing so, we can build an environment where both employees and the organization thrive.