Moonlighting - ethical or unethical?

A video nicely put by a great standup comedian, compared tech employees moonlighting with politicians having businesses, cricketers having their own businesses, school teachers running private coaching’s and CXOs having advisory or directorship in other companies. People are swamped with his video some even mentioned that cricketers playing IPL is also equal to moonlighting. It has also been argued that since the sunlight is dim and hence people are moonlighting. What is the harm if an employee is earning extra money by using their core skills? Well, there are certain flaws in the whole argument. Let me put it this way:

1. Politicians having their own businesses are allowed, but no politician can own two offices of profits at the same time. Moreover, during the filing for nomination, they declare the kind of business they are in.
2. Cricketers are not play any cricket without the permission of BCCI, including the IPL. In fact, IPL is owned and managed by BCCI only. Further, no cricketer is playing for two teams the full and part-time. The contract with BCCI does not stop them from having their own businesses.
3. A teacher is not employed by two institutions at the same time and taking tuition is not the competition to their school/institution.
4. Being in the management and board are two different roles. No CXO is in the management of two companies and all these positions they hold in whatever capacity, advisory or director, they declare to their employer and of course in their profile. Further, any role they take outside their primary job, advisory or director, they need to get that approved by their in-house HR team.

Therefore, none of these are termed as moonlighting and hence no one is having any problem. The current debate is because the techies have started taking up assignments from companies other than their primary employer to earn extra money in their personal timing. Sure no problem, keep in mind:

1. Take the permission in advance from your employer
2. Ensure it should not be a competition to your employer, as you have signed it in your employment letter
3. What Kind of project you will be taking up
4. Who is the client
5. How much money will you be earning from each project
6. The time you will be devoted to the project

Moonlighting is unethical. If you think it is ethical, then declare it to your employer and seek prior permission. They have all the right to reject your application. In that case, you have the option to switch your employer. But be mindful; declare this to your potential employer in advance, before taking up the new job else you will again get into the same problem.

Further, investing and advising others on the stock market, mutual funds, or cryptocurrency, and delivering lectures at a university will also not be regarded as Moonlighting.