People are now taking on extra, hidden employment to keep them out of the eyes of their bosses. What’s the worst that might happen? Two email addresses, two computers, and two bosses? As many knowledge workers have been working remotely for over two years, away from their boss’s gaze, an increasing number of employees are surreptitiously taking on second full-time jobs.

An extra job can provide a safety net of extra income and experience, both of which are valuable assets in an era of mass layoffs, economic instability, and a persistent disregard for worker well-being. Taking up a second full-time job, on the other hand, is a brave move that necessitates subtlety and a willingness to take risks. Some workers choose overemployment to reclaim a sense of control or to circumvent a system they believe has been exploiting them for a long time.

Workers often pursue side hustles while working full-time employment, such as selling jewelry on Etsy, driving an Uber after hours, or constructing furniture with TaskRabbit on weekends. Overemployment, on the other hand, is different: an individual might work two full-time jobs at the same time, on two distinct computers. Overemployment is not a recent occurrence. According to an over-employed individual in his late 30s in the US Bay Area who goes by the name “Isaac” in the over-employment community, he’s been working two jobs for years and claims to earn over $600,000 as a result. However, Isaac believes that those who can make the arrangement work — both legally and logistically – will benefit greatly.