Has anyone been caught by their company for running a side gig?

Question

I'm starting a side hustle that will hopefully grow into my main hustle a few years from now. Has anyone's company caught them doing this? Any way to do this without getting caught? both are sales, just a different type and no direct competition.

Accepted Answer

Hot take - there is no 'catching' you doing a side gig. You have ambitions and are free to chase them, as long as it doesn't obviously interfere with work it doesn't matter

Answer

Some contracts definitely prohibit this, though I'm not sure about the legality if it doesn't interfere and isn't a conflict of interest.

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Depends on the side gig. I make a little cash here and there doing art, but that is in no way a conflict with my day job or my hours.

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Just don't speak of it 🤷‍♀️

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If you shouldn't be doing it - don't. Choose honor.

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Just don’t talk about it and no one will know

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Make that money on the side but make sure you're not violating company policy.

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You can get serious fines, lose licenses, and barred from the financial industry if that were to occur in my world. No thanks.

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Unless there is something in the contract, it shouldn't matter

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is it against the rules at your company to have a side gig?

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Only if the side hustle is a male escort

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If it is not a competitive product or service that would violate you employment or non-compete…and you’re not doing it on company time, then there is no conflict. Look at it like cutting lawns or power spraying driveways on the weekends and evenings.

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My friend just got fired for doing this even though the other gig was after hours

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Be transparent! It's very simple... tell your company what you're doing, and there is no "getting caught". Just yesterday, I had a conversation with a sales professional with whom I work at one of our tech partner companies. He told me that he's leaving Company A to become a partner in Company B. He said something like, "it's been in the works for two years, everyone in Company A knew that it was coming (my departure), and now it's a done deal, so I'm telling our partners. So-and-so will be replacing me at Company A...". SEE - THE TRUTH IS THE ONLY OPTION!!!

Answer

As others have said, as long as it isnt interfering with the company that is paying your salary then it should be a non issue. The second it starts to be a distraction, minor or major, thats when it would be an issue and rightly so. They arent paying you to work on your side hustle.

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As long as you are not literally having two full time jobs with two different employers then I doubt it’ll be an issue.

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Don’t think anyone’s been caught here so have fun!

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i tell them straight up im freelancing and they're like, 'ok'. if the ever contest like they own my hours outside of work i always just ask for a raise and then they let it slide.

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as long as what you’re doing doesn’t conflict with your company’s code of conduct, you should be fine.

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The company doesn't own your free time. If it is on your time and you are not using their equipment, it is none of their business.

BlueJays2591

Has anyone been caught by their company for running a side gig?

31 comment

BlueJays2591

Has anyone been caught by their company for running a side gig?

31 comment

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