Chapter 1: Understanding Overemployment

What exactly is overemployment? Is it a sign of the evolving landscape of late-stage capitalism? In a world still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, many are familiar with stories of persistent unemployment and the challenges of securing stable work. However, an intriguing trend is emerging where individuals are managing not just one, but multiple full-time remote positions.

Photo by Susanna Marsiglia on Unsplash

Upon first learning about this phenomenon, I felt a mix of sadness and concern about our current employment system. Is this the direction we are headed? With rising inflation post-COVID, many are struggling to make ends meet with a single income, prompting them to consider options such as freelancing or content creation. Consequently, it seems a natural progression for some to seek out dual full-time jobs.

The potential for exploitation in our neoliberal, late-stage capitalist environment is seemingly limitless. Yet, the founder of the Overemployed community believes this exploitative capacity can be turned to our advantage. The community's guiding principle is "Work Two Remote Jobs, Reach Financial Freedom," suggesting that juggling two roles could minimize financial uncertainty and expedite the achievement of financial objectives. In the video below, OverAndOut showcases his impressive remote work setup, featuring six screens to manage three jobs simultaneously. Discontent with traditional corporate structures, he aims to maximize his career opportunities in order to retire earlier.

While I recognize the potential benefits of holding dual positions, the very emergence of the overemployment trend raises concerns. This situation exemplifies the adage of "hate the game, not the player." The reasons behind why individuals take on multiple jobs are diverse. Some may pursue extra work to save for significant investments, like a home, while others might feel compelled to do so to maintain their livelihoods. A closer examination of overemployment reveals several pressing questions about our current economic framework:

1. Why must some individuals secure two full-time incomes to achieve their financial aspirations in a timely manner?
2. What drives the capitalist worker to occupy any free time with more labor?
3. As a society, why are we increasingly fixated on work? What accounts for the growing irrationality within the labor market?

In his book, “Work Without the Worker,” Phil Jones posits that the purported benefits of overemployment represent yet another hollow promise from the capitalist system, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. He asserts that workers are inherently bound to their employers by the necessity of labor, with only a select few managing to amass wealth that allows them to disentangle their time from monetary concerns. Jones further argues:

“Work tends to offer an illusory sense of control in a world which often seems to be spiralling out of control, (…) it demonstrates, in quite a stark fashion, just how much work colonises our imagination [and is] symptomatic of a society-wide addiction to work.” ~ Phil Jones

Chapter 2: The Implications of Overemployment

As we explore the implications of overemployment, it's essential to consider the broader societal issues it reveals. The trend, while beneficial for some, highlights a troubling shift in our capitalist system where the necessity of juggling multiple jobs is becoming increasingly prevalent.

In a related video, the discussion continues on the legalities and ethics of holding multiple jobs simultaneously.

The emergence of overemployment raises significant concerns about economic disparities and the widening gap between the under-employed and those over-employed. While some may thrive in this new landscape, the reality that such a situation is becoming more common is indeed alarming.