Bridging Shifts: Moonlighting In the Indian Workforce - A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

The surge in gig working, commonly known as moonlighting, has witnessed significant growth, with the COVID-19 pandemic acting as an accelerator for this trend. This phenomenon involves individuals engaging in secondary employment outside their regular working hours, be it full-time, contractual, or freelance. The COVID-19-induced shift to remote work further fuelled moonlighting, especially in the IT industry, where employees juggled two jobs simultaneously. This case study explores the multifaceted impacts of moonlighting in the Indian IT sector, examining pre- and post-COVID scenarios and addressing critical issues such as work-life balance, ethics, integrity, job insecurity, and the evolving landscape of work. Prior to the epidemic, the Indian IT sector was typified by a more conventional work style, with most people following a single job structure. But the COVID-19 epidemic forced a paradigm change, compelling businesses to quickly implement remote work practices. This change not only made moonlighting more common but also caused conventional labour arrangements and industry conventions to be reassessed. Examining the impact of moonlighting on work-life balance is crucial. There is a tangible worry about the possible impact on personal life of those who take on second jobs. Burnout and elevated stress levels may result from the blurring of the lines between the personal and professional domains.