The era of globalization has
brought about a sea change
in the work pattern. Additionally, the IT and ITeS boom
has opened up new avenues for work, like outsourcing and
tele-working. In the current scenario of economic downturns characterized by
falling employment levels, downsizing and shrinking real wages, jobs are at
risk and consequently, insecurity has increased. In such a scenario, it
is hardly surprising that people become increasingly insecure
about their future and can no longer be assumed that their employers
will "take care" of them. Yet, many people are caught in the
nine-to-five job routine and are not able to break free and take up
independent assignments. A variety of reasons, like family commitments,
financial volatility and risks involved, are also major impediments.
Moonlighting, or taking up a second job, offers an ideal way out of the above dilemma.
Recognizing that jobs are at a risk because of the financial
meltdown and recession, there is an increasing tendency among people
to consider setting up their own businesses in order to have more
control over their future, while relying on their full-time jobs for
financial stability. Studies have shown that moonlighting is responsive to
the availability of employment opportunities, during cyclical changes
in the economy. Moonlighting opportunities are restricted during
economic recessions because of the fall in the employment level.
Similarly, during periods of economic expansion, moonlighting goes up as a
result of the increase in employment opportunities.
Moonlighting refers to the phenomenon where, an employee
engages himself in gainful employment with another employer, in
addition to his regular job. The income that an employee might earn from
his hobbies such as writing, painting, etc., is usually not considered as
a moonlighting initiative. It can be an acceptable proposition as long
as it does not affect an employee's performance in his/her main job or
does not result in any loss to the principal employer. There are
several views expressed in favor of moonlighting. Due to the increased
earnings, the standard of living of a moonlighting employee can go
up and also broaden the scope of educational and other opportunities
for the members of his family. Through moonlighting, employees also
contribute towards the creation of additional assets, by increasing
the production of goods or services. It also helps a person to use his
spare time and energy, constructively and gainfully. |
