UNDERSTANDING MOONLIGHTING, WORKAHOLIC TENDENCIES, AND ANXIETY AMONG INDIAN WORKERS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Moonlighting is a contemporary work phenomenon that most countries worldwide face. It’s basically taking up a secondary job or side hustle alongside primary employment. It has become a significant trend in the technological labor market. The traditional labor market has provided guidelines for taking a second job, mainly referring to working hours. But the jobs requiring internet and technology don’t adhere to such a working hours policy. Driven by financial needs, career aspirations, and the rise of the gig economy, moonlighting is gaining traction, especially among professionals in sectors like information technology, education, and creative industries. Having no specific law in the present field in India, a number of questions have gained importance regarding its legal validity. A number of IT giants in India have disfavored the present phenomenon of multiple jobs. However, the millennials’ and Gen Z's working attitudes favor the same work culture. Taking into consideration this background, the paper delves into an international scenario concerning moonlighting and what the laws are in the picture. The discussion has been detailed regarding Indian law and case laws in the present field. There is a need to delve into how working hours effect the mental well-being of employees and whether the Indian government needs to develop some legal norms or it is left to the employers to decide the policy on multiple jobs. The paper also discusses the relation between working hours, income and happiness. Data has been collected to look into the several issues surrounding moonlighting, and on that basis, certain suggestions have been proposed in the paper. The study calls for a balanced approach to harness the potential of moonlighting while mitigating its risks especially mental health.