Business | Coding in the moonlight

How to two-time your employer: a tech worker’s guide

Juggling jobs is a growing trend in the technology industry

A visitor uses a laptop computer at the Agusti Centelles Library, a designated climatic refuge, part of Barcelonas Climate Shelter Network (CSN), where residents can take shelter during extreme heat, in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022. Recent heat waves have sparked deadly wildfires in Spain, Portugal and France, adding to the challenges facing Europe from political upheaval to travel chaos and surging prices. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Two work laptops, two work calendars, two bosses and two pay-cheques. So far, neither of Matt’s employers is any the wiser. The tech worker (who, for obvious reasons, asked The Economist not to use his real name) meets deadlines and does what is requested, though not more. He is not the only one.

This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Coding in the moonlight”

From the May 6th 2023 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from Business

Protesters in favour of TikTok stand outside the United States Capitol.

TikTok’s time is up. Can Donald Trump save it?

The imperilled app hopes for help from an old foe

A tattooed man punches a large head, with motion lines and stars showing impact. He wears orange shorts.

The UFC, Dana White and the rise of bloodsport entertainment

There is more to the mixed-martial-arts impresario than his friendship with Donald Trump


A billboard welcoming the American electric car maker Tesla, in Monterrey, Mexico

Will Elon Musk scrap his plan to invest in a gigafactory in Mexico?

Donald Trump’s return to the White House may have changed Tesla’s plans


Germany is going nuts for Dubai chocolate

Will the hype last?

The year ahead: a message from the CEO

From the desk of Stew Pidd

One of the biggest energy IPOs in a decade could be around the corner

Venture Global, a large American gas exporter, is going public