Charles Esther
In today’s fast-paced job market, many workers are finding creative ways to maximize their earnings.
One such individual, Sarah (a pseudonym for privacy), has managed to secretly juggle two remote IT jobs, earning a substantial $300,000 annually.
Though her demanding 12-hour workdays are far from easy, Sarah believes that the extra income and job security it provides make it all worthwhile.
Balancing Two Full-Time Remote Jobs
Sarah’s work schedule is nothing short of intense.
She works two full-time remote jobs in the IT sector, one aligned with Eastern Standard Time (EST) and the other with Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Her day starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m., with a break in between to transition from one role to the next.
While this schedule demands a high level of energy, Sarah says that it gives her a sense of stability and security that makes the long hours bearable.
“The most stressful part is the overlap from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. when both jobs are busy, but I’ve learned to manage it,” Sarah explained.
“I work my East Coast job from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then focus on my West Coast job from noon to 8 p.m. I try to manage my time in a way that works for me.”
The Financial Rewards: Job Security and Savings
The financial benefits of Sarah’s dual-job strategy are undeniable.
Over the past four years, the extra income has allowed her to save over $100,000 in her 401(k), pay off $17,000 in credit card debt, and even furnish her home.
These financial gains, Sarah explains, help mitigate the strain that comes with balancing such a demanding work schedule.
“I feel like I’m building a solid financial foundation for the future,” she said.
“Knowing I have two income streams provides me with a level of job security that I wouldn’t have if I only relied on one position.”
For Sarah, the added job security became especially evident when she was laid off from one of her jobs in December 2024.
“I was relieved to have the second income,” she noted.
“It really gave me a sense of security knowing I had another job lined up.”
Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout
While working 12-hour days across two jobs can be stressful, Sarah has found ways to manage the demands of her schedule.
To avoid burnout, she takes small breaks when possible, indulges in self-care activities like watching her favorite TV shows, and treats herself to occasional rewards such as spa days and special dinners.
“Having something to look forward to, like a little splurge, keeps me motivated,” she said.
She also emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with her family when possible.
Despite the hectic work hours, she ensures that family time remains a priority, even if it means sacrificing personal hobbies or time for relaxation.
Navigating the Return-to-Office Mandates
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way many people work, and for Sarah, it provided the perfect opportunity to start juggling multiple remote jobs.
In December 2020, Sarah was approached by a headhunter for a contract position that paid $30,000 more than her existing job.
Although the role was remote at the time, the company later introduced a return-to-office mandate.
Since Sarah’s contract specified remote work, she hasn’t been affected by the policy change.
“There’s a need for me to work remotely, and I’ve made it clear to my employer that I would quit if I were required to return to the office,” Sarah shared.
“I hope they will continue to honor my remote work agreement when my contract is reassessed this summer.”
The Future of Job Juggling
Sarah’s commitment to job juggling shows no signs of slowing down.
She plans to continue managing two remote IT roles for the foreseeable future, confident that her skills will allow her to secure another job if her current contract ends.
For Sarah, the trade-off of long hours is a small price to pay for the security and financial freedom she’s gained.
“I’m willing to put in the extra time and effort to make this work.
If it means working weekends occasionally, that’s a small sacrifice for the financial freedom and job security I have now,” she concluded.
While Sarah’s experience highlights the benefits of secretly managing multiple jobs, experts caution that job juggling can lead to burnout, potential professional risks, and ethical concerns.
However, for individuals like Sarah, the rewards often outweigh the challenges.
