Dubai: Many people have resorted to moonlighting to pay their bills as galloping inflation and hike in prices of essentials are hitting the pocket hard.
There is a wide range of professionals working in other jobs, from watchmen to media persons who have taken up jobs for a decent living.
Jeena Deep, a 32-year old Lebanese, said she moonlighted before she got married. "After marriage I found it difficult to manage my two jobs and work," she said.
But she said her husband moonlights, besides running his own small business. "Living in Dubai costs us a fortune. And we are used a certain standard of living," she said.
A human resources manager said while there are legal implications for moonlighting, he was totally for it. "It is an international phenomenon. Everywhere you will find people doing so. I totally support it," said Ebrahim M. H. Abdullah, director, Human Capital, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority. "Time is spent usefully and people can gain knowledge [by working at a second job]," he said.
A 28-year-old Emirati woman said she wasted four years of her life working at a single job which she did not like.
"To be honest my salary wasn't that attractive. It wasn't even enough to settle my monthly bills," said Maha.O Al Shamsi. "I decided to work at a second job. It was not easy to leave home early in the morning and return home at 10:30 every night, but I had no other choice," she said. "I have big dreams and I am determined to pursue them. I am doing the best I can," said Al Shamsi.
Businessman Jim Robinson, 38, said working at two jobs was 'miserable'. "I was like a machine programmed to work all day. I had no time for fun or to relax. I was making good money at the two jobs, but I became a mental and physical wreck. Eventually, I saved enough money, dumped both the jobs and started my own business."
Syrian Basil Khayat, 23, feels that life in Dubai is very demanding. "I have just got my degree and recently got a good job. But I have many obligations. I don't want to sound greedy, but I need to improve my current financial situation," he said. The expatriate said moonlighting will encroach on his time with his family and friends.
A mediaperson who did not wish to be identified, said there are many opportunities for journalists and writers to make some extra money.
"I write puff pieces [public relation material] for companies when I get home. It doesn't take much time. Everyone I know does it," he said.
The director of the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority said according to the law a second job is permitted on the condition that the first employer gives an approval.
"If the approval is given there won't be any legal hurdle". But many employers put a clause in the contract that the employee should not do a second job.
Do you work or know someone who works at two jobs? Is your salary sufficient to pay the bills? Should moonlighting be made legal?
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Your comments
I suggest that it will make sense if they make it legal, due to some financial shortages. In fact, double jobs are still not enough, especially for people who have a big family.
Mellynne
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 19, 2008, 12:51
I work at two jobs because I cannot meet my daily expenses with just my main job. I work along with several locals in the same category, but I am paid one third of their salary with no facilities and all the burden is on me, hence I have to go for the second job.
Naizam
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 19, 2008, 12:33
I totally agree with moonlighting, provided it is made legal. None of us like been held to a job the whole day, but it is in these situations that arise the need for two jobs, so I feel we should be encouraging it.
Shilpa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 19, 2008, 09:33
In almost all contracts it says that employees should not be involved in any other business or any other job without the consent of employer. The bad thing is that the employer won't give a better pay either.
Venu
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 19, 2008, 09:03
