What does moonlighting mean?

Moonlighting refers to when a person has a second job that they work when they are not working at their primary job. Moonlighting happens when a person gets a second job in addition to another job which is their regular form of employment.

The term is called "moonlighting" because the person normally works this job at night when they are not working at their primary job. However, moonlighting does not only refer to jobs that are worked at night, this is just the most common form. Individuals moonlight for many different reasons. Here are some common reasons why someone would moonlight:

• Moonlighting to earn more money

  Certain individuals moonlight for the opportunity to make more money. If someone does not make enough money to support themselves, they might take on a second job to get the amount of money they need to pay bills. People also moonlight as a way to start saving for any number of reasons. Here are some examples of moonlighting roles in this area:

  • Gig worker

  • Waiter

  • Chef or cook

  • Taxi driver

  • Freelance writer

  Cost of living is high in current times, especially in urban areas. Many people may choose to moonlight to keep up with their cost of living.

• Moonlighting as a passion

  Some people who are unhappy with their primary jobs or have always dreamed of working in a different profession might moonlight as a freelancer. This often happens in creative fields, such as:

  • Photography

  • Film/video

  • Acting

  • Graphic design

  • Painting

  • Art

  • Crafts

  Moonlighting for a passion is a common form of moonlighting. However, it is not strictly confined to creative fields or freelance work. Someone might be pursuing a career as a chef at night by working their way up in a restaurant kitchen.

• Moonlighting as a transition

  Many people begin moonlighting in a job that they care more about with the intent of making it their full-time profession eventually. They might hold on to their primary job so that they can have a stable income while they do activities like;

  • Build their skill set in the field they moonlight in

  • Try to build up a client base

  • Amass an impressive work portfolio so they can transition into a full-time career

  • Get enough relevant experience to seek a full-time position in the field

  • Volunteer at related places or events that will help them to network and transition into the new career

  This is a common form of moonlighting and it is a sensible way to make a career change or transition.

• Moonlighting to start a business

  Some people also moonlight with the intent of eventually starting their own business. This could be related to their primary job or it might be a completely different type of venture. Moonlighting in this way could be to gain experience, save money, or both. People can turn their moonlighting work into solid businesses if they work hard enough.