Can I Work 2 or More Full-Time Software Engineer Jobs?

According to my experience as a professional in the tech industry, attempting to work two or more full-time software engineering jobs is not a wise decision. While it might seem like a way to increase your income, the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits, leading to burnout, reduced productivity, and potential job loss.

Achieving Balance in Your Work Hours

The standard full-time work week is 40 hours, typically completed over 5 days. Even with 24 hours in a day, the need to eat, sleep, and maintain personal hygiene means that the remaining work hours are already limited. Working two full-time jobs would require a staggering 80 hours a week (40 hours per job), leaving no time for anything else. The effects of such a schedule can be devastating.

A Real-World Example

I once had a colleague who attempted this arrangement. Despite his intentions, he soon found that the stress and fatigue of working nearly 168 hours a week were simply unsustainable. After six months of two full-time jobs, he was a wreck, both physically and mentally.

He faced significant challenges, including body odor issues and poor time management. The reason for his departure was not just exhaustion but also the realization that working in such an unsustainable manner was not a recipe for success. Eventually, he took on a contracting job, leading to a busy schedule that saw him moving between sites to work remotely. However, his inability to manage his time resulted in him being unable to meet the demands of both jobs, leading to his ultimate failure.

Commute and Personal Life

Even when considering proximity to both work locations, the practicalities of working two full-time jobs still present significant challenges. Assuming a 15-minute commute each way, you would still be looking at 30 minutes a day just for travel, which doesn't leave much time for other activities. Adding in the need for sleep and meals, the challenge becomes even more apparent.

Moreover, most software development jobs experience crunch times, during which 8 hours a day might not be sufficient. Taking amphetamines or other stimulants to increase productivity is not a long-term solution and can result in job loss due to health issues or dependence.

Underestimating the Impact of Long Hours

Some people believe they can easily handle two full-time jobs by working smarter, not harder. They argue that they can get their work done in less than 8 hours each job. However, this belief is misguided. While you might be managing to complete your tasks, you risk falling behind peers who are more reliable and productive. Additionally, taking shortcuts may catch up with you if your boss finds out. Employers are likely to ask for in-person presence during critical times, potentially exposing your scheme.

The argument that you are more effective than the average software engineer is also fallacious. There are always those who outwork their peers, leading to more interesting projects and promotions. Playing a numbers game with your workload could backfire, leaving you with less desirable tasks or no tasks at all.

Conclusion

In summary, working two or more full-time software engineering jobs is not advisable. It not only risks your mental and physical health but also your job security. While some individuals may claim success by working long hours, this is usually the result of long-term experience rather than a recent endeavor. If you want to maintain your productivity and avoid burnout, focusing on one or two full-time jobs while maintaining a healthy work-life balance is the better approach.