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Anonymous

07/04/20 at 8:40PM UTC

Career

Career Woman w/A Side Hustle

I am a sr. HR leader for a technology company. My role and career there are great. However, I have always known my purpose and earlier this spring, I decided to go ahead and pursue it! In my side company, I am a career coach who provides coaching services to individual clients, and diversity, inclusion and belonging consulting to small to mid-sized companies. QUESTION: I have not informed my employer of my company and I don't believe I need to. Is there a conflict of interest here?

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Nizah Bagares

I'm the Write person for the job!

07/10/20 at 3:33AM UTC

I wonder why you felt your company does not need to know of your side hustle. Do you feel the company would not be as supportive? Would it be a toxic process? But either way, we want our side hustles to grow and thrive. I don't think it's possible without everyone in your life knowing that you're growing something important.

Anonymous

07/14/20 at 8:41PM UTC

This is such sage advice, Nizah! And yes, I don't believe the company (really, my boss) would be supportive. But you're so right --there's no growing and thriving without transparency. Thank you!

Anonymous

07/08/20 at 2:14AM UTC

Disclosing the information with your company is a better option. 1. They may advise you or give you some guidelines to follow. 2. This will help you to carry on with your side hustle with complete purpose and happiness, without feeling guilty of not informing your organization.

Anonymous

07/14/20 at 8:41PM UTC

This is the truth. Thank you so much!

ANGEL RILEY

Public and Political Affairs Executive

07/07/20 at 6:48PM UTC

I was formerly an Ethics Officer with a defense and aerospace company. Considering you are in HR, this may be a perceived Conflict of Interest. I recommend disclosing your side hustle. If anything, the company may provide guidelines to follow to ensure you are not using the company for an unfair advantage or to gain clients. I wish you much success with your new business!

Anonymous

07/10/20 at 12:56AM UTC

Thanks for your advice, Angel!

Laura McCann

325

Driving results through people engagement

07/07/20 at 5:42PM UTC

Great comments from everyone! Being transparent will give you more peace and allow you to get your hustle on!! Best of luck!

Anonymous

07/10/20 at 12:56AM UTC

Thanks, Laura! You are so right!

DeLisa Dawkins

113

Real Estate Professional, Marketing Expert

07/06/20 at 3:56PM UTC

Disclosure may be an issue if your clients are within the firm that you re currently employed with. Tread carefully.

Anonymous

07/06/20 at 10:21PM UTC

Thanks, DeLisa. My clients are not within the company I'm currently employed. That I'd never do. Thanks so much for your advice.

Brooke Colquhoun-Lesslie

International Liaison Officer, Sydney Australia

07/06/20 at 12:45PM UTC

Hi there, I too have a side hustle, nothing to do with my current work and committments. I believe it is best to be fully transparent and disclose your outside interests to HR so they understand that there is no threat to the organisation. By doing so you are also creating a trusting relationship with your workplace. Good luck with your decision.

Anonymous

07/06/20 at 10:21PM UTC

Truly great advice, Brooke. Appreciate you for taking the time to respond!

Anonymous

07/06/20 at 5:51AM UTC

I joined a company and kept some of my consulting clients. Full disclosure is the best way to go. Be prepared to explain, several times, what you are doing. I had 3 rounds with everyone from corporate communications to HR before I finally convinced them that my consulting work in a different industry was no threat to the company.

Anonymous

07/06/20 at 10:25PM UTC

Marne, this is very helpful, and great advice. Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to respond!

[email protected]

410

#girlboss #newlymintedceo

07/05/20 at 1:51PM UTC

Some companies and most government employers require employees disclose other employment. This avoids any potential COI which is in everyone’s best interest.

Anonymous

07/06/20 at 10:20PM UTC

Thank you!

Carmen Orr

HR Exec & Leadership Coach

07/05/20 at 12:46PM UTC (Edited)

I am a fellow sr HR leader with a tech company who has a side coaching business. Before launching my company I disclosed it to my employer and I highly recommend you do as well. It’s better to be transparent and avoid conflicts up front. And it’s equally important to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest. This way you protect yourself and your company. In my case, my company asked that I avoid coaching clients in the tech industry to ensure no conflicts arise. Best of luck wirh your business!

Anonymous

07/06/20 at 10:20PM UTC

Carmen, thank you so much. Great advice!

Aly Brine

1.59k

Helping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!

07/05/20 at 3:11PM UTC

I was an HR Consultant in oil and gas when I started my career coaching side hustle also. I disclosed it to my manager for the same reason, to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.