It says "No Side Business" in my employee handbook, but...

Anonymous

November 29,2022 at 9:30PM UTC

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It says "No Side Business" in my employee handbook, but...

I want to be prepared in the coming months where we will discuss raises. I did not get a raise last year, and with the cost of services/goods increasing, I need more money to support my family (and currently expecting a second in the spring). In the event I don't get a raise when I ask for one (I truly believe I work hard and deserve one), I would like to look into freelancing / side gigs. In my employee handbook, however, it says "no side business". This means I could be terminated if my manager found out. How would you handle this? I know I should probably wait until that bridge is crossed but I want to be prepared for what could lie ahead considering my family's needs. I've also already been interviewing for new jobs but getting many rejections. Thank you for reading and appreciate any input.

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AnonymousNovember 29,2022 at 9:52PM UTC
Start up a side business and keep looking. Your employer can't dictate what you do off the clock. Unless you are moonlighting with a competitor or something like that, there's nothing they can do.
Carey ANovember 29,2022 at 11:02PM UTC
That doesn't seem legal, but you could still get fired over it. I'd start the business anyway, but maybe keep your face out of the marketing as much as possible.
AnonymousNovember 29,2022 at 11:37PM UTC
I am in the same boat. I believe our handbook mentions that we can't work over a certain number of hours at another company but I'm not sure there would be anything against starting your own business/side hustle as long as it doesn't interfere with your productivity on your main position.
Barb HansenNovember 30,2022 at 12:28AM UTC
A company can't prevent you from working a side-gig when you aren't working for the company.
A company can prevent you from working on a side-gig during the hours you work for the company.
A company can't stop you from using your skills in your side gig. Many companies may frown on your selling your services to their client base or to potential clients in the same industry, which is understandable. Some companies won't care (depending on what your skill set is and what clients you wanted to sell to). In this case, I would certainly check with HR or read the employee handbook to figure out where the company stands.
A company could probably prevent you from selling to it's customers (i.e. A company wouldn't want their sales team to sell products from another company to the company's customers).
AnonymousNovember 30,2022 at 12:31AM UTC
How does it define side business. In most cases as long as you are not conducting business on the premises or seeking out their clients/ customers…
Anyway you should be allowed to support you and your family
AnonymousNovember 30,2022 at 12:56PM UTC
Is there clarification in the handbook on this? Is there an HR rep that you can ask questions? In the past I have found that some managers don't check with HR if I ask questions about a policy and just use their best "judgement". HR may be able to clarify.
Shelly EdwardsNovember 30,2022 at 2:54PM UTC
I would go to your manager, explain your situation and outline the side gig you would like to do to financially support your family. Make sure your side gig is not in direct competition with your main job - does not involve the same customers, won't interfere with main job, etc. Your manager will be more receptive to it if it won't change your work for the company and you also put them on notice that you are working other opportunities. Sometimes that alone is an incentive to give a raise. If not, at least they have been notified and can approve your side gig.
Orlagh CostelloDecember 2,2022 at 2:11PM UTC
Are you in Europe? The EU Working Time directive does lay out that a company has to take steps to make sure an employee isn't regularly going over the working time limit (48hrs) across all jobs - but that doesn't mean they can stop you working a side gig. I'm wondering how they'd enforce that?
AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 5:49PM UTC
When you are off the clock you can do a side job. However, if it is in direct competition with your current company and their profits they can regulate that. I would look at what you are thinking of doing, and if it is moonlighting/ working in competition with the company I would be wary as you could be fired. However, many side jobs should not be a problem.
We have a clause like this at my organization. We have people that do things like coaching sports on the side, or are a fitness instructor. We also have people that have had part time extra jobs in the summer or as someone mentioned doing things like Pampered Chef. As long as those things are done off of company time and do not interfere with or compete against the business we have been ok with it in the past.