A second job held outside of normal working hours—typically at night or on weekends—is called moonlighting. This term refers to working a second, often part-time, job to supplement primary income, with its origins dating back to the late 19th century.
Moonlighting refers to an employee who works a second job on the side, usually after hours. California law generally protects the rights of workers to moonlight. Under California Labor Code section 96, employers are essentially prohibited from punishing employees who engage in moonlighting in their free time.
Essentially, moonlighting is an employee having a second job, usually not during their usual work hours. This second activity may take the form of freelance work and consulting, or part-time work in a different profession altogether.
Moonlighting is when someone works more than one job at a time. According to USLegal, moonlighting usually refers to when a person holds a second job outside of normal working hours. Therefore, someone could work a normal 9-to-5 job as a primary source of income but work at another night job to earn extra money.
Night shift jobs—often referred to as third-shift, overnight, or graveyard shifts—are roles that require employees to work during the late evening through early morning hours.
A night job is the opposite of a day job—you work at night and sleep during the day. Also called third shift, night jobs provide career opportunities for night owls. Many industries need night workers; qualifications and job duties vary depending on the specific position.
Working a side job is also referred to as moonlighting, usually when it is performed after regular business hours. A side job can be a full-time job, part-time contract, or freelance work, and a person can hold more than one side job. Driving for Uber is a common side job.
Moonlighting Is Generally Legal in California
The default position under California law supports a worker's right to earn income from multiple sources, provided the additional work does not interfere with their primary job or breach duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
Why Work Two Jobs? People opt for dual employment for various reasons. Some are looking to supplement their primary income, while others are pursuing a passion project on the side.
Long ago David wrote, “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). He could well have written, “He who pledged to keep you during the night shift will never get drowsy or forget you in the darkness which troubles your life.” It's true, friend.
Some of the common names for the night shift are: Third shift. Graveyard shift. Midnight shift.
Employment double dipping, sometimes called moonlighting, involves receiving income from two sources illegitimately. This can be done in a few different ways—the fraudster could claim income from two jobs at the same time or claim an income while also claiming a pension or other retirement benefits.
California Is an At-Will Employment State—But With Limits
Technically, employers in California can terminate employees at any time, for any reason—or no reason—unless it's illegal or retaliatory. But that doesn't mean they can fire you simply for pursuing outside work.
IMPLICATIONS OF MOONLIGHTING IN INDIA
Many employment agreements contain clauses that explicitly prohibit employees from taking up additional work without prior approval from the employer. Violating these clauses can lead to legal action, including termination of Employment, Breach of Trust and Confidentiality etc.
Among the youngest people in the workforce — members of Gen Z, which describes those born between 1997 and 2012 — 57% have a side hustle, according to a survey by the Harris Poll reported in September 2025. For some, earning extra money is a necessity to cope with high living costs and stagnating salaries.
Jobs you can only do at night involve essential 24/7 services (healthcare, security, transportation), logistics (warehousing, delivery), retail restocking, and remote roles supporting other time zones or online communities, including bakers, police officers, truck drivers, nurses, warehouse workers, and remote moderators, as these tasks must occur when others are sleeping or when systems are less busy.