Thread by @mar15sa

Let's talk about this popular Hacker News comment from last week.

This is coming from the perspective of someone who has used working remotely to hold multiple jobs at the same time for 3+ years ⬇️

First, let me start by saying there's a lot of exaggeration going on here.

Only 2-3 hours of total effort to land a new job?
Not buying it.

Holding 10 jobs at the same time?
Definitely not buying that.

However, working remotely does give you the option to juggle multiple positions if you want.

Personally, I'm the:
• Head of Product & Operations for a software consulting company
• Elected official for my district
• Founder of a remote work company

This is possible because you win time back without a commute.

You win mental energy back by only being around people you choose and optimizing your work environment.

And (if you're at a truly remote company) it's about the outcomes you make, not clocking in 9-5.

So you have this extra time and energy, what do you do with it?

Lots of people use this extra time to be around their family more or hobbies. Both fantastic options.

Some, like me, start this way and then their passion project turns into a viable career option.

By the way, out of the many, many people I've known who juggle multiple remote positions, none of them did it to underperform.

They did it to use their FT salary as the "VC" money for their company, try out an industry before transitioning, give back to their community, etc.

Underperforming is incredibly short-term thinking.

Your streams of income would be volatile and dry up quickly. Plus, your reputation takes a huge hit that leads to fewer future opportunities.

Sounds like a route for constant stress, diminishing returns, and hating yourself.

However, if you have good intentions, multiple roles can lead to:

• Greater security through diversified income streams
• Building up your experience faster
• Helping you to stop tying your identity to your job

https://twitter.com/mar15sa/status/1361483924757770242?s=20

Some tips for juggling it all:

• Keep it legal. Be open with your employers.
• Consolidate all asks so they aren't all over the place
• Time block your calendar to help with focus
• Start slow. Go from 1 to 1.1 not 1 to "10"
• Intentionally schedule rest/fun. You need it.

This Hacker News comment is most likely from a troll, so take their story with a grain of salt.

The single bit of truth is that holding multiple positions is just one of the many possible work options that working remotely opens up.

Consider if it's a good option for you.