How to combine two jobs at once? You have these options

Nowadays, it is not uncommon for people to add another job to their main job or find other ways to earn extra money. Whether it’s a part-time job, a second main job, or an extra job on top of work, the combination brings both benefits and risks. Let’s take a closer look at them.

What the law says: Can a person have 2 main jobs?

Yes, in the Czech legal system an employee can have 2 main jobs at the same time. However, each employer must agree to this as long as the work is in a similar field. In addition, the employee may have a so-called competition clause in the employment contract. A competition clause restricts the employee from working for a competitor or for a company.

It follows that having a main employment relationship with two employers is possible, but it can be very demanding in terms of time organisation, workload and administration. Therefore, most people prefer to take on extra work by adding to their main employment a job under a contract of employment (CBA) or a contract for performance of work (CPA).

Why do people choose two concurrent employment relationships?

For some employees, having 2 main jobs or a part-time job is a way to earn more money or gain new work experience. This approach can be ideal for those who are looking for additional career opportunities or want to develop their skills in a different field.

Benefits of taking on a job:

• Additional Income: Working a part-time job is often an ideal way to build up financial reserves or meet specific financial goals.
• Skills development: working on a side project or part-time job will often expand your skills that you can use later in a main job.
• Flexibility and independence: freelancing gives you more control over your own finances and career, which can improve your overall job satisfaction.

What are the advantages of a part-time job over a second main job?

An alternative to a second main job is where an employee finds a part-time job while working. This way of earning extra money on top of work is usually easier to organise. In fact, most part-time jobs tend to be more flexible by nature and require fewer hours to be worked.

When an employee works 2 main jobs or has a part-time job to supplement their work, they should also consider their tax and administrative obligations. Each employment relationship carries some tax and insurance liability, which can become complicated when the main and secondary employment are concurrent. For either employment relationship, the employee may be able to claim basic rate tax relief. The other income is then already subject to higher taxation in the annual tax return, which includes all income from both employment relationships.

Temporary jobs in the Czech Republic are usually concluded on the basis of a contract for the performance of work (DPP) or a contract for the performance of work (DPČ). If you sign a DPP, you should be aware that the Labour Code limits the number of hours per year for this type of employment contract to 300 per employer. Social security and health insurance is payable on earnings exceeding CZK 10,000 per month. DPP can therefore be ideal for short-term and less time-consuming earnings.

In contrast, it is more likely to be worthwhile to use a part-time job for more stable earnings. There, you need to keep in mind that if your monthly income exceeds CZK 4,000, you need to pay health and social insurance on it.

Advantages of part-time work

• Flexibility.
• Less commitment: unlike a main job, a temp job doesn’t require you to spend as much time at work, and you usually have less employee responsibility in this type of job.
• Tax benefits: no social security or health insurance is payable on a work arrangement with a monthly income of up to CZK 10,000. This earnings are taxed through withholding tax, which is more advantageous for the employee than the tax payments he or she would have made in a second main job.

Only withholding tax is payable for DPP up to CZK 10,000 per month, which simplifies administration and eases the financial burden. In the case of FTEs with income above CZK 4,000, the employee is obliged to pay health and social insurance.

What are the risks and limitations of concurrent employment relationships?

There are risks and limitations to having 2 main jobs or different forms of earnings in addition to work. The main ones are the aforementioned non-compete and the non-compete clause, which prohibits an employee from working for specific companies, for example. Therefore, before taking on a second job, be sure to check carefully whether your main employer has introduced this clause in the employment contract and also how the two employers compete (e.g. according to the subject of the business).

Another risk that people with multiple jobs face is overwork and exhaustion. The human body has certain limits. People working two jobs at the same time know this. In fact, simultaneous employment often leads to a high workload to manage all the duties of both jobs and increased stress. This can sooner or later take its toll on health. Many employees therefore have to learn to allocate their time effectively and manage both jobs without compromising their performance.

What obligations do you have to your employers?

Before taking on a second job or a part-time job at work, we recommend that you inform your main employer that you are going to work elsewhere. Although the law does not require it, your employer has the right to know about your other employment relationship if it would affect your performance as their employee or be contrary to the company’s interests. In particular, highly responsible positions in managerial roles may require more detailed discussion of second employment.

Practical tips for managing two jobs

If you are one of those who are considering 2 main jobs or a part-time job at work, you may appreciate some practical advice:

• Focus on effective planning: plan your weekly schedule and allocate tasks according to their complexity. This approach will help you avoid overload.
• Prioritise. This will help you stay efficient and minimize the stress of not keeping up.
• Give yourself regular rest: Take breaks during the day and get enough sleep. The more rest you get, the better you can handle the workload.

Summary

Working 2 main jobs or a part-time job while working is especially beneficial for those who have the energy, motivation and ability to manage their time effectively. If you choose to work simultaneously, be aware of all the legal and tax aspects to avoid any unpleasantness. If you’re looking for more information or need legal advice on second jobs, use our legal advice service to get answers to employment law and take-home pay questions.