Overemployed to Earn a Living - Am I Doing It Wrong?

Introduction

Hello everyone! Have you ever found yourself in the exhilarating yet bewildering whirlwind of over-employment? Well, you are not alone! Let's dive into the world of over-employment together.

Being caught up in the whirlwind of over-employment as a developer, I embarked on a quest to fast-track my career and achieve financial independence, dreaming of a life filled with travel and endless possibilities. However, my journey has been anything but smooth. From unpaid internships to scams, overwhelming workloads, and countless interviews, I find myself questioning if over-employment is the right path to follow. In this article, I will share my personal experiences, and the lessons I've learned, and explore the realities of over-employment in the tech industry.

The Allure of Overemployment

When I first delved into the concept of over-employment, the idea seemed enticing. The promise of accelerating my career and financial growth was enough to push me into pursuing multiple jobs simultaneously. However, reality hit hard when I found myself juggling two unpaid internships. It became overwhelming, and I began to question how people managed to handle two full-time jobs effectively. The initial excitement gave way to exhaustion and doubts.

The Scam and the Importance of Contracts

During my pursuit of over-employment, I encountered the dark side of the tech industry - scams. One of the opportunities that seemed promising turned out to be a scam, leaving me disillusioned and sceptical. This experience taught me a valuable lesson - always insist on written contracts. Trusting verbal agreements alone is risky, and having a clear legal document can protect you from deceitful individuals and shady organizations.

Endless Interviews and Job Tracking Chaos

The journey of over-employment has been filled with a myriad of interviews. I lost count of how many I went through and found myself struggling to keep track. My job tracking board ran out of space, reflecting the intensity of my pursuit. While each interview brought hope, the process also got a mix of anxiety and uncertainty. The question lingering in my mind was whether all this effort would pay off.

The Reality Check: Is FIRE Attainable in Tech?

Reflecting on my over-employment journey, I ponder the validity of achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) in the tech industry. While the allure of travelling the world and living life on my terms sounded incredible, the path to financial stability and independence is not as straightforward as it seems. The question arises: Does tech really pay off in the long run? Is pushing through the challenges and holding on worth it?

Conclusion

Over-employment, as enticing as it may sound, is not without its challenges and setbacks. My personal experience has taught me the importance of balance, the necessity of written contracts, and the need for a realistic perspective on financial goals. While the tech industry offers numerous opportunities, it requires perseverance, self-reflection, and a willingness to adapt. If you choose the path of over-employment, do so with caution and be prepared for the obstacles along the way. Remember that success is subjective, and finding your definition of fulfillment and happiness within your career journey is essential.

In this exploration, I hope to shed light on the realities of over-employment and inspire you to make informed decisions about your career path. Remember to strive for a balance that aligns with your values and aspirations, while keeping a keen eye on your personal and financial well-being.

So I ask, am I doing it wrong? Is there a better way? A reasonable approach? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the newsletter, I will keep sharing about this and more every step of the way.