I have been in OE for over two years now. Along with that, I run side hustles that have helped me triple my income since my Ivy undergrad, all while living in Bangkok.

In the last post, I introduced the second type of info edge. It happens when you work for multiple managers, where each individual does not know what the others ask of you. This info gap gives you room to set your own pace in your day to day.

In industries like consulting, as with my experience, you might work on client projects, help with sales pitches to get new business, or contribute to firm tasks like recruiting. No one person watches your every move. That is your chance to say you are busy, even if you have free time. This also applies to other industries where your job is multifaceted (multifaceted actually is a good thing for OE).

This setup helps a lot in OE because it spreads out who manages you. You end up handling your own work, which means more bandwidth for your other job.

People should always seem busy in jobs where you work for many teams.

If you are good at something, like I am with data, people ask for your help often. But if you always say yes fast, you get too much work. Build in extra time by talking about your other tasks. It makes you look in demand and not too quick to please.

For example, you can say: "I would help, but I have a few other things going on now, so it might take longer." Or if it is too much: "I am too busy right now, but ask me later. I am sorry, I would like to help but can not at this time."

These keep you looking good without taking on too much. In my job, people think you mean well because hiring is hard. They take from top schools, with small groups. Everyone I meet is careful and driven, from good high schools to Ivy leagues to this firm. In OE, it feels calm knowing they see me the same way, as a solid worker.

It seems odd, but in OE, more bosses can cut your load.

With one boss, they check on you every day. With three or four, no one is fully in charge. You are meant to find your own tasks, so you set the speed.

This spread lets you stay busy on paper without the weight. Say yes to work, but add time by noting other duties. It gives you hours for your other role, while you build a name as someone people want.

I see new hires do the oppisite. They come from beating low odds to get in, proud of the big firm name. They talk a lot in meetings and take every task to stand out.

But they wear out fast. The extra work for a quick rise? Most get moved up in one or two years anyway. Why put in three times the effort to climb in one place when you can spread out and add jobs? That way you double your pay without the long hours. It pulls at that want for more money with less grind. Also, saying no sometimes shows you have balance and stand firm, like a leader.

In OE, this edge turns what could be too much into a way to earn more. Think of stacking that income without more sweat.

If your job has many sides, like project work, use this.

List your managers and what each knows. See the gaps. When a task comes, say something about the others: "I have a due date from another team that is pressing."

Be steady on what you do, so they trust you. Over time, it makes room where no one asks about your busyness.

A few months back at my main job, I was on a client task with one manager. Then another asked for help on a pitch to win new work. She wanted charts from market data, knowing I handle that well.

I did not start right away. I said: "I can do this, but I am in the middle of project work today, so it will be tomorrow morning." The charts took less than an hour with my tools. But that extra time let me handle my second job in the afternoon. I even took a break to walk around Bangkok and clear my head.

Next day, I sent it, and she said thanks for making time. She thought my other manager had me tied up. I stayed looking helpful, got the work done right, and kept my day balanced. No rush, just more space for what matters. This happens often, adding up to steady extra pay.

New people often push too much to make a mark. I knew one guy who joined last year. He grabbed every chance, stayed late on calls, aimed to be the top new face.

He burned out in months. Extra effort did not speed his rise – same as others. If he had set limits and seemed busy, he might have lasted longer and maybe added a side job. Saying you are tied up shows you value your time, not that you are weak.

This cross-manager edge is about spotting system holes to help you. Seem busy, set limits, and make time for what pays, like a second job.

If your job fits, try it small. You will see it ease the balance.

Chad Jifinity.