TLDR: Grabbed two offers after school just in case, now over 2 years on I'm hauling in $200K+, bouncing around the globe like some kinda nomad, and starting up side gigs. Turned me into a time boss, and maybe you could too without totally burning out.
Three years back, I was doing okay in school at a top US place. Job search came around, and people were worried about layoffs after COVID in tech and consulting. Offers came at different times, so I took both. I thought I'd try them and quit one.
The first job started three months before the second. My plan was to test both, quit if it got hard. I'd take some time off from the first when the second began. It was backup – I heard stories about start dates getting pushed or people getting fired fast. Didn't want that right after school, you know?
But next thing, I'm in this overemployed setup without meaning to. Two years later, I'm still full-time at both, double pay with not much extra work. Promotion coming at one, and teams like me okay. It's odd how it happened.
This setup helped me skip useless stuff at work. I focus on what needs doing, manage time better. It's let me live six months in Japan eating local food, three in the US with family, three in Canada dealing with weather, and now in Bangkok. With the extra time, I've also worked from spots in Southeast Asia like Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and even China. Sleep is off from time zones, but low costs make double pay go further. Plus, I'm working on a B2B software tool and some product ideas on the side – wouldn't have time otherwise. In addition to my full time jobs, I own a US-based LLC and a Hong-Kong registered holding company for my other brands.
Work has changed since COVID. Jobs switch often, how we work does too. Why not take extra money and build your own way? If doubling pay and doing what you want sounds good, stay here.
Quick on me: BS and Master's from an Ivy, 25 years old, consulting at two big firms. Been OE-ing over two years, well over $200K.
Now, on J2 Confidential – this is my place to share corporate tips. Double pay, but less work than one job. Saves time for travel and side projects, like this blog.
It might seem like normal "win at life" advice, but it's different. Forget climbing the ladder or being the best worker. Think of yourself as your own "[Your Name] LLC." Use time on what makes sense for you. It changes how you talk to coworkers, what tasks you take, the work you pick – all to get more free time and better value per hour.
I'm careful about those online "get rich quick" things from gurus. That's not me. My life has been standard so far – prep school, good SATs, Ivy undergrad then masters, same clubs and jobs as friends. This is just sharing how to handle life better, and it takes some skill and knowledge.
Your thoughts? Drop OE stories in comments or sub for more. Let's make that future.
– Chad Jifinity