The answer to the question “Is it illegal to work two jobs at the same time” is: While it's normal for people to look for other work possibilities to augment their income or broaden their professional expertise, doing so inside the federal government framework entails particular guidelines, restrictions, and even constraints.

Can You Work Two Jobs at the Same Time? Can You Be Fired for Working a Second Job?
The pandemic has significantly changed how Americans work. A significant number of us experienced job loss or reduced hours worked. Many of us have also discovered that working from home is a temporary or permanent option. Having a second job has become essential for many of us in order to make ends meet. To others, the ability to work many remote jobs has made working remotely more convenient and tempting.
What are the legal implications of taking a second job? Can your employer terminate you for doing so? Can you work two jobs at the same time?

The Right to Work a Second Job
As a general rule, unless you’ve signed a valid employment contract that prohibits you from taking a second job, there’s no law against working for more than one company. That doesn’t mean, though, that your employer can’t terminate you for moonlighting or participating in a side hustle. How can that be?
As a general rule, in the United States, employment is “at will.” (Government workers are one exception.) That means that either party to an employment relationship can end it, at any time and for any reason, provided that doing so:
·        Is not in violation of an enforceable employment agreement; and
·        Is not contrary to law or public policy (based on illegal discrimination or in retaliation for doing something you have a legal right to do, such as filing a valid workers’ compensation claim or whistleblowing).
A few states have laws that limit an employer’s right to fire a worker because of off-duty conduct, such as the use of alcohol or drugs. Most states, though, don’t have any such laws on the books.

When Might You Be at Risk of Termination for Working a Second Job?
Except in cases when you have a job where you must be available around-the-clock, your employer will typically not terminate you if you're hitting your performance targets and taking on a second job. Even if you're an excellent employee, there are a few situations in which you could be let go:
·        If the second job poses a conflict of interest with your current employer—If you go to work for a company that competes with your current employer, or if you set up your own business doing essentially the same thing you’re doing for your employer, it’s likely you’ll either face termination or be asked to cease and desist the competing activities.
·        If you use company resources or property for another job—Suppose your employer provides you with a computer or pays for your internet service. If you use that computer or internet service for other gainful employment, you can be subject to termination.
·        If the second job leads to diminished productivity or performance on your other job—Even if you still outperform many of your co-workers, your employer may expect or need you to perform at your prior level.

Things to Confirm Before You Take a Second Job
If you’re contemplating finding a side gig to supplement your primary income, here are some things to verify first:
·        Did you sign a non-compete agreement, or was one included in your employment contract?—Such agreements often include prohibitions on moonlighting or working for a competitor.
·        Does your company have a policy against moonlighting?—If you have an employee policy manual, check to see if moonlighting is banned, or if you must report any outside employment to your manager or human resources.

The Risks Involved in Working Two Jobs Remotely
The two biggest concerns that arise when you work more than one job remotely are:
·        The potential for using the property of one employer to complete tasks for another employer; and
·        If you are paid hourly, the risk that you’ll spend some time billed to your primary employer working on your side hustle.
By purposefully avoiding sharing time and resources with other employers, you can lower your risk of getting dismissed. However, your job security is never assured if you work for the government or have a formal employment contract, as your employment is probably at will.

Protect Your Rights by Working with an Experienced Employment Attorney
Although working for many companies is lawful, you could still lose your job if you do so if your employment is at will. The likelihood of getting fired can be decreased by decreasing performance and productivity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and keeping time and property separate.

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