contract vs permanent vs conflict of insterest

[legersalazar]

Hi there,

I'd like to know if it is typically allowed to work on contracts while working as a permanent employee with a company.

I've been offered a part time contract, but I work full time as a permanent employee with a company.

Please advice.

p.s. I know my employer has the last word, but I'd like to know what is the common practice in the industry.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Many employers in the USA have some fine print in the boilerplate you see only on your first day about working for someone else; they don't typically allow it. You would need to request your own personnel file and read it carefully to be sure about your particular situation.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[rb1957]

i'd say it's unusual, but not unheard of. sometimes your employer will say "what you do with your own time is your business", other times "no". they would be interested if you would be working for a competitor (that'd lead to a "no", since you might use on-the-job information (maybe unconsciously) against your employer). they'll possibly also "watch" you, to make sure you're not working on your job on their time.

 

[rb1957]

another thought, refer to your contract of employment. in the bad old days your boss would usually take responsibility for his decisions (depending on how far he trusted you) and speak his own mind, yea or nay. these days you'll usually be referred to HR, who (wanting to avoid work) will say no.

 

[tbuelna]

If you are in a full time management or engineering position, most companies these days tend to frown on any outside consulting or employment. In these types of "professional" salaried positions, employers seem to feel (rightly or wrongly) that you are being compensated for your commitment to the company. Thus, if you have free time to perform your job function, that effort should be directed towards your existing employment obligations.

It is common for most companies to have no-compete clauses in employment contracts/agreement with salaried employees. Most companies also have waiting periods (usually something like 12 or 18 months) regarding hiring a former employee back as a contractor or consultant.

I've worked as a contractor in aerospace engineering for over 20 years. I personally prefer contracting to direct employment.
If you are a valuable or irreplaceable asset to your employer, they may consider allowing you to change your employment status such that you can pursue outside work.

Finally, there's an old joke in the contract engineering business: "The only difference between a contract employee and a direct employee is two weeks."

Regards,
Terry

 

[berkshire]

tbuelna
You got a whole two weeks.
I have worked contract and direct on jobs where the boss has come out on a Friday with an extra pay check in his hand, and said," by the way today is your last day."
Thanks for your work.

B.E.

The good engineer does not need to memorize every formula; he just needs to know where he can find them when he needs them. Old professor

 

[MiketheEngineer]

If you are a PE - the code of ethics for most states say that you must "inform" your employer of any outside work type activities.

As noted - some companies care - some don't

If you get hit with an legal suit - they may try to drag your "main" company in because they have much deeper pockets than you.

Doesn't seem logical - but most lawyers aren't...

 

[berkshire]

Most companies I have worked for are quite specific about outside work employment.
If it is outside of the employers line of work, and it does not interfere with your daytime activity, most reasonable employers will not have a problem with it.

If it is in a field of work the employer participates in, they will have a big problem with it.
B.E.

The good engineer does not need to memorize every formula; he just needs to know where he can find them when he needs them. Old professor