The rise of remote work has made “overemployment” (juggling two or more full-time jobs) a growing trend. While some workers see it as a way to safeguard income, it’s also a potential career landmine in the cleared space. If you’ve been working double duty and need to come clean, how do you disclose it? Especially if you’re asked to fill out an SF-85P or SF-86 by one of the companies?
Blackburn, a user at ClearanceJobsBlog.com asks:
Hi! I am in a bit of a dillema since I work 2 full time jobs in the same field and neither of them know it. Company A is private sector servicing corporate clients while Company B is servicing government agencies. Company B is requesting to fill out SF85P tier 2. I am filling up the form now for all the employment history. I know that I should be truthful, and I for sure will indicate that I work two full time jobs. The only question is will they let my employers know about it? Will it be a cause for rejection to get cleared?
I don’t have any bad record, debt, or any felony charges. Holding two jobs is my only problem.
Employment contracts often contain exclusivity or conflict-of-interest clauses. Violating them could result in immediate termination. Even without such language, many employers view moonlighting as a breach of trust, particularly in sensitive industries like defense or government contracting.
Sean Bigley, security clearance attorney also notes, “One of the most significant issues we’ve seen with working two jobs simultaneously is the allegation of time-card fraud levied against the employee by one or both employers.” But it is not impossible. (Can I Work Two Full-Time Jobs Simultaneously? June 2019).
It’s important to be honest about employment on any official form. But before filling it out, and before talking to your employer, be clear on your endgame. Do you plan to:
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Quit one role and reassure your employer of your commitment?
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Try to keep both (an option that’s rarely allowed)?
Your approach will depend on which of these applies. Whatever your goal, keep it short and professional:
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If leaving one job: “I took on another role during a difficult period, but it’s not sustainable. I’m stepping away from that position to give my full focus here, but wanted to make you aware since you will see it on my SF-85P.”
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If you’ve been caught but want to keep both: “I should have been upfront. I took another role, but have been honest with my timecards. I’d like to have a candid conversation about if you have issues with this as my manager.”
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If resigning: “I’ve been balancing another position and realized I can’t do both fairly, so I’m stepping down to ensure no disruption here.”
In industries tied to security clearances or positions of public trust, transparency is critical, and disclosure may be unavoidable.
Overemployment might sound like a clever financial hack, but it comes with professional and legal risks. If you need to disclose to an employer after coming clean on the security clearance application, do it directly, keep it brief, and be clear about your next move.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” For this reason, we maintain ClearanceJobsBlog.com – a forum where clearance seekers can ask the cleared community for advice on their specific security concerns. Ask CJ explores questions posed on the ClearanceJobs Blog forum, emails received, and comments from this site. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
