Amid moves to explore new work styles during the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are encouraging their employees to have side jobs or start a second business.
While some people are moonlighting to make greater use of their abilities and to spend more time on their pursuits outside of the work they do for their main employers, many are trying to make up for income lost due to the pandemic — leading to risks of overwork or health damage.
“I feel happy that I can make use of my experiences at the company to be of help to the people outside the company,” says Hiroaki Taniguchi, 42, an employee in the finance and accounting division at Nagoya-based food manufacturer Kagome Co.