Moonlighting in IT: Why an Indian Techie Chose 2 Jobs and INR 7 Lakh Monthly Income

A 29-year-old Indian tech professional has sparked a broader conversation regarding job security and burnout after revealing he works two simultaneous IT roles to earn INR 7 lakh per month. Despite achieving significant financial milestones, the individual, identified as Rohit, disclosed that the demanding 16-hour workday is driven by a deep-seated fear of AI-driven layoffs and a sense of familial obligation.

Speaking on the personal finance show Fix Your Finance, hosted by Anshuman Sharma, Rohit detailed the reality of his "moonlighting" arrangement. "I'm working for two companies - one in day and one in night," he explained, noting that the schedule consumes nearly all of his waking hours. Moonlighting: 43% Indian IT Employees Find Work Outside Their Jobs Favourable, Says Report.

Techie Says He Is Working for Two Companies

Roots of the Financial Drive

During the conversation, Rohit shared that his high-pressure work ethic is rooted in a desire to provide for his family and honour the sacrifices made during his upbringing. He recounted a childhood marked by financial hardship, where his brother prioritised Rohit’s education over his own. "Only one person could study… so my brother taught me. It's like a burden on me that if I can't do it, it's like a family failure," he said. This sense of responsibility continues to fuel his ambition, even as his career has progressed to include a role with a US-based firm.

Anxiety Amidst Accumulating Assets

Despite an impressive portfolio - including over INR 80 lakhs in savings across mutual funds, stocks, and fixed deposits - Rohit remains highly anxious about the future. His recent life milestones, including the birth of his child and the purchase of a 2 BHK flat for INR 85 lakh, have brought new financial commitments. Once his new home is delivered, his combined monthly EMIs for the apartment and his car will total INR 88,000, with total monthly expenses expected to reach up to INR 1.4 lakh. Rohit cited the rapid development of artificial intelligence as a primary source of instability. "The point is, I am doing an IT job and you know, the AI is booming," he stated. "I think like if suppose anything goes wrong, my income just got reduced. How I can handle that?" Soham Parekh Defends Himself for Moonlighting for Multiple Silicon Valley Startups, Says Worked for 140 Hours a Week Due to ‘Financial Constraints’ (Watch Video).

The Cost of the Target

When host Anshuman Sharma pointed out that Rohit already holds enough in assets to cover four years of expenses, the techie admitted that the trade-off has been a total lack of personal time. "It's very rare that I am giving time to people and all. So in that situation, I just want to go out," he shared. However, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of a larger financial safety net. Rohit revealed that he has set a target of INR 7 to INR 8 crore in savings over the next five to six years. "Then I will just leave that job and only continue my US job," he said, indicating that his current rigorous schedule is intended to be a temporary, albeit intense, chapter in his career.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 09:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).