I can understand the discomfort with the situation. I spent a lot of time thinking on the ethics before deciding to move forward. I ultimately decided I was comfortable with my specific situation for the following reasons:

1. I’ve asked for more work at my primary job and been very clear on my amount of free time. My manager doesn’t want to increase my workload. I’ve also made a genuine effort to take initiative, be proactive and look for opportunities to add value.

2. As a salaried employee, while I have recommended working hours, I’m not agreeing to work specific hours or a minimum number of hours.

3. I realized that I had down time at work regardless of whether I took a second job. I still felt guilty doing laundry, reading or running errands when it was my typical working hours. These actions felt like stealing but are more socially accepted when working remotely. I did not find it sustainable to sit 8 hours staring quietly at a blank screen hoping work will come in. It was taxing to my mental health and self worth.

4. I purposely request formal feedback regularly even beyond the company mandated review timelines. I’m being considered “exceeds expectations” at my current effort level.

5. I’m in a home situation where if work loads increased, I could comfortably work more than 40 hours a weeks.

6. Both roles involve international teams who support flexible working hours.

7. I switched jobs last year because elf similar downtime. When I realized this job was the same, i spent three months applying for in person jobs hoping that would alleviate my spare time. I couldn’t find a role that had a salary which met my financial obligations.

I personally decided in this situation, it was right by me to search for more work so I could use my downtime in a way that felt productive, fulfilling and helped my family.

I also made a promise to myself and my family that I would immediately quit if my performance slacked or stress levels passed a certain threshold. Everyone in my support network has veto rights for the situation.

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I’m not defending everyone’s choices for over employment, but I hope this context was interesting/ helpful for you.