Can I work two full-time jobs at the same time?

Whether or not you can work two full-time jobs at the same time comes down to your employment contract.

A growing number of employers across Canada are adding an exclusivity agreement to their contracts, which prevents staff from working for another company until their employment comes to an end.

Non-competition and non-solicitation clauses can also limit how and where you are able to work even after you are fired or let go.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains the five things workers need to know about employment contracts on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Do I have to tell my employer that I’m working another full-time job?

If your employment contract indicates that you must exclusively work for the company, you would have to inform your employer that you have another full-time job.

To avoid a breach of contract, your company can require you to quit the other job.

READ MORE
• Do I have to tell my employer I’m working from another province?
• Do I get severance if I quit?

My employer doesn’t like that I’m working another job, can they make changes to my employment?

Depending on your employment contract, your company might be able to make changes to your job, including responsibilities and pay, if they find out that you are working somewhere else at the same time.

• Example: Your employer learns that your other job makes up more than 15 to 25 per cent of your total annual income. Your employer may change your classification from employee to independent contractor through an independent contractor agreement.

However, when the terms of your employment are significantly changed, you might be able to file a constructive dismissal claim and pursue full severance pay.

If you believe that you have been constructively dismissed, contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We can review your situation and help you determine if you are entitled to compensation.

SEE ALSO
• Severance Pay in Ontario
• Alberta severance packages
• Understanding severance in B.C.

Can my employer fire me for having another full-time job?

Your employer can fire you for having another full-time job – even if it doesn’t interfere with your employment contract.

This is called a termination without cause. In Canada, companies can let employees go for any reason, as long as:

• They are provided full severance pay
• The reasons for their dismissal are not discriminatory

If your employment contract clearly stated that you couldn’t work another full-time job at the same time, you employer might be able to fire you for just cause.

This type of dismissal means you don’t get a severance package and can’t access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

LEARN MORE
• How to calculate severance pay
• Severance for federally regulated employees
• Severance for provincially regulated employees

Lost your job? Speak to an employment lawyer

If you were fired for working another full-time job in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C., contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver have helped tens of thousands of individuals across Canada resolve their workplace issues.

We can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you are owed.