What if I told you that as a programmer, you could double your income—and do it by using something you’ve already done in the past? Yup, you’ve been here before, and this time, I’ll show you the simplest way to make it happen.
The Rockstar Programmer Origin Story
I’m Patryk, a software engineer with nine years of experience in the industry, and my goal used to be doubling my income every year. Recently, I gathered everything I learned and started helping others do it in 90 days. But before we jump into the “method,” let me tell you a little story about how I stumbled upon it and tested it.
A year ago, I launched Rockstar Programmer—a project to help programmers earn more. I was working with a team. They handled sales and marketing while I focused on product and knowledge. FASTFORWARD: Firstly the project collapsed (also, I got robbed), and I needed money.
So, I called a friend for advice. He casually dropped, “I’ve been working two jobs at once recently, and it’s awesome. You should try it.”
My response? “Yeah, but doesn’t that mean working all day with no life?”
“No way,” he said. “I was wasting time at one of my jobs anyway. Piece of cake.”
And just like that, I thought, “F*** it, YOLO.”
My first week of juggling two jobs. Picture this: I’m on a call at my new gig, and someone brings up a story about a guy who got caught working two jobs. Apparently, he forgot to mute one of his calls. Now, his office has a “WANTED” poster of him as a warning.
My internal screaming: “Oh my God, what have I done?!”
Welcome to Overemployment
Despite my initial paranoia, overemployment—holding down two full-time jobs—turned out to be a game-changer. There’s nothing easier, more effortless, or more lucrative in such a short time. Think about it: as a programmer, you’ve already found a job at least once in your life. Now, you’re just finding another one and managing them both.
But let’s be real. If you don’t know how to do it right, the stress can eat you alive. You don’t want to end up paranoid like me, imagining “WANTED” posters with your face. Luckily, there are ways to do it ethically and organize your life without ruining your relationships—or your sanity. Let’s dive into five steps to make overemployment work for you.
Step #1: Become Your Own Boss
First, set up a company. It doesn’t matter if it’s a one-person business or you’re officially freelancing. What matters is peace of mind. As your own boss, no one can tell you how to allocate your time or stop you from having multiple clients. Check your country’s employment laws, maybe you can do it as a solopreneur, maybe by having two full time jobs. In some places, even calling employees after 5 p.m. is illegal, so know your rights.
Step #2: Find Job #2
Some folks say finding a job is hard these days. Sure, if you’ve ignored your LinkedIn, bombed interviews, or neglected your skills, it might take some time. But once you’re back on track, the offers will come.
Once you get yourself some recruitment processes here’s what to choose:
- Softcore Mode: Start part-time or pick up a second job in a different time zone. Some companies even let you begin with reduced hours as a trial period.
- Hardcore Mode: Dive straight into two full-time jobs. Look for roles that don’t demand constant attention—maintenance work, incident response, or dinosaur projects no one else wants to touch.
Step #3: Do Your Homework
Research potential employers. Ask recruiters about the job’s meeting schedule, team culture, and whether you’ll need to keep your camera on during calls. If a job requires frequent client presentations or constant collaboration, it might not be the best fit. And watch out for non-compete clauses in contracts—those can be deal-breakers.
Step #4: Get Organized
Balancing two jobs requires ninja-level organization. Learn to prioritize, manage your time, and keep your sanity. But that’s a whole other topic for another day.
Step #5: Spend Your Hard-Earned Cash
Congratulations! You’ve survived the stress of overemployment. Now go enjoy the fruits of your labor. Treat yourself to a fancy dinner, upgrade your gadgets, or save for your dream vacation. You’ve earned it.
Is Overemployment Right for You?
Overemployment isn’t for everyone. If you’re great at interviews and have a killer portfolio, it’s a no-brainer. But if you’re just starting out, there might be easier ways to boost your income. And let’s not forget: doubling your workload isn’t sustainable forever. Burnout is real.
That said, it’s an incredible learning experience. Juggling two jobs teaches you how to handle stress, silence self-doubt, and sharpen your skills fast. After working two jobs, switching back to one feels like beginner mode in a video game.
If you’re young, don’t have many responsibilities, and love a challenge, give it a shot. Worst case? You’ll learn a ton and come out stronger. Best case? You’ll YOLO your way to financial freedom.
Want more tips on doubling your programmer income without burning out? Check out my free training. And remember: you’ve got this. YOLO!
Better option
While overemployment can be a quick way to double your income, it’s not always the most efficient or sustainable strategy. For those looking for smarter, faster methods to boost their earnings, we’ve got you covered! Discover the ultimate approach in our free material, available at the link below. Don’t miss out on a more optimized way to achieve your financial goals.
More you can find:
Senior Software Engineer with over 7 years of experience and entrepreneurial background. Most often, apart from delivering good quality code on time, responsible for introducing good practices, teaching programmers and building team bonds andestablishing communication on the line of development-management. Privately Kākāpō and Wombat enthusiast, traveler and retired acrobat.
