Episode 23: Moonlighting: Is It For You? [Podcast]

At some point in our young architecture careers, we will be faced with an opportunity to moonlight. It may come from mom or dad, a cousin, or long lost relative. When you’re in architecture, word travels among your family and you’ll soon hear from Uncle Al who needs a new deck designed. But the question is, should you do it? The decision to moonlight has several ramifications. You could find yourself in deep trouble or in the beginnings of a great start to opening your own firm. It is not to be taken lightly and can have serious consequences, especially if you’re doing it without your firm’s permission. Before taking on any moonlighting work, be sure to listen to this episode. It could prevent you from making several fatal mistakes. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Show Notes: MOONLIGHTING (aka working on the side) Sounds too good to be true, right? Run the risk of exhausting yourself and getting your firm and co-workers in trouble Everyone thinks about it but you need to know the full story CONSIDERATIONS Most firms that have policies in place against moonlighting MAY allow exceptions for projects that benefit family members WHAT TO CHARGE You will have taxes to pay, so it should be about 3x your current hourly rate (varies) LEGAL ISSUES Work may be construed by the client (and the client’s attorney) as being produced under the supervision of the firm, thereby exposing your firm to liability by association for any of your negligent acts If you use firm resources, like copiers, Fax’s, cad equipment, and advice from office peers. Firm policies could get you fired (no-moonlighting policies—but that never stopped anyone) Attorney looks for the bigger fish WHY YOU? Do they love you or your work What will doing this do do for you (know your reasons why) NO NO’s Don’t practice unlicensed or hold yourself out as licensed if you’re not Don’t use your company’s equipment (liability) Don’t exhaust yourself Don’t involve your co-workers or trust them to keep it a secret But never lie if caught Don’t do this work without a contract (just cause you’re doing it on the side, doesn’t change the requirements) Liability insurance (especially if its your first jobs) – errors and omissions (E&O) PROS to MOONLIGHTING Launch your own practice Make more money No startup (code books, plotters, and more) Will help you discover why you’re looking (you should have been fulfilled by your job, right?) Gets you experience you might not get otherwise Confidence building More creativity Portfolio builder ALTERNATIVES Bring the work into the firm (rainmaker approach) Talk to your boss before accepting to share your future career goals Boss could pass along work they don’t want to do to you Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!