Effects of Moonlighting on Employee-Specific Facets in India: A Comparison Between Moonlighters and Non-Moonlighters

Authors

  • Irbha Magotra S. P. Mandali’s Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai, India
  • Vaishali Patil Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (PGDM), Mumbai, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32890/ijms2026.33.1.4

Keywords:

Employee health, dual employment, job contentment, moonlighting, work-life balance

Abstract

The controversy over moonlighting has sparked new investigations into its practices. In this regard, the goal of this study is to assess the gap between moonlighters and non-moonlighters in India with regard to personal concerns such as mental wellbeing, work-related stress, and job satisfaction. To investigate this issue, a sample comprising 1082 employees from 10 cities in India was chosen. The effect of moonlighting on the following seven personal domains of an individual’s life: mental health, physical health, socio-personal relationships, work performance, work-life balance, stress, and job satisfaction were analyzed using a Multivariate analysis of Variance (MANOVA). The analysis revealed statistically significant results. In addition, a multiple univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to explore the distinctions between moonlighters and non-moonlighters with regard to the personal attributes of subjects in the study sample. Results indicate that the non-moonlighters showed better mental and physical health compared to the moonlighters. Furthermore, non-moonlighters also demonstrated better socio-personal relations and work performance, lower stress levels, and higher overall job satisfaction compared to moonlighters. Despite this, moonlighters appear to have a better work-life balance relative to non-moonlighters.

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References

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Published

31-01-2026

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Harvested 2026-09-10
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Identifiers DOI 10.32890/ijms2026.33.1.4 OpenAlex W7128520565