Moonlighting: understanding the quality and consequences of working multiple jobs

Introduction

MOONLIGHT is a transdisciplinary and multi-method study of the quality of work and wellbeing of contemporary multiple jobholders. Working in the new economy is increasingly of a flexible and fragmented nature. Moonlighters, or multiple jobholders (MJHs), can be considered emblematic of how work fragmentation and combinations affect the quality of work and total worker wellbeing.

Research Objectives

MOONLIGHT will research the quality of work in first, second, and other jobs and how this translates into total worker wellbeing. I introduce this concept of ‘total worker wellbeing’ to refer to the complex interdependencies and co-existence of features.

Conceptual Innovation

This is both conceptually and empirically ground-breaking, as conceptual research and the development of comprehensive scales on wellbeing at work is still in its infancy. Its inclusion enables researchers to make meaningful comparisons between groups of workers – both single and multiple jobholders.

Empirical Approach

Apart from this conceptually innovative part, a unique and crucial feature of this programme’s empirical approach is its innovative app for dynamic quality and wellbeing assessment.

Comparative Research

MOONLIGHT will study the quality and wellbeing of MJHs through comparative research in seven advanced economies:

1. Denmark
2. Germany
3. Italy
4. The Netherlands
5. Poland
6. The United Kingdom
7. The United States

Contextual Factors

Even though the meso- and macro-level contexts both have a pivotal role in the prevalence, quality, and wellbeing of MJHs, these levels have so far rarely featured in research – a void this programme aims to fill.

Variations Across Countries

All countries have increasing levels of MJHs, but with different welfare state traditions, regulations and policies, norms, and labour markets.

Future Framework

By researching the practices used to conceptualise, classify, and measure quality of work and wellbeing, and translating these into a future-proof conceptual framework and app that captures the complexities of the modern fragmented world of work, MOONLIGHT will provide both theoretical and methodological advancement.