Professional license holders frequently moonlight or take on additional gigs to make extra cash. After working hard to obtain your license, using it in any capacity can seem like a wise choice.
The reality is that you have to be cautious any time you take on a second job or contract work that requires licensure. Depending on what you’re doing and how legitimate (or illegitimate) the contracting company is, you could put your license in danger.
Take a closer look at the dangers of moonlighting when you hold a professional license so you can decide for yourself if it is worth the risk.
The Dangers of a Side Hustle
What you do outside of your primary work hours sounds like it should be no one’s business but yours. While that’s partially true, the licensing board that governs your credentials still has some input. Here are some risks of taking on side work that could land you in hot water with the licensing board:
- You have conflicts of interest with your primary employer
- Your work violates employment policies
- You are asked to practice outside of your scope
- Your work isn’t properly supervised
If you aren’t careful, you could find yourself in need of professional license defense services to protect your right to work. Even if your intentions are good, moonlighting could be interpreted as a form of unprofessional conduct.
Common Risks of Side Work
The risks you encounter while moonlighting will vary depending on what industry you work in. Consider these common risks to be aware of for key sectors:
Healthcare Professionals
If you work in healthcare, you are subject to some of the most stringent licensing requirements and regulations in the nation. While taking on a side gig or per diem work can help you earn extra cash, you could also expose yourself to liability. Make sure you know what’s inside your scope of practice and stay within it.
Even if the secondary employer or contract organization does things the right way, you have to be concerned about fatigue and simple mistakes. Picking up all of those extra hours can wear you down and increase the risk of a mistake that jeopardizes your license.
Mental Health Services Providers
Therapists and counselors often take on private clients outside of their main practice. If you work in this field and intend to moonlight, look out for the following:
- Improper client boundaries
- A lack of confidentiality across platforms
- Inadequate insurance protection
Telehealth has led to many new opportunities for you to expand your reach, but it has also increased these risks. You have to make sure any platform you work through is compliant with your state’s regulations.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists who consult, advise, or work with startups or secondary clinics may face scrutiny over conflicts of interest. If you are going to work with a secondary employer or contractor, you should verify that they provide adequate oversight and follow ethical prescribing practices.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of gray area in the pharmacology sector. You could even face a board investigation for informal consulting work. It may be wise to consult with a professional license defense lawyer before engaging in any moonlighting as a pharmacist.
Other Licensed Professionals
S J Harris Law works with licensed professionals in dozens of different fields, including accounting, real estate, and other regulated industries. Regardless of what sector you work in, there are risks to moonlighting. As a license holder, it’s up to you to vet a contractor or employer before you begin working with them.
For example, as a finance professional, you’ll need to make sure that you uphold your fiduciary duties to your clients and only practice in regulated transactions. Unauthorized activities could endanger your license and reputation.
Employer Policies and Contractual Obligations
One of the most overlooked risks of moonlighting is violating your employment agreement. Many contracts include stipulations such as:
- Non-compete clauses
- Restrictions on outside work
- Disclosure requirements
If your employer files a complaint, it can escalate beyond a workplace issue. The licensing board may very well get involved, which can be stressful and frustrating.
Licensing Board Expectations
Licensing boards are primarily concerned with protecting the public. If you approach side work opportunities with this in mind, you can vet roles and safeguard your license.
A professional license defense lawyer can help you make decisions in alignment with these expectations and protect your reputation. If you have questions about the legality of side work for your industry, talk to an experienced attorney before taking on the additional role.
Need Professional License Defense?
S J Harris Law provides experienced professional license defense for individuals throughout California. We have a deep understanding of licensing regulations across a wide range of industries, and our team can help you respond to a complaint or investigation using a personally tailored strategy. Contact us today to get a 30-minute free consultation.
