A side job: can the employer forbid it?
A side job boosts your income, but can the boss forbid it at all? In principle, secondary employment is covered by your freedom to choose an occupation. The employer can only restrict it if legitimate operational interests are affected.
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What you should do now
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1. Check your contract
Is there a duty to notify or to obtain approval for secondary employment?
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2. Observe the limits
No competition, compliance with the maximum working time, not during vacation or illness.
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3. Notify or obtain approval
Report the secondary employment or obtain approval; it may not be refused arbitrarily.
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4. Check if refused
If the employer refuses without reason, you can point to your freedom of occupation (get advice if necessary).
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer forbid a side job?
Not across the board. Secondary employment is covered by your freedom of occupation (Art. 12 GG); a general ban in the employment contract is invalid. The employer can only restrict secondary employment if legitimate operational interests are affected, for example competing activity, exceeding the maximum working time or impairing your main performance.
Do I have to report my side job to my employer?
If your employment contract provides for a duty to notify or to obtain approval, yes. Such an approval requirement is permissible, but only serves to check legitimate interests; approval may not be refused without reason. Make sure yourself to comply with the statutory maximum working time and not to engage in competing activity.
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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.