Side job: how to find a second job?

Holding two professional activities is possible in France, as long as you respect the legal framework for working hours and remain loyal to your employer. Taking on a second job provides valuable extra income and real freedom in your daily organization. Whether you work full-time or part-time, fantastic opportunities are available to help you succeed in this exciting project. Here, we present the complete legal framework you need to know, followed by a practical method for creating your own independent home-based activity. 

Follow our key tips to learn everything about combining jobs and find a side activity in perfect harmony with your desires.

Key takeaways

• Is it legal to have two jobs?
  Yes, holding multiple jobs is allowed under both permanent and fixed-term contracts, within the limit of 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week (or 44 hours on average over 12 weeks).

• What are the penalties for exceeding the legal working hours?
  Failure to comply with these hourly limits can result in a fine of up to €1,500 (€3,000 in case of repeat offense).

• Is the activity of Fashion Consultant (VDI) subject to these limits?
  No, the activity of Fashion Consultant (VDI) as an independent contractor is not subject to the same hourly limits as holding two salaried jobs.

• What solution does Elora offer for combining incomes?
  Elora offers a home-based activity that is fully compatible with a salaried job, with no initial investment and great flexibility in your schedule.

 

Holding two jobs: what the law says

Earning extra income and taking on exciting new projects is a great idea! In France, holding multiple jobs is perfectly legal for all private sector employees, whether on a permanent (CDI) or fixed-term (CDD) contract. However, you must ensure your project fits within the framework set by the Labor Code.

The maximum authorized working time

When you have multiple salaried jobs, you must ensure that you comply with the working time limits set by regulations. The Labor Code sets a maximum of 10 hours per day and 48 hours in the same week (or 44 hours on average over a period of 12 consecutive weeks). These maximum durations are calculated by adding up all the hours you work for your different employers. This system ensures you get enough rest, protects your health, and helps you maintain a precious balance between your professional and personal life.

Penalties for exceeding the limits

Exceeding these legal working hour limits without adjustment exposes both the employee and the companies involved to legal risks. The authorities regularly carry out checks to ensure compliance with the rules on holding multiple jobs. If you exceed the legal limit, you risk a fine of up to €1,500. This amount increases to €3,000 in case of repeat offense. These measures are primarily designed to protect your working conditions and ensure a fulfilling daily life.

The exclusivity clause and duty of loyalty

Beyond working hours, your relationship with your original company is based on trust. Every contract includes a duty of loyalty to your employer, which means maintaining complete confidentiality and refraining from any direct competition with their business. Before signing a second contract, carefully read your original agreement: your employer may include an exclusivity clause that restricts or prohibits taking on another salaried job.

The essential conditions to check before starting to combine activities are:

• Respect the maximum working hours: keep your total hours under the 10 hours/day and 48 hours/week limits.

• Honor your duty of loyalty: ensure there is no competition and protect your company’s trade secrets.

• Check your contract: make sure there is no exclusivity clause restricting your options.

• Inform your employer: communicate openly with your management if your situation or company policies require it.

Self-employment, a flexible alternative

Want to energize your daily life while earning comfortable extra income? Starting a micro-enterprise is the ideal opportunity to bring your projects to life at your own pace. By becoming a self-employed entrepreneur, you take control of your activity and enjoy great independence.

A status with no imposed hourly limit

Choosing to start a business as a micro-entrepreneur offers remarkable freedom compared to salaried employment. Unlike holding two salaried contracts, which are subject to the strict 48-hour weekly limit, this independent status frees you from regulated working hour caps. You decide when to dedicate time to your side activity while maintaining your personal balance. You become your own boss and can adapt your schedule to your family life or main job.

How to register your business?

Administrative procedures are carried out online directly on the INPI one-stop portal. Just a few clicks are enough to register your micro-enterprise and obtain your SIRET number, the key to legally starting your business.

Depending on your goals and your desire for fulfillment, find out if the status of VDI or micro-enterprise: which status to choose to develop your fashion project with Elora!

 

Start a home-based business with Elora

Want to give your daily life a new boost and generate a highly rewarding extra income? The VDI (Independent Home Sales Consultant) activity at Elora is a perfect match for your desire for freedom and fulfillment! By joining our community, you share your passion for fashion while enjoying a stimulating and supportive environment.

Quickly discover the many advantages of VDI status to combine your activities and turn your free time into exciting opportunities!

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about holding two jobs

Can you hold two permanent contracts (CDI) at the same time?

Absolutely! An employee on a permanent contract (CDI) is free to hold two jobs. You simply need to respect the maximum working hours set by regulations (10 hours per day and 48 hours per week, or 44 hours on average over 12 consecutive weeks, across all employers). Also, make sure to honor your duty of loyalty to your company and check that your initial contract does not include an exclusivity clause.

What are the penalties for exceeding the legal working hours?

Exceeding the legal hourly limits exposes both the employee and their employers to an administrative fine. This can be up to €1,500, and up to €3,000 in case of repeat offense. Sharing your schedules with your management and keeping track of your total working hours ensures your legal safety and protects your daily well-being.

Can you combine a salaried job with a home sales activity (VDI)?

Yes, this option offers remarkable flexibility to create additional income! The Independent Home Salesperson (VDI) status, chosen by our Fashion Consultants at Elora, is not subject to the hourly limits imposed on combining two salaried contracts. You organize your time independently after checking that your main employment contract does not include an exclusivity clause.

 

Combining two jobs: find your own balance

Taking on multiple activities is entirely accessible and perfectly legal in France. To succeed, three key elements stand out:

• The legal framework: holding multiple salaried jobs is possible as long as you respect maximum working hours and any exclusivity or loyalty clauses.

• A variety of statuses: employee, micro-business, or VDI status—each option offers its own advantages in terms of time management and income.

• The Elora solution: the independent Fashion Consultant activity allows you to generate attractive additional income from home, with complete autonomy and personalized support.

Become an Elora Fashion Consultant and enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling human adventure!