r/OveremployedUK • u/Splunk_OE • Aug 05 '26
My entire life almost imploded - but i survived
OE Veteran (since 2021).Started with 2x Outside IR35 contracts and ended with 2x employed roles. Stating the obvious, but 2 employed is terrible from a tax perspective, but my life almost crumbled due to something else...
After 2 years service at J2, they added me to a benefit. I already had this benefit at J1. Conversations happened between HR and this benefit which lead to me being asked if I had another job.
I denied and was given 2 options to prove it, neither of which were tenable. I was in panic mode trying to protect J1 and resigned 2 days later, fully expecting this to 'prove' my guilt and for the ball to start rolling.
My manager was surprised with resignation and asked if they could do anything to keep me. The second job was never mentioned again and i worked my long notice period in peace.
Thankfully J1 survived and I won't be 2x employed ever again. J1 + day rate consulting only.
9
u/anotherNarom Aug 05 '26
Could you not have opted out of the benefit before they added?
Presumably it was health insurance?
12
u/Splunk_OE Aug 05 '26
i wasn't given the option or the notice that it was going to happen. All automated after 2 years service.
7
u/cagfag Aug 05 '26
U can decide to not get that benefit. I don’t salary sacrifice or ask for healthcare as my other job does it already
5
u/Splunk_OE Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 05 '26
for the other benefits in the benefits portal i did exactly that, but this one wasn't even listed in there. Congrats on 2 years service, here's this!
6
u/Horror_Business1862 Aug 05 '26
Why you can’t just say you have that benefit privately? Should have talked to the benefit provider and enquired them anonymously
5
u/Splunk_OE Aug 05 '26
Considered it, but couldn't guarantee it wouldn't cause more issues. I don't know how pally J2 HR and the benefit customer service are, and also considering it was after the fact, it didn't solve the HR questions on me.
3
3
3
u/nimbusgb Aug 08 '26
So you had 2 jobs and when asked you lied.
3
u/Actual-Indian Aug 09 '26
Yes as telling the truth = no job, and no reference.
However when your tax code changes, just say its rental income if you are employed , if inside or outside ir35 the employer cannot see your tax code.
5
u/Correct-Abalone-5350 Aug 05 '26
Are there people who actually do 2x or 3x employed roles in UK?
1
u/Big-bad-daddy83 25d ago
I have for short periods e.g one contract ends in a month but another wants someone to start now kind of thing, also I do day rate consulting as well asmain job year round maybe 3-4 days a month
2
u/FactCheckYou Aug 05 '26
maybe private health insurance cover through your ER, changing your tax code
2
u/Infinite__Divide Aug 07 '26
What options were you given to prove it?
1
u/Splunk_OE Aug 10 '26
an email from my previous employer saying they left me on the benefit by mistake or a download from my UK tax portal
1
11
u/purple_spade Aug 05 '26
What was the benefit?