What is moonlighting? Soham Parekh’s blunt statement 'I love what I do' sparks fresh outrage online

Soham Parekh, the Indian tech professional who became a lightning rod in the global startup ecosystem for simultaneously working full-time jobs at multiple companies, is once again in the public spotlight. Known for triggering widespread discussions around moonlighting ethics, work-life balance, and hustle culture, Parekh now claims that his life has remained “unchanged” following the controversy. In a recent post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he offered a candid glimpse into his current state of mind, sparking renewed debate across tech circles. His remarks reflect deeper concerns about modern professional life, burnout, and ethical boundaries in remote work.

Who is Soham Parekh and why was he controversial

Soham Parekh, a Mumbai-based software engineer, was publicly accused in 2023 of secretly holding full-time roles at multiple US-based startups. The accusations were led by the co-founder of Playground AI and former CEO of Mixpanel Suhail Doshi who alleged that Parekh was drawing salaries from as many as three to four companies simultaneously, some of which were Y Combinator-backed ventures, including Dynamo AI and Synthesia.Parekh later acknowledged these claims, stating in an interview that he was driven by financial distress, which compelled him to accept overlapping roles. He also revealed that he worked up to 140 hours per week, navigating tight deadlines, multiple meetings, and high-performance expectations. While some in the tech community were impressed by his time management and technical capabilities, the majority criticized his actions as unethical, especially because he failed to disclose his dual employment to employers.

“I Love What I Do”: Soham Parekh’s latest remarks

In his latest public post, Soham Parekh shared a screenshot of a message exchange where someone asked how he manages to work so much. He replied bluntly, “I love what I do. Lol. I don’t have anything else to do.” He added in a follow-up caption, “My life hasn’t changed one bit.”Though casual in tone, the statement quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions. The message struck a chord with many professionals navigating the high-pressure environments of startups, where identity and productivity often overlap. Parekh’s comments reignited discussion around the emotional toll of hustle culture, especially in sectors where overworking is normalized and sometimes even glorified.

What is the moonlighting debate

The moonlighting debate refers to the growing controversy around professionals taking on multiple jobs often simultaneously without informing their primary employer. While moonlighting traditionally meant holding a second job outside regular working hours, the rise of remote work and gig culture has blurred these boundaries, especially in tech and startup industries.At the center of the debate are ethical, legal, and productivity concerns. Some companies view undisclosed secondary employment as a breach of trust or a conflict of interest, especially when employees hold multiple full-time roles. Others, however, argue that moonlighting is a personal right—especially in economies where one job may not be financially sufficient.

Key issues in the moonlighting debate

The moonlighting debate stems from a complex interplay of transparency, contractual obligations, performance expectations, economic realities, and evolving workplace norms. Employers emphasize transparency and trust, arguing that undisclosed secondary jobs raise concerns about divided attention, compromised performance, and potential misuse of confidential information. Employment contracts often explicitly prohibit outside work that might conflict with the company’s interests, further complicating the issue. Critics of moonlighting warn that juggling multiple demanding roles can lead to burnout and reduced productivity, ultimately affecting team outcomes. However, proponents highlight economic necessity, pointing to inflation and stagnant wages as reasons why professionals seek additional income. The rise of remote work post-COVID has only intensified this dynamic, enabling individuals to pursue side gigs or full-time dual roles with less oversight, blurring the lines between flexibility and ethical responsibility.

Social media reacts to recent Soham Parekh’s remarks

The public response to Parekh’s remarks was mixed and emotionally charged. Many users on social media platforms expressed concern, calling the statement a “cry for help,” while others found it relatable. Some viewed Parekh’s work ethic as admirable, even inspirational, in a results-driven industry where multi-tasking is often seen as a valuable skill.However, others interpreted his message as a symptom of a larger burnout epidemic. They raised questions about mental health, personal fulfillment, and the cost of tying self-worth solely to productivity. The debate also reflected generational shifts in how work and life priorities are viewed—particularly among millennial and Gen Z tech professionals.

Ethical dilemma surrounding Soham Parekh’s undisclosed moonlighting

At the heart of the controversy lies the question of ethics. Moonlighting, particularly without employer consent, presents serious implications in terms of transparency, trust, and data security. While side gigs are common in the tech industry, especially among freelancers and consultants, holding multiple full-time roles simultaneously as Soham Parekh did creates an undeniable conflict of interest.His defenders argue that the industry itself is partly to blame. Many startups demand long hours, deliverables at breakneck speed, and loyalty that often exceeds what compensation justifies. In such an environment, Parekh’s actions have been seen by some as a form of survival, albeit a controversial one. However, critics argue that regardless of intent, undisclosed dual employment undermines accountability and could lead to compromised performance, divided attention, and violations of employment contracts.Also Read | Anand Mahindra shares one powerful lesson from 44 years of leadership to help you overcome stress