Moonlighting as a Trainee: Can My Employer Discover My New Job Before I Go Full-Time?

Can my current employer find out about my new employment (which is as a trainee only, a PF number is created, but only professional tax is paid, and PF won't be deposited until the next 6 months in December, that's when I become a full-time employee)?

Hi, You are just starting your career. Why do you want to ride two horses at the same time? You have not mentioned whether the current employer is covered under PF. If so, then you will be expected to use the same UAN number with the new employer, and there will be a clash between two PF accounts, both active at a time. Irrespective of whether PF contribution is credited or not, the PF number will be linked with your UAN number, which will expose your act to your current employer.

What's the best option now? As my previous employer could find out and lay me off, should I resign from my old organization and continue in the new one?

It is not clear whether the guilty feeling of indulging in a knowingly unethical practice of forbidden moonlighting or the fear of being caught prompted the anonymous friend to raise this question. Whatever it may be, it is now clear that he is not faithful and honest to both employers. In case he successfully resigns from his present regular job, which might be of relative insignificance, to pursue the traineeship in the other better organization, what is the guarantee that the prospective employer would take it lightly if his dual employment comes to light later? Efficiency, effectiveness, etc., are relative in the realm of employment, whereas honesty is an absolute trait of a person seeking employment under someone else for his livelihood.

The poster should remember the proverb: "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!"