Main occupation and secondary occupation

What is the difference between a main occupation and a secondary occupation?

The differences between a main job and a secondary job lie in the nature of the activities, the time demands and the legal framework. Here are some important differences:

• Main occupation:
  • The main occupation is a person's primary professional activity.
  • As a rule, this is full-time work or the main source of income.
  • The majority of working time and professional effort is invested in this activity.
  • As a rule, the employee has only one main job, which takes up the majority of their working time.
• Secondary employment:
  • A secondary occupation is an additional professional activity that is carried out alongside the main occupation.
  • The working hours for the secondary employment are usually limited and contrast with the main employment.
  • The secondary employment can be in the same sector or in a completely different sector.
  • A part-time job is often taken on to generate additional income or to expand professional skills.
• Labor law aspects:
  • In many countries, there are legal regulations and provisions governing the exercise of secondary employment.
  • Some employment contracts may contain clauses that restrict or authorize the acceptance of secondary employment.
  • Conflicts may arise if the secondary employment impairs the interests or work performance of the employer in the main employment.
• Social security and taxes:
  • Income from primary employment is normally subject to the usual social security contributions and taxes.
  • Income from secondary employment may also be taxable and additional taxes may be payable.

I have several jobs. What is my main job and what is my second job?

Determining which of your jobs is considered a primary job and which is a secondary job depends on several factors. Here are some criteria that can help you make the distinction:

• Main source of income: The activity from which you earn the majority of your income is often considered your main occupation.
• Working time: The main job usually takes up most of your working time. If you spend most of your day or week on a particular activity, this could be considered your main occupation.
• Job responsibilities: The job with the more extensive and demanding tasks is often considered the main occupation.
• Contractual agreements: Check the employment agreements you have concluded with your employers. Sometimes these agreements contain specific clauses defining your main occupation.
• Tax aspects: The activity for which you pay the most tax could be considered your main occupation.
• Social security: The activity for which most social security contributions are paid could be considered the main occupation.
• Personal preferences and goals: Think about which of your activities is most important to you personally and corresponds to your long-term career goals.