Latest news with #SohamParekh
Fast Company
3 hours ago
- Business
- Fast Company
I'm an HP exec: I believe employees should have the right to work multiple jobs
The controversy surrounding Soham Parekh, the software engineer accused of secretly holding multiple jobs, has sparked a predictable backlash against 'overemployment.' Parekh's methods—he reportedly misled multiple employers—were clearly unethical, but this shouldn't obscure a broader question: Is it time to rethink our antipathy toward employees holding multiple jobs? A double standard? Parekh's case notwithstanding, there's a deeper structural issue at play. Why should it be acceptable for some CEOs to hold leadership roles at multiple companies yet unacceptable for a talented marketer or software engineer to have multiple jobs? The world of work has fundamentally changed, and limiting people to one job is an outdated idea that doesn't benefit anyone. Startups have embraced fractional executives; CFOs, CMOs, and other senior positions going part time is now standard practice. However, large corporations continue to address similar needs exclusively through consulting arrangements. This highlights a significant gap in how organizations approach talent acquisition and utilization. This disparity provides valuable context for understanding why employees may resort to undisclosed secondary employment. By establishing clear policies and frameworks for multiple job arrangements, organizations could provide more transparent alternatives to the current trend of covert moonlighting. The gap between evolving work patterns and traditional corporate structures points to an opportunity for more adaptive talent management strategies. The inevitable shift Workers don't have it easy today. Fresh graduates worry about their job prospects as entry-level roles shift to AI. Warehouse workers face replacement by robots. Large corporations continue to outsource jobs to cheaper sources of labor. We need to tilt the scales back in favor of workers and create an environment where talented and productive people can make a better living. By removing the taboo of overemployment, we would create an environment where honesty is rewarded over secrecy. AI is only going to make performing multiple jobs (a lot) easier. We should get ahead of this trend and bring it out into the open instead of pretending it won't happen. How many other Soham Parekhs are out there today, perhaps working at your own company? We really have no idea, but there are likely to be more of them moving forward. Toward mutual benefit This isn't just about employee flexibility; it could be a win for employers who are struggling to retain talent amid strict return-to-office mandates (another antiquated idea). It would allow enterprises to become more agile, tapping into top-tier talent only when needed. Furthermore, this shift would encourage a focus on outcomes and productivity rather than just managing hours in the office. The root cause of overemployment isn't that it's unethical, it's that we're forcing it underground. The real scandal isn't workers maximizing their earning potential; it's employers clinging to the primitive concepts that they own their employees' entire productive capacity. Transparent overemployment could actually strengthen the job market. Imagine if companies had to compete not just on salary, but on being the kind of workplace that actually cares about the employee experience. While we can all acknowledge the shift in traditional corporate jobs isn't going to be easy or happen overnight, we must also accept that the current system punishes honesty and rewards deception. We've turned competent professionals into corporate double agents. This isn't sustainable, and it's certainly not efficient. The question isn't whether overemployment will continue, it's whether we'll legitimize it before the whole charade collapses under its own absurdity. The industrial age is dead, but we're still using its rule book. While AI copilots and agentic workflows obliterate the tedious grunt work that once consumed entire careers, we're clinging to antiquated notions of what constitutes a 'full-time' commitment. The math is brutal: If machines can handle the repetitive tasks that fill 40-hour weeks, why are we pretending humans still need to be chained to single desks?
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Soham Parekh's Life "Hasn't Changed One Bit" After Moonlighting Controversy
Soham Parekh, the Indian tech professional accused of moonlighting at multiple US-based startups, said in a recent X (formerly Twitter) post that his "life hasn't changed one bit" in the aftermath of the moonlighting controversy. On his latest post, one user commented, "This is either peak dedication or a cry for help." Another user wrote, "The question should have been 'why do you work so much?'" "Please share your insights on how to develop this skill without getting into usual rhetoric," a third user asked. My life hasn't changed one bit — Soham Parekh (@realsohamparekh) July 16, 2025 Soham Parekh Accused Of Moonlighting The accusations were made by Suhail Doshi, co-founder of Playground AI and former Mixpanel CEO. He claimed that Parekh was working at three to four startups at the same time. After his allegations, several other founders and hiring managers came forward with similar experiences. Parekh broke his silence, admitting to working multiple jobs due to financial necessity and working 140-hour weeks. He expressed regret and asked for advice on how to improve his situation, stating, "Have I ruined my career?" The incident gained a massive social media reaction, with users giving mixed responses. Some expressed concern over Parekh's mental health, while some hailed his dedication. However, the controversy sparked debate around work-life balance and the hustle culture among the young generation. What Is Moonlighting? Moonlighting means working at multiple jobs simultaneously, often without the knowledge or approval of one's primary employer. This can include freelancing, consulting or working full-time or part-time at another company while being employed elsewhere. In the context of the tech industry, moonlighting has become a topic of debate, particularly when employees work for competing companies or use confidential information from one employer to benefit another.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo '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 AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
News18
16-07-2025
- Business
- News18
‘My Life Hasn't Changed One Bit': Techie Soham Parekh Reflects On Life After Moonlighting Row
Social media users responded with a mix of concern and relatability. One person wrote, 'This is either peak dedication or a cry for help." Soham Parekh, the Indian tech professional who shot to infamy for working full-time at multiple startups simultaneously, is back in the spotlight. The techie, who had previously admitted to juggling several roles across companies—causing widespread debate over moonlighting in the startup world—has now opened up about his life post-scandal. In his latest post on X (formerly Twitter), Parekh claimed that life after the controversy has remained largely unchanged. 'My life hasn't changed one bit," he wrote, sharing a screenshot of a conversation where someone asked him how he manages to work so much. Parekh's response was simple: 'I love what I do. Lol," followed by, 'I don't have anything else to do." The post, while casual in tone, struck a chord with many online, reigniting conversations about work-life balance, hustle culture, and the emotional toll of modern work habits. Social media users responded with a mix of concern and relatability. One person wrote, 'This is either peak dedication or a cry for help," while another questioned whether Parekh ever felt lonely or burned out. Some, however, empathised with his mindset, saying his words were 'so relatable" and reflective of the all-consuming nature of professional life for many in the tech space. Parekh's latest remarks come months after he first broke his silence and admitted that he had not taken on multiple jobs to scam anyone, but out of a personal drive to work. His honesty, however controversial, continues to stir debate around ethics, productivity, and the pressures of today's hyper-competitive work environment. What's The Soham Parekh Case Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer based in Mumbai, was publicly accused by Suhail Doshi, co-founder of Playground AI and former Mixpanel CEO, of secretly working full-time at 3–4 US-based startups simultaneously, including Y Combinator‑backed firms such as Dynamo AI and Synthesia. Parekh admitted to this in an interview, explaining that dire financial hardship forced him into the arrangement and that he often worked 140-hour weeks. While some praised his technical skill, most expressed concern over the ethical breach. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 08:48 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
12-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Soham Parekh 2.0?": Indian Woman In US Exposes Startup Scams By 2 "Desi" Founders
A US-based Indian venture capitalist has stirred up a storm on social media after calling out fraudulent practices by two "desi" founders in San Francisco's startup ecosystem. Ash Arora, a LocalGlobe partner featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 (Europe Finance) list, alleged that she met two Indian founders who were inflating metrics and fabricating client associations. She claimed that while one founder was subletting a rented apartment and falsely projecting the rent income as startup revenue, the other claimed that Amazon and Google had signed Letters of Intent with his firm, despite the tech giants reportedly having no knowledge of such deals. "Have met two founders in SF this month. Both fraud: 1. Is subletting a rented apartment and showing that as revenue for his startup. 2. Is claiming Amazon and Google are clients who have signed LOIs when they have never even heard of them," Ash Arora wrote. "What's common among them? Both desi men Beware of these people!" she continued, adding, "4 VCs have pinged me correctly guessing both these founder names. Is this Soham Parekh 2.0? We need a BS radar community out here." 4 VCs have pinged me correctly guessing both these founder names Is this Soham Parekh 2.0? We need a BS radar community out here. — Ash Arora (@asharoraa) July 8, 2025 The post quickly caught the internet's attention, sparking mixed reactions. Several users accused Ms Arora of unfairly singling out her own community. "A sample of two. What's the point of including their race?" asked one user. "The 'desi men' part is a spicy take, but honestly, the patterns of fraud in SF are pretty universal. Desperation or greed, it always comes back to the same stuff," commented another. However, Ms Arora defended her mention of the founders' ethnicity, saying, "Absolutely shocked to see egos being hurt here. The ONLY reason I mentioned them being desi was to ensure other people (and investors) are able to guess who these people are without actually naming and shaming them. The intention was to ensure people are staying away from these founders. That's it." "As a desi myself, why in the world would I think lesser of my own community? It is dumb to think someone who is consistently proud of India, literally talks about successes every month and supports Indians in this world would ever want anything except progress for our ethnicity. Also, if we can't self criticize, who will? How will we ever fix something if we are too proud to acknowledge it? If a non Indian pointed out this 'jugaad' culture that is already present everywhere in our country, they would 100% be called racist in this woke environment. Didn't we cancel woke culture? Do better," she added. Others on social media expressed shock at the fraudulent practices. "I really don't understand. This way will never stay longer than few weeks or months. The end is dead. With life goal of genuinely making difference in whatever industry they are willing to do with perseverance is key to success. Shortcuts Never Works," wrote one user. "What's the point of doing this? If you're severely inflating your revenue, you're only hurting yourself. You'll never truly validate your idea, and you'll keep pouring time and effort into the wrong direction," commented another. Notably, Ms Arora's post comes days after Mixpanel founder Suhail Doshi publicly warned fellow entrepreneurs about software engineer Soham Parekh on X. Mr Doshi alleged that Parekh had worked at Mixpanel briefly before being fired and claimed that Parekh had been taking advantage of YC companies. Mr Doshi also shared Parekh's CV, questioning the authenticity of his portfolio, and arguing that probably 90% of the claims made in it are fake. Several other Silicon Valley founders, engineers, and hiring managers also accused Parekh of exploiting job opportunities for personal benefit
