Abstract
This research investigates the employees' coping mechanisms in the face of a loosely protected labor market. Stakeholders are concerned about the availability of quality jobs and aspire to provide innovative solutions to drive and improve workers' conditions in the Nigerian context. What are the motivations for moonlighting and the impact on employee welfare parameters like income, health, and well-being? This study leverages the work-leisure choice theory and Maxlows theory of needs. One of the attributes of poor-quality jobs is low wages; hence, this study investigates how employees leverage moonlighting, especially in unprotected labor markets Using the convenience sample technique, 200 employees in Lagos, Nigeria, who engaged in moonlighting were selected, and a structured questionnaire was administered. The study adopted a quantitative method to analyze the data collected. Findings show that moonlighting is a critical coping strategy for employees with low earnings. The result further indicates that some employees engaged in moonlighting to fulfill other self-career aspirations. It, however, has some negative consequences on family time, health and performance, and productivity on the primary job. The findings also revealed weak enforcement of enabling laws to protect labor against low earnings and poor working conditions. A key finding proved that employees who engage in moonlighting would continue to do so no matter the increment in their wage. The study highlights the key reasons employees engage in moonlighting.