Oct 19, 2025

Why tech employees are embracing side careers despite the exhaustion. From cyber startups to coaching and design, tech workers are redefining the meaning of work-life balance. Maayan Manela 09:07, 19.10.25 When Shoval Eidan finishes an intense day at a cyber startup, she puts on a riding jacket, helmet, and off-road boots and begins her second shift: as an advanced motorcycle riding instructor. “Most of the time it’s a crazy juggling act that leaves me little free time but fills me with happiness. I don’t have to choose between two sides of myself, nor do I have to wait until retirement to fulfill my dream of riding coaching,” she says. (Photo: Nir Bar) Eidan works at Cyolo, a startup that enables secure remote access to critical systems, as a Sales Development Representative. She is also an advanced riding instructor at Ofnoan Mauman (Trained Rider) and rides a Yamaha Tenere 700 motorcycle. "I started training as a riding instructor in January 2022, two months before joining Cyolo, knowing that it wasn’t certain I would succeed in the training for the position I really wanted. In my previous job at a project company in the human resources field, working full-time with high-tech companies only, I felt burnt out. The main feeling was that I was capable of more and wanted to do more," she says. She felt that the work, which mostly involved sitting in front of a screen, was only part of the “career puzzle” she wanted to build for herself. So when the opportunity to work at Trained Rider came, she felt like she had “won the lottery.” (Photo: Cyolo) The salary in the motorcycle field “does not come close to what high-tech has to offer,” but the personal value she gains - the ability to express another significant part of her skills and passion - makes working in two places rewarding despite the challenges. “The main challenge is the workload. Even on days when I have a several-hour shift at Trained Rider, I come home and complete my workday and tasks at Cyolo on the computer until late at night. It’s certainly exhausting and draining, but the love for both fields and the passion push me to keep giving my maximum, even at the cost of yawning in front of the screen. In addition to the workload, there’s the need to balance the expectations of both companies and navigate the boundaries between them. I can say that both workplaces are very understanding and considerate because they know I never compromise on productivity,” she says. Eidan works almost full-time in two jobs, and she’s not alone. More and more high-tech employees - programmers, product managers, and salespeople - are turning to additional occupations, becoming what’s known as “slashers.” Sometimes this comes from a desire for meaning or personal fulfillment, but recently, with the rising cost of living, financial motivations are becoming more common. Related articles: According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the average salary in high-tech was 32,774 shekels (approximately $9,900) in June, up from the previous month but down from the peak of 36,731 shekels ($11,100) in March. The average salary in the overall economy is much lower, at 14,133 shekels ($4,270). Because high-tech salaries have long been far higher than the national average, it was once rare to see high-tech professionals seeking side jobs to supplement their income. But the sector has suffered a major blow - hit by the war, global slowdowns, and the AI revolution - leading many companies to downsize. (Photo: Liron Brier) “People who once symbolized job security and high income are now turning to second jobs,” says Hava Nissenboim, owner of Golda Business Development and author of 'From Idea to Business'. She says professionals pursue side work for many reasons, from passion and fulfillment to extra income, and that Israel’s rising cost of living “does not spare high-tech workers either.” For Liran Zablo, a Content Architect at AutoDS, his additional work provides a significant source of income, as well as freedom and financial security. “It’s not just about money but about building a long-term asset that creates stability and diversification in income,” he says. He has been working at the e-commerce automation company for five years while also running an independent business in e-commerce and dropshipping, where he builds online stores and manages content and sales systems. Liran Zablo. “I was a customer of the company long before I became an employee. I know friends and acquaintances who don’t always look favorably on employees who hold an additional job, but here they actually encourage it, in my case because it genuinely helps me in my role. The company’s DNA is about making financial independence and business opportunities accessible to both customers and employees,” he says. He founded his independent business before joining the company, while working in sales elsewhere. “At the time, I wanted to try my hand at it myself - build stores, sell online, and generate extra income. It gave me much deeper practical understanding and strengthened my ability to guide others. Even after joining AutoDS, I kept the business because it was important to stay connected to the field and ensure my advice was based on real experience,” he says. Similarly, Daniel Boaron, a Senior Product Designer at fintech company Remitly, represents the “new slasher” - building a professional world that bridges two identities. In his tech job, he works on user experience design and integrating AI-based tools into products, while also conducting workshops for company employees in Israel and abroad. At the same time, he advises companies and helps design teams improve processes using AI. He is also the founder of Design A, a platform dedicated to design and artificial intelligence, where he leads workshops and conferences. (Photo: Odelia Yehiel) He began his second occupation not for financial reasons but out of “a professional mission - the desire to lead a new field and share knowledge.” Over time, it also became an additional income stream through workshops, lectures, and consulting. “The main challenge is time management, knowing how to balance full-time high-tech work with another occupation. It requires discipline and constant prioritization so that each area receives the attention it deserves. At the same time, the advantages are significant: the additional work keeps me constantly at the forefront of new tools and technologies, which I bring back to my daily job. It allows me to propose new ideas, enrich my team with advanced methods, and develop thinking that strengthens both the product and internal work processes. In that sense, the combination not only coexists but directly contributes to my work,” he says. Working in high-tech is financially rewarding, but it’s also demanding - long hours, high availability, tight deadlines, and constant pressure. For some, a side occupation provides creative relief and personal fulfillment that go beyond financial gain. For Roy Amid, a Product Leader at fintech company Earnix and coach of a youth team at Shimshon Tel Aviv, coaching is “for the soul.” Roy Amid. “Just like people go for a run or to the gym, I coach,” he says. He began coaching children’s teams at 14, first in basketball, then soccer. “This is the gift I received, to see the other side, to explain and teach, and to motivate those around me.” After a break during military service, studies, and work, Roy returned to coaching about a decade ago, while running a startup he had founded. “I realized I didn’t want to wait for an exit, I wanted to combine the two worlds now. I love working with children and youth, helping them grow as players and as people. That’s a deep part of what coaching means to me.” The main challenge, he says, is balance. “The main sacrifice is family time. After a day at work, I go to practice, and on weekends there’s a game. It takes time and energy. Over the years, I’ve turned down roles that didn’t allow this combination. But it’s a conscious choice, it’s who I am.” How to Become a Successful ‘Slasher’ “Being a ‘slasher’ isn’t just about having two jobs, it’s about being independent, which is a profession in itself,” says Nissenbaum. “You have to learn to price your work, manage your time, and build sales processes. Those who succeed are the ones who understand this and invest in learning.” According to her, if you’re taking on a second occupation due to the cost of living, it should be done efficiently. “The formula for efficiency is the ratio of resources - energy and money - invested versus the return. You should aim to invest as few resources as possible and gain as much as possible.” She warns that freelancing as a second job can be difficult, but says that for employees considering starting an independent business, it’s an excellent interim step. “I always say: wait a bit before quitting your job to start a business. Try launching it as a side project first, to see if it’s a fit and to maintain income while you build it, because you don’t reach your revenue target immediately.” She outlines a practical roadmap for becoming successful slashers: 1. Arrange with employers before you start Review your employment contract for non-compete clauses or limits on additional work. Create a clear agreement outlining what you’ll do, how many hours, and when. “Times have changed,” Nissenbaum says. “Many managers also have side work. It’s not strange anymore, but it must be done transparently and smartly.” 2. Leverage existing strengths and test market fit Since time is limited, build a product or service based on existing knowledge, experience, and connections. Don’t start from scratch, check whether people already pay for what you plan to offer. 3. Focus on efficiency and savings Find customers through supplier databases or agencies that can contract your services. “True, they take a commission, but if you’re not a salesperson, outsourcing that can help you build stability faster,” she says. Successful slashers, she adds, save on costs early and grow gradually, such as sharing workshop space, renting kitchens by the hour, or working as subcontractors. 4. Dedicate time to business development Many overestimate how much time they’ll have for a side business. Set a realistic schedule, for example, at least three hours a week, and stick to it. “Remember, fatigue and family life matter. Don’t overpromise,” Nissenbaum advises. 5. Understand net vs. gross “Earning 4,000 shekels net requires a higher gross, depending on your costs and materials,” she says. “You must calculate your real income needs.” 6. Don’t do it alone Finally, she recommends joining freelancer groups, training programs, or mentorship communities. “Slashers aren’t used to working solo. Those who follow a structured process and learn with others significantly increase their chances of success.” TAGS: