I was over-employed and worked other jobs on top of my full-time one. To achieve the American dream, you have to beat the system.

• Project manager Kendall McGill started picking up contract work after she started working from home.
• McGill was open about double-dipping, but after her past employer's negative reaction she's more covert.
• She's had one remote job on the East Coast and another on the West to balance working hours.  

This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation Kendall McGill, a 30-year-old project manager who worked multiple jobs in secret. Business Insider has verified their employment and financial claims. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.