An internship serves as the initial step for you to immerse yourself in the "real" world beyond academia. It's advisable to dedicate your complete attention to the internship to maximize your learning and experience.

If you possess the energy, time, and crucially, effective time management skills, then pursuing another part-time job may be an option. However, it's important to note that not all employers will approve of interns holding additional jobs.

In a post on Xiao Hong Shu (RED) by @Ricebowl Kacau Company, a Malaysian intern faced scrutiny from their supervisor upon discovering their involvement in a part-time job.

"Do you realize it's against the law to engage in a part-time job while holding a full-time position?"

The intern, who works as a promoter part-time, confessed ignorance regarding this legal aspect and cited the prevalence of similar situations among their peers.

However, the supervisor remained unconvinced, stating, "You're regarded as a full-time employee because we provide you with EPF and other benefits."

The discussion arose when the intern struggled to complete a report on a Friday and proposed delivering it by Saturday night after attending their part-time job on Saturday morning, despite it being their day off.

Although the intern managed to meet the deadline, concerns lingered regarding the potential impact on their internship report.

"I still don't understand. Is it unlawful? Considering the modest compensation for interns, is it inappropriate for me to seek additional income elsewhere?"

"Exercise discretion."

Social media users also offered insights, advising against excessive transparency.

"I'd suggest not informing your employers about your secondary employment."

"Some companies explicitly forbid secondary employment in employment contracts. Part-time work constitutes another form of employment."

"It appears your part-time job has encroached upon your 'full-time' responsibilities, which is irresponsible. Transparency isn't always necessary; you could have simply cited prior commitments during the day and proposed an evening submission."