Should I disclose I have my own business?

[TheOP2]

Hi! I have a applied for a job in animal healthcare (I currently work as a healthcare professional but with humans!) During lockdown I completed many online diplomas in canine and feline related topics and set up my own pet sitting business which I operate around work. Should I tell my potential new employer this? Part of me thinks it shows my inteest in animal care but on the other hand would it be a red flag for them as I do it around work?? Thanks!!

I think it's a great thing to have on your cv.

Shows your skills and experience off. Not just in animal care but also in running a business.

I think you'd be mad not to tell.

When your contract arrives (assuming you get the job) it will probably say you can’t work for anyone else. I know you are SE but it may count so you should tell them at that point.
As for at interview while it does show an interest/experience they may be concerned with how it may affect the job you are interviewing for

Yes, read the contract carefully. Ours say we can work elsewhere but only with written permission from management, it includes self-employment, directorships etc.

You may not be able to do both, especially as it could be considered a conflict of interest - you'll need to tell your new employers before you accept the job.

I would only worry about it once you get the job. Employers don't own your life, although they have the right to know about conflicts of interest.

They cannot forbids things outside work.

Get your job, then breezily declare you do some pet sitting etc

@EspeciallyDedicated

Yes, read the contract carefully. Ours say we can work elsewhere but only with written permission from management, it includes self-employment, directorships etc.''

I never understood why employers think this is an appropriate statement to have in a contract.

They don't own their employee and can't dictate what they do outside their contracted hours.

The only instance that it would be appropriate would be to prevent people having another job with a competitor in the same field to avoid a conflict of interest.

Beyond that it is none of their business if someone decides to take on additional employment/run their own business.

I think sharing this has more positives than negatives- I imagine there’s lots of good examples you can use from your own business during the interview.

Its fine. Those clauses in contracts are to prevent you having more than 1 proper job or a competing business. I have always just disclosed my other interests and no one ever cares.

Competition is the main reason we have it in our contract as our business is very specialised but we have also had (prior to this clause being added) a case where someone was working late nights in a pub as well as their day job and then having performance issues, lateness, high levels of sick leave etc.

Competition isn't the only reason an employer may legitimately object, though.

Yes, I can't imagine they would try and object apart from competition but at least they know what's going on. I really don't think the OP is going to have any problems but should check the contract and be open.