A suspended security clearance doesn’t just impact your job—it throws your entire career into uncertainty. For many federal employees, military service members, and government contractors, the suspension of a clearance means one thing: you can’t do the job you were hired for. And with that comes the question: “Can I work somewhere else in the meantime?”

At National Security Law Firm, we help clients navigate clearance issues from start to finish—including what to do during the suspension period. This guide breaks down your rights, restrictions, and smart steps if you’re considering temporary employment while your clearance is under review.

Can You Work While Your Clearance Is Suspended?

Yes—but it depends on your employment status and what kind of work you’re considering. Just because your clearance is suspended doesn’t mean you’re free to start a side job without rules.

Ask yourself:

  • Are you still employed (but reassigned)?

  • Are you on paid administrative leave?

  • Have you been placed on leave without pay?

  • Are you actively pursuing clearance reinstatement?

Each of these scenarios carries different implications for your ability to seek outside employment.

You’re Still Employed? You Still Need Approval.

If you’re a federal employee or service member whose clearance has been suspended, you are likely still employed—which means you are still subject to your agency’s or military branch’s rules on off-duty employment.

That means:

  • You must request and receive approval before taking outside work.

  • You cannot work during scheduled duty hours.

  • You must comply with all ethics and conflict-of-interest regulations.

  • You must report your outside employment to your agency and, in most cases, your security office.

Bottom line: You can’t assume your clearance suspension gives you a free pass to earn income however and wherever you want. The same rules that applied before still apply now—sometimes even more strictly.

Paid vs. Unpaid Leave: Different Rules Apply

If you’re on paid administrative leave, some agencies prohibit outside employment entirely—even if you’re at home and not working—because you’re still being paid to be available. Taking on another job during this time without approval could be seen as double-dipping.

If you’re on unpaid leave or suspended without pay, you may have more flexibility, but you’ll still likely need written approval before working elsewhere. Failing to request this can trigger disciplinary action or be used against you in clearance adjudications.

Will Working a Side Job Hurt My Clearance?

Not necessarily. In fact, taking a reasonable, approved side job while your clearance is suspended can show financial responsibility and personal stability—especially if your clearance was suspended due to financial issues.

However, it can hurt your case if:

  • You fail to disclose the job.

  • The work involves foreign employers or frequent overseas travel.

  • The work creates a conflict of interest with your agency’s mission.

  • The work reflects poor judgment (e.g., ethically questionable industries).

  • You use non-public government information or contacts in your side job.

  • You appear to have abandoned your intent to return to your cleared role.

Guideline B (Foreign Influence), Guideline E (Personal Conduct), and Guideline L (Outside Activities) are commonly triggered by inappropriate or undisclosed side work. Clearance adjudicators will absolutely consider how you conduct yourself during a suspension, so this period must be handled with care.

What Kinds of Jobs Are Safe During Suspension?

In general, jobs that are:

  • Unrelated to your government duties,

  • Domestic (not foreign-owned or based),

  • Short-term or clearly temporary,

  • Low-risk from a national security perspective,

  • And fully disclosed and approved…

…are typically fine.

Examples of commonly approved jobs:

  • Retail or warehouse work

  • Food service or delivery jobs

  • Driving for rideshare companies

  • Freelance writing or tutoring (in some cases)

  • Part-time administrative work for local businesses

Just make sure they don’t conflict with any agency restrictions, involve representing clients to the government, or raise foreign preference or influence concerns.

What If You Plan to Leave Government Service?

If you’ve decided that the clearance suspension is the end of the road and you’re resigning or retiring, then once you’ve separated, you’re free to work wherever you like.

But if you’re on leave without pay or plan to return, you must still follow the rules for off-duty employment—just like any other active employee.

Also, keep in mind: even if you’re no longer in federal service, the clearance adjudicators may still be reviewing your case for a future clearance reapplication or appeal. Poor decisions made during this time can come back to haunt you.

Why You Might Need Legal Help

The rules are complicated. The consequences are serious. And you don’t get many second chances.

At National Security Law Firm, we help clients:

  • Determine whether their proposed side job is allowable

  • Craft and submit off-duty employment requests

  • Respond to clearance investigators with appropriate disclosures

  • Mitigate damage caused by accidental violations

  • Appeal or challenge clearance suspensions and revocations

If you’re navigating a clearance suspension and unsure about working during that time, don’t guess. Get answers. Get it right the first time. We can help you protect both your clearance and your career.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re seeking short-term income or long-term solutions, working during a security clearance suspension requires careful planning and compliance. Don’t take risks with your future.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced security clearance attorneys. We’ll walk you through your options, help you stay compliant, and fight for your ability to keep working—both now and after your clearance is restored.

📞 Call us at 202-600-4996 or book online now.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.