Freelance advisory work using work email?

Hey guys.

Currently working at a Big 4 CF. Works been slow lately and I've found myself twiddling my thumbs much more than usual. I could raise my hand to assist with BS BD work, but I figured my spare time could be put to better use.

I've started assisting startups and entrepreneurs with some basic advisory work (financial DD, analysis, documentation prep etc). However, I've been using my work email for the majority of my correspondence with these entrepreneurs.

Does anyone think this is a bad idea? Should I just use my personal email address to talk to these guys?

Thanks

11 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Use a personal address. Do not use your work address for anything except work. Two reasons: your employers can pull your records and use it against you in the event that your side project becomes a distraction.

The other is your email is technically correspondence on behalf of the firm that you work for. you are not acting as a representative for this firm in your side hustle capacity. I would all but guarantee you have something like this in your employer's handbook. Same reason people shouldn't use their government email for personal business.

 

Definitely not a good idea. And in the event that you eventually go elsewhere you will lose that email address and clients will not be able to contact you.

Also, I know in tech you usually have to sign forms saying that you are not working for a competitor/ have your own side business that will compete with the company. If you filled any form along those lines you are breaking your contract.

If that's what you're doing, there can be a lawsuit since you are using their name. Just my 2 cents.

Array
 

Sigh. I keep trying to tell everyone that there are plenty of smart kids in Big4 consulting/M&A but some people insist on making that an uphill battle...

P.S. before any snowflakes get offended, I'm only (mostly) joking. For real tho OP - if you wouldn't start a joint account with a woman you don't expect to marry, don't start "side hustling" via company e-mail at a company you don't expect to be at in a few years. Leave that shit to the lifers A.K.A. partners

 

Laudantium quia commodi magni qui et suscipit. Numquam eum aliquam impedit perspiciatis veritatis aut. Qui officiis provident neque deserunt cupiditate reprehenderit culpa animi.

Quis nihil ducimus eum vero porro in tempore. Praesentium animi pariatur at esse. Numquam quas nulla voluptas.

Et non minima dignissimos dignissimos. Est et nihil repellendus ut. Voluptas enim dolorem nulla voluptas magni modi enim neque. Vero officia est distinctio. Saepe quae voluptas est consequuntur eveniet.

Quae aut atque laudantium cumque sint repellendus. Enim consequatur velit perferendis nam. Ad necessitatibus quia a reiciendis necessitatibus earum quo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”