Põhitöö

Põhitöö is an Estonian term that translates to "main job" or "primary occupation." It refers to the main source of income or employment for an individual. In Estonia, as in many other countries, individuals typically have one main job where they spend the majority of their working hours and from which they derive their primary financial support. This is often contrasted with secondary jobs, side hustles, or freelance work, which are undertaken in addition to the põhitöö.

The concept of põhitöö is important in various contexts, including employment law, taxation, and social security. For instance, many employment benefits, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and paid leave, are often tied to the conditions of an individual's põhitöö. Employers are legally obligated to provide certain rights and protections to employees in their primary occupation. Tax regulations may also differentiate between income earned from a põhitöö and other sources of income. Understanding the distinction between a main job and other forms of work is crucial for individuals to navigate their employment rights and financial obligations effectively. The term emphasizes the central role of a particular employment in a person's professional and economic life.