Remi, a Gen Z education graduate who found herself overwhelmed and underappreciated in her Chicago publishing job, unintentionally began outsourcing her tasks to cope with her workload. After her mother's death, she turned to her boyfriend and a childhood friend for help, paying them under the table to edit and format her work. This practice, known as shadow stand-ins, is part of a hidden global movement where workers secretly delegate their tasks to others. The pandemic has fueled its popularity, providing a perfect storm for such covert arrangements. Despite ethical concerns and potential consequences, shadow stand-ins offer a solution for overworked employees seeking work-life balance. As the practice gains traction, questions about its sustainability and implications arise, challenging conventional notions of workplace loyalty and productivity. Remi's story reflects a growing trend of individuals seeking unconventional ways to navigate their professional lives in an increasingly demanding work landscape.