A survey shows more than half of US millennials work more than one job – and it’s led to the creation of a new word: “polyworking.”
Why millennials have more than one job
Millennials are the largest workforce segment in the US and a quarter of them have two additional jobs outside of their full-time employment, and a third have three or more extra jobs, according to a study by Academized, an outsourcing platform.
Inflation and stagnant wages are driving this trend. Other factors include wanting to make savings, personal interests, employer concerns and skill acquisition.
Extra jobs earn polyworkers between $12,000 and $45,000 annually for five to 20 additional hours’ work a week.
Human flourishing
Experts worry that increasing numbers of people working increasingly long hours may be harmful to societal wellbeing.
Although polyworking can feel entrepreneurial and fund education or retirement, it comes at the cost of family or leisure time.
A new reality
Many families now face a choice between cutting expenses or earning extra money if they want to fully experience modern life – a challenge previous generations tended not to encounter.
