‘Polyworking': why do so many millennials have more than one job?

The Guardian

06-04-2025

Americans are barely staying ahead of inflation. So how are they dealing with this issue? By working more.
That's one of the biggest takeaways from a new study by Academized, an outsourcing platform that connects writers and students. According to the report, more than half of millennials – who make up the largest percentage of workers in this country – are working more than one job to make extra money. What's even more eye-raising is that nearly a quarter (24%) of those workers have three jobs and a third (33%) have four or more income-earning opportunities outside their full-time work.
It's called 'polyworking' and the reasons why this is on the rise vary.
Inflation and wages remain a big factor. New data shows that wage gains are falling and, with inflation hovering at 3%, these wage gains are barely making a difference. That problem could become worse this year if Trump's tariff increases drive prices higher. To keep up, many are seeking other sources of income.
There are other reasons why so many millennials are polyworking. The Academized report says that adding to savings, pursuing personal interests and gaining skills for career advancement are also important. Other sources of income are also a help in case a company's misfortune becomes your misfortune (workers surveyed report making anywhere from $12,000 to $45,000 extra a year for an additional five to 20 hours of work each week).
Critics of this trend, like Nadya Williams, who writes for the Institute for Family Studies, are concerned about its long-term effects.
'Having to take on a second job – and work more than 40 hours a week just to pay the bills – is not a positive for our society,' she writes. 'Today, we are working more hours than our parents and grandparents, and it comes at the expense of family time. It devours us, body and soul. This is a path away from – not towards – human flourishing.'
You can make the case that people wouldn't be put into this situation if employers simply paid more, and you wouldn't be wrong. But then there's the reality.
Companies pay people what the market will bear, and despite the still strong labor market, wage increases have plateaued from their post-pandemic, 'great migration' highs. Full-time employees shouldn't be expecting any big wage gains in the near or long-term future. Which is why today's employees are increasingly faced with a choice: polywork or not.
Some employees will decide not to polywork. They may be happy with their compensation, their work-life balance, the way their employer treats them, their future opportunities at their company.
Others look at polyworking as another form of entrepreneurism. It's a big factor in the meteoric rise of new startups over the past five years. Running a side gig takes time away from personal and family activities. But it helps put money away for college and retirement. And depending on the work, it can be fulfilling and help to add variety and diversity to the day.
Polyworking hedges against unemployment and, if the work is fulfilling, can add to one's self-esteem. People are proud to be entrepreneurs. Yes, the extra hours can be hard and create sacrifices. But life is hard and let's face it: money makes it easier.
Arguing about whether the rise of polyworking is a bad thing misses the bigger picture. It's a new reality for the workplace. Times have changed. No longer does Dad go to the office from 9 to 5 and bring home a paycheck that affords a home on Long Island, a country club membership and a Valium prescription. Most families have two earners. Many are faced with decisions that our parents and grandparents never had: to afford the amazing things we have for us in 2025 – Netflix, Instacart, after-school hockey, SUVs and summer camp – we can either cut expenses elsewhere or make extra money. It's hard work but for some there is no other choice.