Latest news with #Academized
Forbes
13-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Millennials Working Multiple Jobs Can Avoid Burnout
Millennials working multiple jobs risk burnout without a clear strategy. The traditional career path has fundamentally changed, creating a generation on the verge of burnout. While previous generations committed to a single employer, Millennials are finding that they need multiple jobs to support their lifestyles, often sacrificing their mental health in the process. According to research from Academized, 52% of Millennials are working side hustles to supplement their income, with a quarter juggling three jobs and a third managing an incredible four or more income streams simultaneously. This phenomenon, called "polyworking," represents more than a passing trend. It's a response to economic necessity. As wages continue to trail rising living costs, many Millennials need multiple income sources to stay afloat financially. But at what cost? Let's explore the strategies and tactics Millennials can use to avoid burnout while juggling multiple jobs. Several factors make Millennials particularly likely to pursue multiple jobs: Millennials face financial pressures, including student loan debt and stagnant wages, making supplemental income necessary. According to Academized's research, Millennials with side gigs earn an additional $12,689 yearly, with some tech freelancers pulling in an extra $45,000 annually. Digital platforms and remote work opportunities have dramatically lowered barriers to entry for side gigs. Academized's survey found that 35% of Millennials use digital and AI tools to manage their side hustles, especially in tech fields. Having witnessed multiple economic downturns, Millennials have learned that diversifying income sources provides insurance against job loss. The traditional notion of job security has been replaced by career security built on multiple revenue streams. Many Millennials prioritize flexibility and meaning over traditional career advancement. Working multiple jobs allows them to pursue passion projects alongside more practical income sources. While financial needs often drive Millennials to work multiple jobs, several less obvious benefits exist: The psychological security of having multiple income streams allows polyworkers to take more calculated risks with their careers. Skills developed in one role often enhance performance in others, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement. Having professional connections across multiple industries creates opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. When you're not dependent on a single employer, you gain leverage to set boundaries and decline projects that don't serve your well-being. Despite these benefits, the burnout risk is real. New research from Moodle reveals that two-thirds (66%) of American employees today are experiencing burnout, driven by: The Academized survey also shows that 42% of Millennials managing multiple jobs experience burnout due to extended work hours, with 26% reporting personal relationship issues. If you're among the growing group of polyworkers, these strategies can help you maintain multiple jobs without sacrificing your well-being: Not all polyworking arrangements are created equal. Consider these common models: Successful polyworking requires clear separation between different roles: The most successful polyworkers build recovery time into their schedules: Be vigilant about early signs of burnout: Working multiple jobs is more sustainable when you have specific financial targets: Perhaps most importantly, recognize when polyworking is no longer serving you: Millennials are actively diversifying their income streams, driven by economic pressures and a desire for financial independence. The Academized survey found that 58% of Millennials plan to maintain multiple jobs or income streams long-term, suggesting this trend is here to stay. The key to sustainable polyworking lies in strategic planning. By choosing complementary roles, creating clear boundaries, and prioritizing recovery time, you can build a career that provides financial security and personal fulfillment without risking burnout.
Bloomberg
12-05-2025
- Bloomberg
Americans Embrace Road Trips as Economic Fears Discourage Flying
Kristin Herman and her partner had been planning a European getaway with stops in Paris and Rome, but with the US economy suddenly wobbling, the couple instead drove to Oregon's nearby redwood forests and Cannon Beach — even camping some nights to save on hotels. 'It didn't feel like the right time to spend so much money,' said Herman, a 37-year-old who lives in Portland and works as an educator at 'Especially when groceries and rent got more expensive as well.'
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
3 Side Hustle Combos That Actually Work (And Earn Up To $5K A Month)
3 Side Hustle Combos That Actually Work (And Earn Up To $5K A Month) Some things just fit: peanut butter and jelly, coffee and mornings, pizza and movie nights. The same idea applies to side hustles. When you pair the right ones together, you can create something that feels easier, makes more sense, and pays off faster. Today, more people are picking up multiple gigs to boost their income. A recent survey by education platform Academized found that 52% of American millennials have a side hustle to help make ends meet. Many are turning to "polyworking," which means stacking a few jobs at once instead of relying on just one. The good news is you do not need to juggle random gigs to get ahead. When you combine side hustles that naturally complement each other, you can save time, build momentum, and create more income without burning out. Here are three side hustle combos that actually fit together and how you can use them to level up. Tutoring is one of the most flexible side hustles out there. You can set your hours, teach subjects you love, and earn anywhere from $15 to over $100 an hour based on your expertise, as reported by CNBC. But here is where you can double your impact. Every lesson you teach is packed with tips, examples, and insights that students want more of. Instead of letting that value fade away, turn it into content. Think ebooks, online courses, printable worksheets, or quick YouTube tutorials. Students and their parents are not just looking for help with homework. They want tools that set them up for long-term success. By creating resources that build on what you teach, you position yourself as someone who truly understands their goals and challenges. You could record your most popular explanations, bundle your best worksheets, or design bite-sized courses parents can buy anytime. It is a natural extension of the work you are already doing without needing to start from scratch. Bonus Tip: Focus on what you do best and niche down. The more specific your focus, the easier it becomes to build a brand that people trust and remember. Event planning is one of those side hustles that feels both fun and rewarding. You get to put your organizational skills to work while creating experiences people will never forget. According to an article by Entrepreneur, event planners typically charge anywhere from $12 to $150 an hour, depending on the project. If you have an eye for detail and a creative touch, pairing event planning with photography can open even more doors. From weddings to corporate parties, every event needs both seamless coordination and beautiful documentation. Clients who want a stress-free experience are looking for someone who can "handle it" without needing a team of ten. Offering both services makes you an easy yes. You can make it even easier by offering bundled packages that include event planning and photography. If you prefer to specialize in just one area, teaming up with venues, florists, or caterers to cross-promote services can work just as well. Either way, the real currency is trust. When clients trust you to plan their biggest moments, they will trust you to capture them too. Bonus Tip: Build a portfolio that shows both your photography and event styling skills. When people can see the full range of what you offer, landing larger, higher-paying gigs becomes a whole lot easier. If you have a way with words, freelance writing is a side hustle that can grow fast. Nearly every industry needs writers for blog posts, articles, or web content. According to a study by freelance writer Elna Cain, about 42% of freelance writers earn between $2,000 and $5,000 a month, often working just 10 hours a week. Adding social media management to the mix is a natural next step. Businesses need more than just excellent writing—they need someone who knows how to share that content the right way. If you can write strong blog posts and then turn them into social captions, newsletter blurbs, and website updates, you instantly become more valuable. Start by writing blog posts or articles for a client. Once you understand their voice and goals, offer to repurpose that content across LinkedIn, Instagram, or their email newsletters. The client gets consistent messaging across platforms, and you get to charge more for delivering a complete solution instead of just one piece of the puzzle. Bonus Tip: Position yourself as a content strategist, not just a freelance writer. Clients will pay a premium for someone who understands how all their content fits together, not just someone who hands off a few drafts. When your side hustles connect, everything feels easier. You are not starting from scratch with every new gig. Your skills build on each other, your work flows faster, and your income grows without doubling your hours. Find a combo that fits what you are already good at, stick with it, and watch how much easier it gets to hit your goals. Rooting for you!
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Forbes
How To Feel Prepared When Traveling To Earthquake Prone Destinations
A focused woman prepares for unforeseen events by packing a go-bag with food and first aid in her bedroom. Some of the biggest tourist hotspots around the country also happen to be at risk for earthquakes—and while that can be worrying for travelers, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to rethink your dream holiday. 'Travel to a country situated on a fault line may understandably unnerve some travelers,' said Deepak Shukla, CEO of Pearl Lemon Adventures. 'No one can predict when or where an earthquake may strike, but many proactive things can calm those frazzled nerves and allow travelers to feel confident about their safety.' The following tips from travel professionals and medical experts will help you feel more equipped to deal with a potential earthquake while traveling abroad—but the most important thing will always be to keep informed of the given country's emergency response plan and stay abreast with seismic activity before making any decisions. Look for the safest areas in an earthquake in the cities you are visiting. 'Many countries that are active in seismic mode have developed an entire system of identifying and marketing buildings designed to withstand earthquakes,' Shukla explained. 'These are often sites with reinforced structures with evacuation routes clearly marked and trained personnel to assist.' Another idea is to prepare your emergency kit or go-bag. 'Keeping a bag that includes items that would be useful in an emergency, like a first aid kit, portable phone charger, flashlight, whistle, copies of your travel documents and passport, and any medications you deem necessary, is another step that may prove beneficial,' Shukla added. 'Don't forget to take communication items such as a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device that can connect you to local emergency services if need be.' Alexandra Wieteska, founder and editor-in-chief of The Mexico Edit, suggests taking a look around at your hotel room and make a plan so you can avoid standing or kneeling under anything that could fall, including wall-mounted TVs, bookshelves, glass frames, ceiling lights. Wieteska suggests planning where you'd crouch down during the earthquake, ideally beside something solid like a bed or couch rather than under it. 'Before any trip, I advise travelers to learn a little about how the destination handles emergencies,' said Grace Carter, travel expert at Academized. 'For example, Japan has an incredibly robust public safety system with English-language alerts and clearly marked evacuation points. In contrast, other destinations may rely more on local knowledge or informal communication.' Carter explained that she will often encourage clients to look up where the nearest open-air parks or designated safe zones are in their destination city—those spots often become crucial gathering points if anything happens. 'A quick look on municipal websites or a conversation with your accommodation provider can give you a sense of where to go and what local procedures look like,' she added. 'You should focus on two main things: keeping physically fit and managing stress, both of which are vital elements of preparation,' explained Dr. Anand Thakkar, Medical Director at BlissMD. 'By maintaining good physical health through regular exercise, you can improve your ability to respond during an earthquake, and stress management techniques like meditation can help keep you calm.'
The Guardian
06-04-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
‘Polyworking': why do so many millennials have more than one job?
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.
