Latest news with #polyworking
New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Don't Call It a Side Hustle. These Americans Are ‘Polyworking.'
For a growing number of Americans, juggling more than one job, or 'polyworking,' has become just another day at the office. The number of people with multiple full- or part-time jobs climbed to over 8.9 million in March for the first time since 1994, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking the phenomenon, before ticking down slightly in April. As a practice, it's not so new. Think 'moonlighting.' But as a term, polyworking (and the similar 'polyemployment') is more recent. It began cropping up in human resources research and in traditional and social media after the Covid-19 pandemic as an upbeat spin on millennial workers' reputation for taking on side hustles, trying to monetize hobbies and eschewing 9-to-5 work. How it's pronounced 'It's a way to take back ownership of work and one's career in a meaningful way, pushing back against the sense that you are identified by one job, one employer,' said Erin Hatton, a professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Buffalo who studies the labor market. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
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.
