The number of US workers taking on multiple jobs has surged to its highest level since 2019, driven by rising living costs and a robust labor market that offers more employment opportunities, the Washington Post reports.
According to Labor Department data, 5.3% of the workforce held more than one job by the end of 2024, a figure reminiscent of the Great Recession. In states such as Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Hawaii, the percentage of workers with multiple jobs was double the national average.
The trend spans a diverse array of industries and roles. From Google contractors selling cellphones at Walmart to accountants raising chickens, Americans are finding creative ways to supplement their primary incomes. However, this surge in side hustles has come at a cost, often affecting workers’ sleep, mental health, and family time.
The rise in dual employment has been fueled by economic necessity and increased opportunities for gig work. Dean Baker, senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, noted that the trend is “pro-cyclical,” meaning workers are more likely to hold multiple jobs during times of economic expansion.
“Some people may have multiple jobs because they need them. Alternatively, they may have multiple jobs because they’re able to get them,” Baker explained.
Workers like Naomi Kowald, a 37-year-old from Cambria, Wisconsin, embody this dual reality. Despite holding a full-time job managing pharmaceutical drug trials, Kowald began selling eggs and farming chickens to supplement her family’s income. Her side hustle not only generates extra income but also makes better use of the 16-acre property where she lives with her family.
“I know very few teachers that don’t have a second gig — babysitting, nannying to push them over the edge,” said Laura Norman, an elementary school teacher in Baltimore who took up managing a theater house to afford child care and grocery expenses.
While some workers are driven by financial necessity, others see side hustles as a way to explore passions or achieve financial goals. Atlanta public relations specialist Grace Wilbanks turned her passion for collage art into a profitable venture, charging thousands for large installations.
“The money is nice, but it keeps me sane,” she said.
The boom in remote work has further fueled the side-hustle trend, as 35% of multiple job holders reported teleworking in 2024. Platforms like Uber, Instacart, and freelance sites have made it easier for workers to diversify their income streams.
However, for many workers, taking on multiple jobs is not a choice but a necessity. Rising child care and rent expenses have squeezed household budgets. Kirn Gill II, a Google contractor in Missouri, took a second job as a wireless phone salesman after facing a cut in his assignments.
“I don’t want to have to work two jobs to pay the bills,” Gill said. “With the cost of living going up, it’s difficult to even stay in place.”
Economists and experts warn that the trend is a double-edged sword. While it showcases Americans’ resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, it also underscores systemic issues such as wage stagnation and inadequate benefits. Workers like Monique Mcclain, a gig economy driver in Nashville, have found themselves working up to 80 hours a week across various roles to make ends meet.
“I sleep between each of the different assignments — a four-hour window here and there,” Mcclain said.
She noted that she has been placed on medication for high blood pressure due to the physical toll of her workload.
As more Americans balance primary jobs with side gigs, the long-term implications remain uncertain. While some are hopeful that their ventures will become profitable, others simply aim to stay afloat.
Experts like Tessa Conroy, an economic development specialist at the University of Wisconsin, highlight the complexity of the issue.
“We might think of this as showing the entrepreneurial spirit,” she said. “But we also need to consider the quality of work. Are people pursuing multiple jobs because of low wage growth? Do they have stable income and adequate benefits to support their families?”
For Kowald, the accountant-turned-farmer, the journey continues. She’s expanded her operations to include Highland cattle and raised egg prices to cover rising costs. Despite challenges, she remains optimistic that her side hustle will eventually turn a profit.
