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Amid rising economic pressures and workplace uncertainties, a growing number of Americans are turning to multiple jobs to supplement their income and create safety nets for themselves in an unpredictable job market.
This trend, sometimes called “polyworking,” has emerged as workers face stagnant wages, persistent inflation, and growing concerns about job security. For many, taking on side hustles isn’t just about making ends meet—it’s about developing diverse skill sets and creating multiple income streams in an evolving economy.
Katelyn Cusick, 29, exemplifies this new approach to work. While she maintains her full-time position as a visual merchandiser for Patagonia, Cusick also manages social media influencers for a German shoe brand, runs an Etsy shop selling paintings, and works as an usher at concerts in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“Every day is different and every day feels like a new day,” Cusick explains. “That is ultimately why I started doing all these side hustles, just because I wanted to switch it up. I don’t want to just do the same thing every day.”
The additional income helps Cusick manage her student loans and navigate the high cost of living, especially valuable since her full-time wages have remained flat for several years.
Alexandrea Ravenelle, a sociologist and gig economy researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, notes that economic factors are driving this shift. “We have seen stagnant salaries, we’ve seen inflation, we’ve seen the cost of living overall increasing, even beyond our inflation measures,” Ravenelle says. “So people are looking for ways to supplement and to build themselves a little bit of a safety net.”
Some workers are creating what experts call “portfolio careers,” assembling multiple jobs that develop different valuable skills. This approach represents a departure from traditional career paths.
“Rather than having one job that you can have for many, many years and thinking about your career progression as a linear pathway, some people are putting together multiple side hustles based on their skills and interests and making the money work by having multiple revenue streams,” explains Elaine Chen, director of the Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts University.
For those considering a side hustle, experts recommend following a passion. Josie White, 31, did exactly that. While working full-time as a fundraiser for Shelter the Homeless in Salt Lake City, White pursued public speaking opportunities to share her experiences with schizoaffective disorder and help others facing similar challenges.
“The goal is ultimately to get paid, but right now I’m putting in the legwork to reach that,” White says. She’s booked ten speaking engagements over the past year, four of which will be paid. She’s reinvested her earnings to develop her public speaking skills further.
However, experts caution that launching a side business often requires initial investment and considerable time before generating income. Some turn to gig work platforms like Uber, Instacart, and Walmart’s Spark delivery service for immediate income generation.
Tom Ritter of Syracuse, New York, supplemented his income as a workforce management specialist at a nonprofit by making deliveries—a safety net that proved crucial when he recently lost his day job.
“For me, even that extra couple hundred dollars a month went a long way, and it still does,” says Ritter, 39.
Ravenelle warns against relying too heavily on gig work, noting that platforms typically adjust algorithms to reduce worker earnings once wages become too attractive. “The house always wins when it comes to the gig platforms,” she cautions. Additionally, gig work can carry a stigma with some employers and make transitioning back to traditional employment more challenging.
Those seeking side jobs should also approach online opportunities with healthy skepticism. Some internet influencers promote business models that amount to little more than scams. Ravenelle has encountered people who invested in microgreen growing operations after seeing enticing online videos, only to discover the real money was being made by those selling the equipment and training.
Balancing multiple jobs inevitably impacts personal time. White works 40 to 45 hours Monday through Thursday at her primary job, then dedicates Fridays to her speaking business.
“I wouldn’t describe my life as balanced,” she admits. “But am I enjoying it? Yes. And I think that matters.”
As economic uncertainties persist and traditional career paths continue to evolve, the multi-job approach represents a pragmatic adaptation for workers seeking both financial stability and professional fulfillment in challenging times.
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12 Comments
While ‘polyworking’ may provide short-term financial relief, it’s concerning that stagnant wages and job insecurity are driving this trend. Employers and policymakers should address the root causes to give workers more stability and security.
That’s a fair point. The rise of ‘polyworking’ highlights systemic issues that need to be addressed, like wage stagnation and uncertain employment. Sustainable solutions from employers and policymakers would be ideal to support workers.
This article highlights an interesting shift in how people are approaching their careers. The rise of the ‘side hustle’ reflects the need for more financial resilience and the desire for greater control over one’s work life.
Agreed. It speaks to the evolving nature of the job market and the need for workers to be more adaptable. Developing a diverse skillset and income streams could be a smart strategy, though the long-term implications remain to be seen.
It’s interesting to see the rise of ‘polyworking’ as a way for workers to combat stagnant wages and economic uncertainty. Having multiple income streams and diversified skills seems like a smart strategy in today’s evolving job market.
Absolutely. Developing a portfolio career with several side hustles can provide more financial security and flexibility. It allows people to explore different interests and skillsets beyond their primary job.
The high cost of living and student loan burdens are driving many to take on additional work. While challenging, this multifaceted approach to employment could help workers gain more control over their financial futures.
You make a good point. Having multiple income sources can be empowering, especially for younger workers trying to get ahead financially. It’s a proactive way to adapt to economic pressures.
The article raises important questions about the future of work and the tradeoffs involved in this ‘polyworking’ phenomenon. While it offers flexibility and income diversification, the long-term impacts on work-life balance and mental health deserve close consideration.
Absolutely. There are potential downsides that need to be carefully weighed. Maintaining multiple jobs could lead to burnout if not managed properly. Employers and policymakers should examine ways to provide more stability and support for workers.
I’m curious to see if this ‘polyworking’ trend continues to grow. It seems like a rational response to the insecurities many feel in the job market these days. But it also raises questions about work-life balance and the long-term sustainability of this approach.
That’s a valid concern. Maintaining multiple jobs could lead to burnout if not managed carefully. Striking the right balance will be crucial for workers to reap the benefits without compromising their wellbeing.