Increasing number of jobs
A significant number of Americans are taking on multiple jobs to cope with inflation and stagnant wages.
This phenomenon, referred to as polywork, has evolved from the traditional concept of moonlighting, which involved holding a part-time job in addition to a full-time position.
“The term gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work allowed individuals to manage several jobs at once,” explained Lacey Kaelani, CEO of the job search platform Metaintro.
Polywork represents an escalation from the idea of a side hustle, where individuals often juggle various part-time roles that collectively provide a full-time income.
According to Stephen Dwyer, president of the American Staffing Association, polyworkers utilize remote opportunities to earn more than what a single full-time job would offer.
Dwyer noted that having diverse income streams can safeguard workers against financial instability during layoffs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 5.2% of workers—approximately 8.4 million adults—hold more than one job, an increase from previous years and above historical averages.
However, industry insiders believe that the actual figure for polyworkers is likely higher since this category is not officially tracked by federal agencies.
The Census Bureau indicates that there has been consistent growth in adults reporting freelance income since 1997, leading to around 30 million independent contractors generating approximately $1.5 trillion annually.
Analysts attribute the rise in polyworking to several factors including advancements in artificial intelligence, layoffs within tech industries, a tight entry-level job market, and economic uncertainties linked to tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
Inflationary impacts
The cost of living surged during the pandemic but has significantly decreased over the past year. Inflation rates varied throughout different administrations; for instance, living costs rose by 7% in 2021 under Biden but were lower during Trump’s first term.
Future trends
Experts predict that polyworking will become increasingly common as employees take on various roles simultaneously. A survey conducted by the American Staffing Association found that 64% of employed adults are likely to pursue additional jobs or side hustles within the next year—a rise from previous surveys.
