Imagine finally getting home after a long day at your primary job. You might envision dinner with loved ones, perhaps a bedtime story for the kids, and then, a chance to unwind. But for 9.3 million Americans, that’s not how the evening unfolds. Instead of relaxing, they’re gearing up for their second, or even third, shift. This isn’t just a hypothetical; it’s the daily reality for millions for whom one job simply isn’t enough to cover the mounting costs of rent, food, and other essential expenses.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a staggering 9.3 million Americans reported working multiple jobs in November 2025. This isn’t just a high number; it’s the highest number ever recorded since the BLS began tracking multiple jobholders in 1994. In relative terms, 5.7 percent of all employed Americans were juggling more than one gig last month, marking another 25-year high.
While the mid-1990s saw a slightly higher share of multiple jobholders (peaking at 6.5 percent in November 1996), there’s a crucial difference today. Back then, roughly two-thirds of those working multiple jobs lacked a college education, likely occupying lower-wage roles. Fast forward to today, and a striking half of current multiple jobholders hold a college degree. This stark shift indicates a worrying trend: even an advanced degree no longer guarantees a single income sufficient to make ends meet.
Why the Increase in the Multi-Job Workforce?
Several factors are fueling this relentless hustle:
- Economic Necessity: The Inflation Squeeze: Years of elevated inflation have left a legacy of sky-high prices, while wages have struggled to keep pace. For instance, housing costs have surged by 28 percent over the past five years, but average wages have only climbed 24 percent. This leaves many households financially strained, especially as other necessities, like food, have also outpaced wage growth.
- The Changing Labor Market & Remote Work: The rise of remote work has inadvertently made it easier for many to take on a second job, often from the comfort of their home, blurring the lines between work and personal life.
- Abundant Job Opportunities: For much of the recent past, the number of job openings has significantly outweighed the number of job seekers. This has provided a fertile ground for those willing and able to pick up extra hours or a second role.
- The Gig Economy’s Rise: The flexibility and accessibility of the gig economy have created new avenues for individuals to supplement their income, offering everything from ride-sharing to freelance projects that fit around other commitments.
Interestingly, the most common form of multiple employment involves one full-time job paired with a part-time position, reflecting how many are trying to balance stability with the need for additional income. Working two full-time jobs remains the rarest, yet most demanding, scenario.
The reality of 9.3 million Americans working multiple jobs paints a vivid picture of the economic pressures faced by a significant portion of the population. It’s a testament to their resilience, but also a poignant indicator of a system where a single paycheck often falls short of providing a secure living.
Source: Original Article
