The rise of poly-employment as Australians juggle up to eight jobs to make ends meet

As the cost-of-living crisis bites harder, Australians are juggling multiple jobs — some as many as eight — just to stay afloat. But experts warn the hustle comes at a cost.

Australians are clocking in across multiple jobs — in some cases up to eight — as they scramble to stay ahead of spiralling living costs.

Poly-employment, the practice of working several jobs at once, has become a financial lifeline.

New research reveals a staggering 88 per cent rise in the number of people holding three or more jobs over the past three years. Those working two or more roles have jumped by 65 per cent, according to workforce platform Deputy.

The company attributes the surge to soaring living costs, wage stagnation, and economic uncertainty.

But while multiple jobs may help pay the bills, experts warn the trend risks burnout and could derail long-term careers.

A NEW NORMAL

Deputy’s chief financial officer Emma Seymour said many workers are forced to stack shifts across different employers just to survive.

She said a single job does not always provide the pay or hours to make ends meet in the current economic climate, with some workers holding down eight jobs at any given time.

She added that women and Gen Z are most likely to take on multiple roles, particularly in hospitality, which has become a hotspot for poly-employment.

Beyond the extra income, Ms Seymour said there are upside benefits, especially for young people gaining experience and skills across different industries.

“Poly-employment reflects a new normal where workers piece together multiple roles across industries and the slots to build the flexibility, income and autonomy they need,” she said.

HUSTLING FOR STABILITY

Damian Taylor, a stagehand, theatre technician and producer, is one of those juggling eight roles and clocking up 60-hour weeks.

With unpredictable hours in the arts, Mr Taylor said working multiple gigs is often the only way to maintain full-time income.

“Sydney’s not a cheap place to live and with the rising cost of everything it helps to have that financial stability (provided by working multiple jobs),” he said.

Damian Taylor, a stagehand, theatre technician and producer, is one of those juggling eight roles and clocking up 60-hour weeks.

“Unless you’re contracted to a single venue, which is hard to come by, hours can be unpredictable so juggling a few roles is often necessary just to maintain a full-time workload.”

He also sees a silver lining: better skills, networking and resilience during quiet periods.

“While it can be intense, I enjoy the variety and experience I get from different roles though, of course, having a bit more stability with fewer jobs wouldn’t be a bad thing either,” he said.

CAREER GROWTH ON HOLD?

HR specialist Karen Gately, founder of Corporate Dojo, said the multi-job trend can backfire professionally — especially for those seeking to climb the ladder.

“Obviously multiple jobs can be great for getting the cash flowing, which for many people is the whole point,” she said.

“But if you want to advance and grow your career then you need your employer to know that you are taking your job seriously.

“If you’re striving to create a career then you need to make sure that you’re fully invested (in a job), to the extent where you are seen (noticed by your employer for the positive contributions you are making) and afforded opportunities.”

“You don’t want your employer thinking, ‘Well, Mary’s got four jobs, how seriously is she taking this one?’ because it could work against you.”

Ms Gately advises workers to check their contracts for exclusivity clauses and disclose additional jobs to avoid potential conflicts.

“As a rule, workers should not take on jobs with rival companies, unless they are basic customer service roles within hospitality and retail,” she said.

THE MENTAL HEALTH TOLL

Suzi Bell, workplace mental health expert and managing director of Activ8 Mind, warns that poly-employment can take a serious psychological and physical toll.

“In an ideal world, I would said people should definitely be trying to limit (the number of jobs they work at any given time) to not more than two – but I realise that’s not always going to be enough in a cost-of-living crisis,” she said.

Ms Bell encourages workers to set boundaries around shift availability and employer contact hours — and to seek help if stress becomes overwhelming.

She said if signs of chronic stress appear, including loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or a lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed.

Workers should also seek support through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a trusted friend or medical professional.

Poly-Employment by the Numbers

• Since 2022, there’s been a 65 per cent increase in Aussie workers holding two jobs
• Over the same period, there’s been an 88 per cent increase in workers holding three or more roles
• Hospitality is the sector experiencing the most poly-employment, recording a 46 per cent increase in workers holding two or more roles within the hospitality industry
• There’s been a 136 per cent increase in poly-employment combining retail and hospitality roles and a 21 per cent increase in workers combining services and hospitality jobs.

Source: Deputy

Originally published as The rise of poly-employment as Australians juggle up to eight jobs to make ends meet