Polywork trend forces 40% of Americans to work multiple jobs amid inflation squeeze

TLDR:

• Nearly 40% of Americans now juggle multiple jobs simultaneously — a practice called “polywork” that makes old-fashioned moonlighting look quaint
• Real wages grew just 0.8% this year while living costs jumped 3%, forcing millions to work 2-4 jobs during regular hours just to keep up
• Remote work and AI automation have created a new employment reality where workers earn from multiple employers at once
• Experts say this represents a “semi-permanent structural shift” in how Americans hedge against economic instability

Americans are increasingly working second, third and even fourth jobs simultaneously to offset stagnant wages and rising costs — a trend labor experts call “polywork.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 8.4 million adults now hold more than one job, up from 5% in 2024. But Internal Revenue Service data suggests the real number is far higher: up to 39% of Americans engage in polywork when supplemental income is included.

“The word was coined during COVID when remote work enabled professionals to have multiple jobs simultaneously,” said Lacey Kaelani, CEO of job search engine Metaintro.

The financial squeeze is real. Real wages adjusted for inflation grew only 0.8% this year while living costs rose 3% nationwide, said Robert Merritt, CEO of manufacturing placement firm SlateUp.

“Basically, inflation is growing faster than wages, which the everyday worker will feel,” Mr. Merritt said.

The trend reflects more than economic pressure. Human resources departments added “polywork” to their vocabulary in 2023 as artificial intelligence automated white-collar roles, said Brenda Siri, CEO of Texas-based Corporate Connections.

“It’s not a passing fad,” said Chad D. Cummings, a Florida attorney. “Rather, it represents a semi-permanent structural shift.”

Read more:

• More Americans ’polyworking’ to offset inflation, stagnant wages