In today’s economy, more and more people are finding themselves working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Ariel Clarke, a program manager at a nonprofit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is just one example of someone who has had to take on a second job to achieve financial stability. Despite working full-time, Clarke found herself living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to cover all her expenses, including rent, groceries, bills, transportation, and student loans.
Clarke’s situation is not unique. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of November, 5.4% of working people in the United States had more than one job. This number has been steadily increasing, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emma Harrington, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Virginia, attributes this trend to the slow recovery of the labor market post-pandemic.
Historically, the number of people working multiple jobs tends to be high when there are ample job opportunities available. Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter, notes that women, Black individuals, and those who are single, widowed, or divorced are more likely to work multiple jobs, often out of necessity due to low-wage work. However, white-collar workers, such as doctors who also teach or consult, are also increasingly taking on multiple roles.
Lonnie Golden, a professor of economics and labor human resources at Penn State University, Abington, explains that people take on multiple jobs for various reasons. While some do it to earn extra income, others do it out of necessity because they cannot find suitable full-time employment or are struggling to make ends meet with one job. Some individuals simply enjoy the work or want to stay busy.
Advancements in technology and the rise of remote work have made it easier for individuals to find and manage multiple job opportunities. The ability to work from home eliminates the need for multiple commutes, making it more feasible to juggle multiple roles. However, despite the convenience, many people express a preference for a more stable, traditional work arrangement.
For Ariel Clarke, working two jobs is exhausting, despite her enjoyment of both roles. Her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and have the financial security of only needing one job. However, she acknowledges that even as a lawyer, she may end up working just as many hours as she does now with two jobs.
In conclusion, the rise in the number of people working multiple jobs reflects the challenges many individuals face in today’s economy. While some take on additional roles out of necessity, others do so for personal fulfillment or financial goals. As the labor market continues to evolve, more people may find themselves navigating the complexities of juggling multiple jobs to achieve financial stability.
