It’s no secret that life in Australia is getting more expensive by the day. From soaring electricity bills to inflated grocery prices, the financial pressure is on. And now, nearly a million Australians are juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. So, what’s behind this growing trend, and how is it affecting people? Let’s dive in.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), nearly 1 million Aussies are working multiple jobs—an increase of 2.2% in the September quarter alone. Women continue to outnumber men in this area, with 7.6% of employed women holding at least one additional job, compared to 5.6% of men. While women’s numbers remain higher, the rate for men jumped 10.5% during the same period, suggesting the pressure to earn more is spreading across both genders.
But here’s the thing—these aren’t just side gigs or casual work. For many, these additional jobs are a necessity. Bevan Jones, a father from Adelaide, works full time in radio sales, but also moonlights as an MC, podcast host, freelance journalist, and radio announcer. Why? Because the rising costs of living, particularly mortgages and interest rates, have made it harder for families to stay afloat, explains Sky News.
The Rise of the Side Hustle
It’s easy to think that having multiple jobs is just a way to earn a little extra cash for those luxury treats—vacations, gadgets, or a fancy dinner. But for a growing number of Australians, it’s not about the extras anymore. It’s about basic survival. And it’s not just one group being affected. Younger people, particularly those aged 20 to 24, are the most likely to hold down multiple jobs, with more than 8% in this age bracket juggling different gigs. For them, it’s become a way of life, a necessity to cover their bills and maintain some semblance of comfort.
It’s not just about the money, though. It’s also about the mental and physical toll it takes. Managing two or three jobs can lead to fatigue, disengagement, and a lack of job satisfaction. Experts warn that when workers stretch themselves too thin, it affects not just their productivity, but their well-being too.
Why It’s Happening
So, why are so many Aussies turning to multiple jobs? The answer is simple: the cost of living is skyrocketing. Energy prices are up 37% in some areas, while food, housing, and other essentials are following suit. This squeeze is forcing people to adapt, to find new ways to bring in income just to keep up with the rising tide of bills.
And while it’s clear that more people are feeling the pinch, it’s not just about inflation. It’s about stagnant wages, too. Despite the soaring costs of living, wages have barely kept up, leaving many Australians with no choice but to take on extra work to meet their financial commitments.
A Society in Transition
This shift—where almost a million Australians are working multiple jobs—isn’t just a reflection of the economy; it’s a sign of a society in transition. As we continue to feel the weight of rising costs, it’s important to ask: how sustainable is this? Can we really expect people to keep juggling work at the expense of their health and happiness?
For now, it seems that multiple jobs are becoming a reality for more Australians. But at what cost? As the gap between wages and living costs continues to grow, it’s likely that this trend will only increase, leaving us all to wonder how much longer the system can keep people on their feet.
