In today’s economic climate, juggling two jobs has become increasingly common and unsurprisingly new research shows that women are more likely than men to hold multiple jobs simultaneously.
Company formation experts at StartFleet.io analysed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the age categories with the highest number of individuals working multiple jobs in 2023. The study revealed that women are more likely to work two jobs at once than men.
Women Working Multiple Jobs
In 2023, 2.75 million women aged 25 to 54 worked multiple jobs, compared to 2.69 million men in the same age group. This gender disparity is even more pronounced among younger generations. For instance, 439,000 Gen Z women (ages 20–24) worked multiple jobs, compared to just 261,000 men.
The generational breakdown shows that Millennials and Xennials (ages 25–54) are the most likely to work two jobs, with over 5.44 million individuals in this age group managing dual roles. Baby Boomers (ages 55–64) followed with 1.3 million, while Gen Z adults aged 20–24 ranked third with 700,000.
The study’s findings highlight that economic pressures, such as the cost-of-living crisis and the persistent gender pay gap, are significant drivers of this trend. Women often turn to secondary employment to bridge financial gaps, particularly in households where they are the primary earners.
Commenting on the findings, Joe Thong, a spokesperson for StartFleet.io, explained: “Unfortunately, as the cost-of-living crisis continues, we are witnessing an increasing number of people working multiple jobs at once.
“Between 2022 and 2023, 370,000 more people aged between 25 and 54 started to work multiple jobs.
“This rapid increase raises concerns about work-life balance, mental health, and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, working two jobs at once can significantly impact both mental and physical well-being, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and a reliable relationship with friends and family.
“This study also raises awareness of the evident gender gap between men and women working two jobs at once. This can be linked to the rising concern of the gender pay gap, which often causes women to seek out secondary employment to make ends meet.
“Sadly, working two jobs at once is becoming a normalised part of our economy, and this is an issue that needs to be tackled head-on by both employers and policymakers.”
“This rapid increase raises concerns about work-life balance, mental health, and long-term sustainability. Working two jobs at once can significantly impact mental and physical well-being, especially in maintaining healthy relationships and a reliable sleep schedule.”
Why Women Are More Likely to Work Two Jobs
The gender gap in multiple jobholding can be partially attributed to the unequal distribution of unpaid labour. Women often carry the ‘mental load’ of household responsibilities alongside their professional duties, leaving them stretched thin.
The ongoing gender pay gap exacerbates the issue. Women frequently take on additional work to make up for lower earnings compared to their male counterparts, often at the expense of their wellbeing.
READ MORE: Why the Gender Pay Gap is Worse for Single Women
Is it illegal to work two jobs at once?
It’s not against the law to be employed by two companies at once. However, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
However, it’s important to ensure you’re not breaching your company’s contract by working two jobs simultaneously. In some cases, this is forbidden, for full-time employees.
If you’re found to be in breach of contract, companies are permitted to terminate your employment. Because of this, it’s important to thoroughly read your company’s terms and conditions before seeking secondary employment.
Benefits of Women Having a Second Job
Benefits of seeking out secondary employment
Working two jobs at once can provide financial benefits and career progression, particularly within creative industries. Pursuing secondary employment can provide valuable experience in various industries, from freelance writing to customer service. Working two jobs simultaneously allows you to work on multiple projects and develop vital career skills. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that working two jobs at once does come with a significant share of risks and setbacks.
Despite its challenges, working two jobs can offer opportunities for financial stability and career growth. Secondary roles, such as freelance writing or customer service, allow individuals to diversify skills and gain experience across industries. For some, additional income can also help build savings, invest in education, or support their families.
For those considering a second job, careful planning is essential:
Set Realistic Goals: Evaluate whether a second job aligns with your primary responsibilities and personal well-being.
Time Management: Create a schedule that prioritises urgent tasks and avoids burnout.
Communicate with Employers: Be transparent about your intentions and understand company policies to avoid contract violations.
Prioritise Health: Recognise signs of stress and burnout, and seek support when needed.
Risks of Holding Multiple Jobs
Risks of working two jobs at once
Working two jobs at once elevates your risk of burnout, resulting in mental and physical exhaustion. In physically demanding industries, such as construction or farming, this level of fatigue can place both your own and others’ health and safety at risk. Seeking secondary employment can also increase stress levels, which can negatively impact physical and mental health. This will also negatively affect work performance, reducing the quality of your output. Working long hours can also interfere with your sleep schedule and place pressure on your relationships with family and friends. And working multiple jobs simultaneously can also have legal implications, so it’s essential to ensure you’re not violating your contract.
While working two jobs offers financial benefits, it also presents significant challenges:
Burnout and Fatigue: Balancing dual roles can lead to exhaustion, particularly in physically demanding industries.
Mental Health Strain: The stress of managing two jobs can impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety and reduced work performance.
Impact on Relationships: Long hours interfere with personal relationships and limit time with family and friends.
Legal Implications: Full-time employees must ensure they are not breaching employment contracts, as some companies prohibit secondary employment.
Tips for working two jobs at once
If you’re considering seeking out secondary employment, then it’s vital to be realistic about your workload and deadlines. Set boundaries for yourself and carefully examine your schedule to determine whether adopting another position would negatively impact your primary job. Keep both positions entirely separate to ensure that your responsibilities don’t merge.
You should thoroughly communicate with your employers about the possibility of taking up a second job. You may find that one or both employers have reservations about seeking out secondary employment or that they may be more flexible with your working hours.
Manage your time effectively by avoiding procrastination and focusing on urgent tasks first.
When it comes to working two jobs at once, it’s vital that you’re looking after both your mental and physical health. It’s important to recognise the signs of burnout and know when to take a step back from your secondary employment and reduce your workload.
The Need for Workplace Support
The normalisation of multiple jobholding reflects broader systemic issues that demand attention from employers and policymakers. Flexible working arrangements, wage equality, and affordable childcare can reduce the need for secondary employment, particularly for women.
As more individuals face the realities of working two jobs, the importance of equitable pay and supportive workplace policies cannot be overstated.
The rising number of women working two jobs highlights both economic challenges and the resilience of those balancing dual roles. While this trend underscores the need for financial equity, it also calls for a societal shift in addressing the pressures placed disproportionately on women.
Empowering women through fair wages, supportive workplaces, and flexible policies is key to alleviating the burdens of multiple jobholding.
