More workers are stacking several jobs at once to stay afloat. Many say their main salary no longer covers rent, food and basic bills. Some also worry about sudden layoffs, so they add extra work to feel safer.
This shift shows up in simple ways. A person may work a full-time office job during the day, then spend evenings running a small online shop. Another may pick up weekend tutoring or late-night delivery shifts. These extra roles bring variety, but they also fill income gaps that one job no longer covers.
People describe it as a mix of pressure and control. They feel stretched, but they also feel less exposed. If one job slows or disappears, another can help bridge the gap.
Workers are relying less on a single employer and more on a patchwork of income streams. It offers stability for some, but it also leaves less time to rest. Still, for many, polyworking has become the most practical way to keep up in today’s economy.