Polyworking Explained: How (and Why) People Are Juggling Multiple Jobs
You’ve undoubtedly heard of the side hustle. It’s when people have side gigs they work in their spare time to supplement their income or scratch their creative itch. But have you ever heard of polyworking?
This trend, where workers manage two or more substantial work commitments, has gained popularity in the post-pandemic gig economy. A recent survey by Academized.com found that among the 52% of millennials who have side gigs, 24% are working three jobs at once, and 33% have four or more jobs.
Could polyworking help you achieve your financial goals more quickly? Learn more to decide if it’s something you want to pursue — or if it’s best to stick to your more reliable full-time position.
What Is Polyworking?
Polyworking is the practice of holding more than one job simultaneously, often across different industries or formats. For example, you might work two part-time jobs and freelance on the side to maximize your earnings. Or you might own a small business selling arts and crafts while working as a barista and writing ad copy for a local company.
Although polyworking is similar to moonlighting or having a side hustle, there are subtle differences. Traditionally, side hustlers have a full-time job and work on their side hustle in their spare time. On the other hand, polyworkers don’t hold a full-time job and instead rely on several jobs or income streams for their earnings.
Many polyworkers work remotely and enjoy flexible schedules and employment structures, which keep them busy and earning without the daily demands of a full-time job. However, polyworking can also cause you to burn out if you take on too much and don’t give yourself time to decompress.
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Why Polyworking Is On the Rise
A 2024 Deloitte survey noted that the biggest reason for millennials and Gen Z to take on a second (or third or fourth) job was the need for a secondary income, followed by monetizing a hobby, developing skills or positively impacting their community.
Since 2020, the U.S. labor market has undergone significant changes. It all started with the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many people to work from home rather than in a traditional office setting. While many companies have since either required employees to return to the office or adopt a hybrid work schedule, others have transitioned to a fully remote work environment. And workers who had enjoyed the benefits of remote work began looking for new opportunities that did not require in-person work.
Additionally, as the cost of living continues to rise, wages haven’t kept pace in many industries. It’s prompting people to seek secondary incomes.
Layoffs have also become more common in recent years. Many lost their jobs during the first months of the pandemic, and others have been laid off in the last year or two. Layoffs have hit the tech industry especially hard as the development of AI tools pushes people out of the workforce.
Not only does polyworking allow people to earn money outside of a traditional 9-to-5 job, but it also helps fill the gap for those who have been laid off and are finding it hard to secure a new one.
How People Are Polyworking in 2025
Polyworking looks different for everyone. Here are some ways people are making this lifestyle work for them.
Polyworking With Two Part-Time Jobs
Rather than working one full-time job, you could pick up two part-time roles. This could give you more variety in your day. Here are some examples of this type of polyworking.
- Working in the morning as a barista at a local coffee shop and in the afternoon as a delivery driver for a local florist.
- Working part-time as an accountant at two local small businesses that don’t have enough work to justify a full-time role.
- Working as a part-time marketing executive and filling your spare hours working for a local cleaning company.
Mixing Freelance and Employment
Many people choose to stick with their full-time job and pick up a few freelance clients in their spare time. Here are some examples of how this might work.
- Working as a full-time remote marketing coordinator and freelancing as a graphic designer on evenings and weekends.
- Working as a full-time software engineer at a tech firm and running a monetized YouTube channel.
- Working in HR during the day and offering freelance career coaching services on the side.
Combining Passion Projects With Steady Income
A steady income is reliable and safe, but it can be boring. If you have a hobby or passion that you could monetize, you can have your cake and eat it. These are some examples of people combining passion projects with a steady income.
- Working as an elementary school teacher and selling crocheted crafts on Etsy.
- Working as an administrative assistant and starting a portrait photography business on the side.
- Working as a nurse and taking baking orders for cakes and cookies on weekends and days off.
TIP: If you want to start polyworking, check out these high-paying side gigs.
The Pros and Cons of Polyworking
Polyworking is popular among millennials and Gen Z, but it’s not without its downsides. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of this work style.
| Pros | Cons |
| Income diversification | Burnout risk |
| Flexibility and autonomy | Tax complexity |
| Broader skill development | Scheduling conflicts |
| Creative outlet | Lack of benefits across roles |
| Increased job security | Potential for lower productivity |
Ultimately, despite its flexibility and income potential, polyworking can be stressful and challenging. A lack of benefits can be a real issue for someone who lacks health coverage through a family member, and part-time jobs don’t usually offer any kind of retirement plans, so you’re on your own to save for the future.
Before diving headfirst into polyworking, consider the real-world tradeoffs. It’s not all glamor, and it can be unsustainable in the long run if you don’t prioritize time off to unwind.
How to Successfully Manage Multiple Jobs
If you want to dip your toes into the world of polyworking, you’ll need to make a plan. Polyworking requires excellent organizational skills, and you’ll need to prioritize rest and work-life balance to prevent burnout.
Tools like Google Calendar, Trello and Notion can help keep you organized and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines. And don’t underestimate the power of an old-school paper planner. Ultimately, the best organization tool for you is the one you’re most likely to use.
Polyworking doesn’t come with paid holidays, sick leave or vacation time, so you’ll need to ensure you schedule days off to rest. Working every day with few breaks can quickly lead to burnout, which affects motivation and productivity. When you’re working, track your hours (tools like Clockify, Toggl Track and Gusto can help you do this) to ensure you’re not overworking yourself.
Before you take on a second job, check the legal implications of doing so with your existing employer. There may be a stipulation in your contract saying you cannot work for a competitor or take on any work that could lead to a conflict of interest.
And finally, get ahead of your budget (one of the best budgeting apps makes this easy). Self-employment income can be unsteady, so you want to keep track of your spending to ensure you don’t find yourself short. Keep close tabs on your income with a tool like QuickBooks (this can also help make tax time less stressful).
Is Polyworking Right for You?
Before you throw yourself into the polyworking lifestyle headfirst, consider whether it’s a good fit for you. Ask yourself:
- Are you self-motivated? With polyworking, it’s up to you to schedule your time wisely and ensure your work is completed by the deadline.
- Can you handle varied workflows? Different companies have different workflows, and you’ll need to be able to pivot quickly among them as a polyworker.
- Do you need consistent benefits? In most cases, polyworking doesn’t provide benefits like health insurance, retirement savings and paid time off.
- Are your jobs legally compatible? Check your employment contract to avoid conflicts of interest before signing a contract with a second employer.
Polyworking and the Future of Work
Polyworking can be a good solution for those who are looking for a more flexible work arrangement, but it’s not for everyone. However, broader workforce changes — such as the rise of the creator and gig economies and the younger generation’s search for autonomy — suggest polyworking is here to stay. Before taking the leap, consider your own financial goals and how multiple streams of income might align with them.
Catherine Hiles is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and freelance writer specializing in personal finance and home improvement. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two children and two energetic dogs.
