For a growing number of young adults in the UK, a single paycheck is no longer enough. A record 1.35 million workers are now holding down at least two jobs, with Generation Z—those aged up to 29—leading this surge in 'poly-employment.' Driven by soaring living costs, stagnant wages, and mounting debt, this generation is redefining the workweek, often at the expense of their time, energy, and well-being.
"You don't even know you're tired, you don't even know you're stressed anymore, because that's your regular environment," says Ashlin McCourt, 28, who works 60 hours a week across three roles.
Ashlin, a civil servant from Northern Ireland, supplements her income with waitressing and baking shifts. "Mortgages aren't cheap, your standard of living isn't cheap," she explains, noting that even occasional social outings require strict budgeting. Her experience is echoed by others navigating similar pressures.
Cait Yardy, 27, balances supermarket work with private tutoring and social media content creation to pay off debt accumulated during maternity leave. "We are hoping this is something that doesn't have to be forever," she says, though the grind leaves little time for family. "We obviously don't get a whole lot of time where all three of us are home together, but it's worth it. It's what's best for our future."
For Chloe Mayhew, 27, from Glasgow, a 14-hour day might include freelance graphic design, teaching drama and dance, and shifts at a care home. "They're very, very different from each other, but it's all things that I really love and enjoy," she says. "But making money is always a priority." Her goal is to secure a stable, well-paid creative role by age 40, viewing her current hustle as a necessary stepping stone.
Even those with unconventional income streams feel the pull of traditional employment. Haylii, 22, from Essex, earns most of her money through social media content creation but keeps a hospitality job for stability. "Hospitality gives me that social interaction," she notes. "It's just the stability of knowing that I'm going to get paid at the same time every month and all my bills will be sorted."
Experts caution that while multiple jobs can offer valuable experience and skill-building, the trend carries significant risks. Dr. Paul Redmond, an expert on generational change and the future of work, warns that young people risk stretching themselves too thin, potentially "damaging their wellbeing" in pursuit of financial security. As living costs continue to outpace wages, however, for many in their 20s, the three-job juggle isn't a choice—it's a necessity.