May jobs lost: 696,000
2. Retail Trade
Total jobs lost: 2.8 million
New jobless claims: down 48%
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The workforce continues to evolve in 2025, shaped by people re-evaluating their priorities and changes in workplace dynamics. In just the first few months of the year, generating several income streams is no longer common for just a subset of the population – it’s becoming increasingly widespread for many workers. And it is transforming how individuals approach their careers, maintain work-life balance, and plan for their professional futures.
An overview of the U.S. employment landscape
Despite the March BLS report showing over 1,000 more jobs than anticipated – and industries such as healthcare, transportation and warehousing proactively seeking new hires – job security concerns still remain at an all-time high. In Q1, high-profile tech firms like Block, HP, Meta and TikTok announced layoffs. Close to 25,000 layoffs have taken place in the tech industry this year alone.
As a response to the growing uncertainty in the market, the trend of employees holding multiple jobs is gaining momentum. Almost three-quarters of American professionals are turning to secondary income sources to combat rising costs and to protect themselves from potential job loss or wage stagnation. Thirty-nine percent run a side business or do freelance work, while 32% hold second jobs with another employer to feel financially secure.
The ripple effects of U.S. employees holding multiple jobs
Though having additional income may provide some financial relief, there are important personal and professional considerations individuals should take into account as they maintain multiple jobs or consider accepting a second job. First, there is a higher risk of burnout and a potential decline in wellbeing and mental as well as physical health. This can result from being overworked and trying to fully meet the demands of each job. From a professional standpoint, it can be challenging to fully commit to multiple employers. Not only will this impact productivity but also the quality of work and career mobility in each position they hold.
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On the other hand, there are a handful of benefits when it comes to holding multiple jobs. Not being 100% dependent on a singular employer can offer both security as well as a financial safety net should one position be impacted. Gig or freelance roles offer individuals flexibility and the freedom to manage their own work schedules – something that traditional employment doesn’t always allow. A secondary job also helps people to discover new career paths or pursue their passions. A second job that aligns with a person’s passions can be energizing, and it also adds variety to the work week and the colleagues someone works with.
Individuals also see this as an opportunity to diversify and develop new skills so they can be more versatile in the challenging job market. Nearly 18% of Americans are using their side hustle to help develop skills for their future careers, and among Gen Z this number skyrockets to 44%. Not only does this benefit them in becoming adaptable professionals but this also benefits employers, who will have workers with a broader skill set to help them serve clients and be more competitive in the market.
Related: One job not enough: Nearly 40% of Americans rely on side hustles
How employers can adapt and support this new way of working
As more workers engage in side gigs and multiple income streams, organizations should embrace this new workforce dynamic and evolve to remain supportive and attractive to this category of workers. There are several steps employers can take to adapt and support their employees.
Embracing flexibility is one of them. By offering adaptable and flexible work arrangements, employers acknowledge the financial pressures and responsibilities employees may be facing. Flexibility not only enables employees to manage their roles and responsibilities outside of work, but it also fosters an environment of psychological safety. When workers see they are able to be transparent and honest about what’s going on in their personal lives, without fear of judgment or negative consequences at work, it builds trust within the employer and employee relationship. It also strengthens overall workplace culture. Providing scheduling capabilities for workers to indicate times they are not able to work, swap shifts with other workers, or manage their own schedules gives them a level of take control of their commitments.
To further adapt to workers who are managing multiple jobs, providing access to easy-to use, modern tech tools will be critical. Consumer-grade tech tools will help workers stay organized and productive. Mobile solutions, digital checklists and streamlined communication apps help people stay connected with their teams and remove barriers to efficiency. These tools will be especially important for businesses with many employees in roles that are deskless or shift-based.
Conclusion
The multiple jobs trend is a reality in the current workforce and the shifts in how people live, work and create financial stability. Whether driven by necessity, motivation to live a certain lifestyle, or the desire for flexibility, traditional employment is evolving. Employees who are part of this transformation will need to consider the strategies to avoid burnout and remain successful personally, financially and professionally. On the employer side, organizations will have to adapt to this new dynamic in the workforce. Acknowledging, accepting and supporting this shift will be essential to attracting talent and building resilient, future-ready organizations.
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