Is it common to hold multiple jobs in the United States? If so, what are the reasons for this trend?
A netizen recently asked, “I’m amazed at how many people have more than one job. Is it normal in the USA?”.
The Original Poster (OP) adds, “I am from Spain and it is rare to see someone who has more than one job. Is this normal in the United States? I understand that the cost of living in different areas has a lot to do with it, but it still amazes me that people have to look for other jobs to cover all their expenses.”
Let’s have a look at other people’s responses!
God Knows When It Got Normalized
“IDK when it became okay to work 80+ hours a week to support a family of 4+”
I Prioritize My Rest Days
“My boss and I, who are only about $30K apart in salary, live paycheck to paycheck. A second job would help out, but I have a condition known as ‘wanting to rest on my time off’ that I just try to spend and eat less.”
Unfortunately, It Is Normal
“Yes. Unfortunately, it is normal. We in the U.S. have become accustomed to eating and having a roof over our heads. To this effect, no one in the government of the U.S. truly gives a damn if the people that elected them die of exposure to the elements or starvation.
As long as our representatives continue receiving their paychecks and health insurance for life, they’re happy and content with our ‘amazing’ system here in the U.S.
Why change it if it works…. for them?”
Two Jobs May Still Not Be Enough
“I worked two jobs in college, about 50-60 hours a week. I also donated plasma twice per week. I eventually had to drop out because I couldn’t afford tuition.
My grades were pretty bad because I didn’t have the time outside of class to study and do my coursework. The only thing I have to show for it is debt.”
Nothing More ‘American’ Than That
“Unfortunately, people have to eat, and to do that, they have to kill themselves with multiple jobs. There’s nothing more American than making people work themselves to death.”
It’s Very Much Normalized
“Very much a normal thing here… if people complain about the cost of rent, homes, gas, food, just barely getting by, or the minimum wage there is ALWAYS someone (typically boomer) saying we’ll get another job then!
It’s your fault you’re poor! Even if someone has two jobs then they say get 3! They don’t expect us to do anything but work ourselves to death here and have no time to enjoy life. You get to ‘enjoy life’ once you retire… which the millennials and younger won’t ever be able to do.
Oh and also if your work calls you in on your day off you better go in otherwise you’ll have retaliation typically…. woo… greatest country ever.”
Having A Second Job Can Be Great
“I’d love to have a second job, maybe doing something in the evenings at home. But I work an 8-5 regular job and nobody wants to work around someone else’s schedule. That’s awful.
I’ve been looking for months and it seems the only places that are actually hiring are fast food and retail. I can’t stay standing that long so nope.”
Quite Normal
“It is normal. I tried to find any official numbers and found this.
This has it worst for people in healthcare and social assistance at over 16%, but overall about 9% for women and 6% for men.”
It’s Normal Only In The US
“Yeah, I’m interviewing for jobs in the EU right now as a US citizen and they’re all double checking like wait you have two jobs? Was that a mistake? Like I feel the same, why do you think I want to move?”
The US Is A Capitalist Hellhole
“I work two jobs. My wife works two jobs. We can still barely afford to live. The United States is a capitalist hellhole.”
It All Depends On Perspective
“I don’t know anyone in my life currently who has two jobs. It all depends on perspective.
I still would imagine a large majority don’t have 2 jobs and instead have 1 nonsense job they have to work extra hours for.”
More Common In Lower Income Families
“Yes, lower-income families often have to work two jobs to support their families. It’s pretty bleak, you have to sacrifice time with your family just to make sure everyone is fed and taken care of.
Many of my friends growing up had parents who often worked two jobs, alongside doing something during the graveyard shift intermittently like doing a paper route.
Jobs in America also make it hell for you if you have multiple jobs. Like my current job makes me report any ‘conflicts of interest’ and having a second job is considered one. Jobs in America are just set up in ways to keep you trapped and chained to it like a slave.”
Not As Normal
“I actually disagree and don’t think it’s as normal as people are saying for the long term.
It can be normal if you never move into a professional career – bouncing around low-paying jobs sometimes you have to have a couple to just cover your expenses, but in my 30’s now, I cannot think of a single person in my social circles that has more than one job besides maybe some freelance work for artists.
The vast majority of people have a single job, work, and don’t come on social media.”
Not Unusual At All To Have Three Part-Time Jobs
“Companies play the system. They hire part-time so they don’t have to pay any benefits. Then add extra hours as needed, but because it is under a 40 hr week they still don’t pay overtime rates. Unfortunately, not unusual at all to have three part-time jobs.
The US is capitalism on steroids purposely modeled to limit overhead for maximum profits.”
Not ABNORMAL Here But It’s Not The Norm
“It’s not ABNORMAL here but it’s not the norm.
By that I mean it’s always been talked of or I’ve known at least two people at any given time that are working two jobs. But nobody usually seeks that.”
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