In the hustle and bustle of the American workforce, there exists a group of individuals who are the unsung heroes of our economy: those who juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of industries that range from education to real estate, and their tireless efforts often go unnoticed and underappreciated.
A recent study by TRĒ House has shed light on the prevalence of multiple jobholding in the United States, revealing that a staggering 25% of employees across 71 industries have more than one job. This means that nearly one in four workers is putting in double or even triple the effort just to survive.
The study also identified the industries with the highest percentage of multiple jobholders. Topping the list is the Petroleum and Coal Products industry, where 20% of employees have more than one job. This is followed by Forestry and Logging (18%), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (17%), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related (16%), and Education Services (15%).
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The reasons for multiple jobholding are complex and multifaceted. In many cases, it’s a matter of financial necessity. With wages often stagnant and the cost-of-living skyrocketing, workers are forced to find additional sources of income to make ends meet.
In other cases, multiple jobholding may be a result of the changing nature of the workforce. The rise of the gig economy has led to a proliferation of part-time and temporary jobs, making it difficult for workers to secure full-time employment with a stable income.
Regardless of the reasons, multiple jobholding can have a significant impact on workers’ lives. It can lead to increased stress, fatigue, and burnout, as well as reduced time for leisure and family obligations.
So, what can be done to address this issue? One solution is to raise the minimum wage to a living wage, ensuring that all workers can earn enough to support themselves and their families. Additionally, policies that promote job security and expand access to affordable childcare could help reduce the need for multiple jobholding.
In the meantime, we should take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the millions of Americans who juggle multiple jobs. They are the unsung heroes of our economy, and their contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Here are a few additional insights from the study:
- The industries with the highest average hours worked per week are Education Services (60 hours), Warehousing and Storage (38 hours), and Private Households (28 hours).
- The industries with the highest percentage of employees who worry about paying medical bills are Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (67%), Education Services (58%), and Real Estate (57%).
- The industries with the lowest percentage of employees who have paid sick leave are Warehousing and Storage (6%), Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book, and Music Stores (7%), and Private Households (7%).
By understanding the factors that contribute to multiple jobholding, we can begin to develop solutions that address the needs of these hardworking individuals.