‘I live in survival mode’: The rise of the multi-job workforce

'I live in survival mode': The rise of the multi-job workforce

I live in survival mode - Over a million individuals in the UK are now holding multiple paid positions, driven by escalating living costs, unpredictable employment, and shifting industries. This trend has seen a significant surge in the gig economy, where workers take on flexible, short-term roles to maintain financial stability. Billy-Jo Pierce, a 29-year-old resident of Bristol, describes her current situation as "living in survival mode," balancing various jobs to cope with the country's second-highest housing prices and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

A life of constant hustle

Pierce, originally from Birmingham, runs a small business specializing in decorative teeth gems. Despite her passion for the craft, she admits the physical and mental strain is palpable. "Burnout is real," she says, highlighting the relentless pace of her schedule. She dedicates 50-60 hours weekly to her creative enterprise, while also taking on reception duties, bar shifts, festival work, and online retailing. Her efforts, however, have not alleviated the anxiety of financial uncertainty.

"I was working way too much, I had no social life. I felt like I was part of a massive rat race that I wasn’t going to win in. I was working so hard but I wasn’t saving and I wasn’t really living," Pierce recalls.

From university to survival mode

Pierce’s journey began during her interior design studies. Though she earned a first-class degree, securing stable employment proved challenging. She took on a 9-to-5 gaming job to sustain herself while nurturing her business on the side. Her schedule became a blur of responsibilities, with her often working until 11 p.m. after completing her primary job. "I’d finish work at like five, six pm and then go straight to my own business," she explains.

Following her redundancy last year, Pierce shifted focus to her teeth-gem business. However, the high cost of living in Bristol has forced her to juggle multiple roles. She now resides in a van to reduce expenses, working from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in her studio, followed by late-night reception shifts. Weekends are typically spent in bars or at festivals, where she earns additional income. Despite this, her financial concerns persist.

"Work is a lot and I still feel like I’m not earning a good monthly wage to ever get close to owning a house," she says. "I feel like it’s quite the norm at the moment to work multiple jobs. There’s definitely something wrong with what’s going on at the moment."

The broader context of gig work

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, approximately 1.3 million people in the UK have second jobs, a slight drop from the record high of 1.35 million in 2025. This decline, however, does not signal a slowdown in the gig economy’s growth. In fact, the sector has expanded, with nearly five million people participating in freelance or contract work. Examples include food delivery, graphic design, cleaning, dog walking, and online retailing.

The recent rise in unemployment, now at 5%, has further fueled this trend. Job vacancies have also hit their lowest level in five years, prompting many to seek alternative income streams. For professionals like Engy Elboreini, a freelance graphic designer in Bristol, the shift has been both necessary and transformative.

Adapting to industry disruptions

Elboreini, who has spent over a decade in the design field, says the past two years have been her most challenging. She attributes this to the accessibility of tools like AI and Canva, which have reduced the need for traditional design services. "AI has eradicated much of the demand for my work," she states, noting the pressure to diversify her skills.

"Whenever there is scarcity, as humans, we find solutions," Elboreini says. "Especially if you’re creative – you’ll always find solutions."

To stay afloat, she now takes on creative production and coordination tasks, while also retraining in events management. Her approach reflects a broader pattern: workers are adapting to industry changes by expanding their roles and skills. Yet, the financial strain remains.

Personal circumstances driving the trend

For some, the need for multiple jobs stems from personal challenges rather than economic pressures alone. Hollie, a 41-year-old mother of one, exemplifies this. After becoming a single parent, she needed flexible work options to support her son Max. A recommendation led her into life modeling, a role she never anticipated but now embraces as a lifeline.

"It wasn’t something that I ever planned, but when you’re in that position, you become open to things you might not have considered before," Hollie says.

Her current portfolio includes part-time legal assistance and occasional TV appearances. While she appreciates the versatility, she acknowledges the trade-offs. "Is this the lifestyle that I want to live? No. But being in Bristol is fun and being embedded in creative circles is more than fulfilling," she adds.

Long-term implications for the workforce

The shift toward multiple jobs is reshaping the UK’s labor landscape. With more workers relying on gig platforms or side hustles, the traditional 9-to-5 model is increasingly obsolete. For many, especially younger professionals, the stability of a single employer no longer feels guaranteed. The gig economy has become a safety net, but also a source of constant uncertainty.

Financial pressure continues to drive this trend. Pierce, Elboreini, and Hollie all highlight the struggle to save, the lack of time for leisure, and the mental toll of balancing multiple responsibilities. While some find purpose in this dynamic, others question whether it’s sustainable. "I still worry constantly about money," Pierce admits, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the multi-job workforce.

As the UK’s economy grapples with inflation and labor shortages, the multi-job lifestyle may become the norm. Yet, experts warn that this shift could have long-term consequences. Workers are spending more time in their roles, often sacrificing personal time and health. The question remains: how long can this system sustain itself before burnout becomes widespread? For now, Billy-Jo Pierce and others like her continue to navigate the complexities of survival mode, proving that adaptability is key in an unpredictable world.