The 20-somethings juggling three jobs to make ends meet

With UK unemployment reaching its highest level in nearly five years, a growing number of working adults are shouldering more than one role to survive financially. A record 1.35 million UK adults now hold at least two jobs, according to Deputy, a workforce management platform that analyzed over 300,000 workers’ schedules across 20 million shifts. This trend, dubbed “poly-employment,” is largely driven by Gen Z—individuals aged 18 to 29—who are redefining how work fits into their lives.

Ashlin McCourt: The 60-hour grind

Ashlin McCourt, 28, from Northern Ireland, spends 60 hours weekly as a civil servant, waitress, and baker. “Life’s becoming increasingly costly,” she explains. While her peers in the older generation are surprised by her ability to juggle multiple roles, Ashlin views it as routine. Her work often overlaps, with part-time tasks fitting around her main job or days off. “Mortgages and everyday expenses aren’t cheap,” she adds. “You know you’re not even going out once a month, and you’re forced to budget meticulously for that.”

“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.

Cait Yardy: Parenting and income

Cait Yardy, 27, balances three roles: supermarket worker, private tutor, and social media content creator. Her daughter’s complex health condition meant returning to full-time work wasn’t a priority. Before parenthood, Cait worked part-time in retail, while her fiancé held a full-time job. But those roles weren’t enough to manage debt from maternity leave. “We needed extra income to pay off debt and start saving for a house,” she says. Her current setup allows her to work from home, though it’s demanding. “Family time is limited, but it’s worth it for our future,” she notes.

Chloe Mayhew: The creative hustle

Chloe Mayhew, 27, from Glasgow, splits her time between freelance graphic design, teaching drama and dance, and caregiving. “They’re all different, but they’re things I genuinely enjoy,” she says. Despite the chaos, making money remains her top focus. “It’s like a 14-hour day for me,” she admits. “I get home and immediately start editing on my laptop.” Her goal is to secure a full-time, well-paid position in the creative sector before she turns 40.

Haylii: A first home and flexible work

Haylii, 22, from Essex, bought her first fixer-upper property last year after saving for a deposit during her hospitality career since age 17. Her income now comes from two sources: 70% via social media content and 30% from part-time shifts in the service industry. “The shift patterns are brutal,” she says. Though online work provides flexibility, it can feel isolating. “Hospitality gives me social interaction,” she adds. “It’s the stability of knowing I’ll get paid on a predictable schedule.”

Expert insights: Balancing multiple careers

Dr. Paul Redmond, an expert on generational shifts in the workforce, highlights the potential of part-time roles. “They offer opportunities to gain experience, develop skills, and explore new industries,” he says. However, he warns that the pressure on young people to take on multiple jobs can be overwhelming. “It’s a double-edged sword,” he notes. “While there are benefits, the risk of burnout and financial instability remains significant.”