‘I live in survival mode’: The rise of the multi-job workforce
‘I live in survival mode’: The rise of the multi-job workforce
UK Workers Navigate Economic Pressures with Side Jobs
I live in survival mode – As living expenses soar and job markets shift, over a million people in the United Kingdom are now engaged in secondary employment. This trend reflects a growing reliance on the gig economy, where workers increasingly seek additional income streams to cope with financial uncertainty. For many, like Billy-Jo Pierce, these multiple roles are not just a choice but a necessity for survival.
A Case Study in Juggling Responsibilities
Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most expensive cities, Billy-Jo Pierce describes her current situation as a constant battle to stay afloat. At 29, she relocated from Birmingham to pursue her passion for cosmetic teeth decoration. However, the high cost of living has forced her into a cycle of work that spans from early mornings to late nights.
“I’m living in survival mode, constantly switching between different roles to keep up with expenses,” she explains. “The burnout is real, but I can’t afford to stop.”
Pierce’s schedule is relentless, often involving 50 to 60 hours of work weekly. She balances her entrepreneurial venture—decorating teeth with gems—with reception shifts, bar duties, and online clothing sales. This multifaceted approach to earning is becoming more common, as individuals strive for stability in an unpredictable job market.
From University to Multiple Jobs
Her journey into the gig economy began during her studies in interior design. Despite graduating with honors, the path to employment in her field proved challenging. To sustain herself, she took on a 9-to-5 gaming job while building her cosmetic business on the side.
“After work, I’d jump into my own business, staying there until 11 pm. It was exhausting, but I had no choice,” Pierce recalls. “I felt trapped in a race I couldn’t win, working so hard but saving nothing.”
With the rise in unemployment and stagnant wages, many workers find themselves in similar positions. Last year’s redundancy forced Pierce to abandon her gaming job, dedicating herself fully to her teeth-decorating business. Yet, the financial strain of Bristol’s high cost of living persists, pushing her to take on additional roles.
Industry Shifts and Technological Disruption
Research indicates that material costs in the beauty sector have surged by over 90% in the past decade. This has made it harder for small businesses to thrive, prompting professionals like Engy Elboreini to adapt. As a freelance graphic designer in Bristol, she has felt the impact of AI tools and platforms such as Canva.
“The last two years were the worst for my business,” Elboreini admits. “My clients are using AI to handle much of the design work, which has significantly reduced demand for traditional services.”
Elboreini, 35, has been in the design industry for over a decade. She now supplements her freelance income with creative production and coordination roles, while also pursuing retraining in events management. This diversification is a response to both economic pressures and the evolving demands of the creative sector.
Financial Anxiety and Lifestyle Adjustments
Despite her efforts, Elboreini admits to constant financial worry. “I still feel like I’m not earning enough to ever own a home,” she says. “Multiple jobs are the norm now, and it’s clear there’s a problem with how the workforce is structured.”
For others, the shift to multiple jobs is driven by personal circumstances as well as economic factors. Hollie, a 41-year-old mother from Bristol, exemplifies this. After becoming a single parent, she needed flexible work to support her son Max. A recommendation led her into life modeling, a role she hadn’t planned for but now depends on.
“It wasn’t something I ever considered, but being a single mother changes your perspective on work,” Hollie reflects. “I’ve taken on part-time legal assistant jobs and even occasional TV roles to make ends meet.”
Broader Trends in the Gig Economy
The UK unemployment rate has recently climbed to 5%, while job vacancies have reached their lowest point in five years. This has accelerated the growth of the gig economy, which now includes roles such as food delivery, freelance design, and online retail. Approximately five million individuals participate in gig work, though only a fifth rely on it as their main source of income.
Economic instability has made gig work a more attractive option for many. The flexibility it offers is crucial for those who need to balance multiple responsibilities, whether it’s supporting a family or adapting to industry changes. For younger workers, this shift is particularly pronounced, as traditional employment models no longer guarantee job security.
Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Landscape
Elboreini emphasizes the resilience required to thrive in this environment. “Whenever there’s a shortage, people find ways to adapt,” she notes. “Creativity often leads to innovation in how we earn a living.”
Pierce, too, has had to make tough choices. To reduce costs, she now lives in a van, sacrificing comforts to keep her business afloat. Her routine involves long hours in a studio, reception shifts, and weekend work at festivals or bars. Even with these efforts, the pressure to manage finances remains overwhelming.
Future Outlook for Multi-Job Workforce
As the gig economy expands, the question arises: how sustainable is this multi-job model? For Pierce, it’s a daily grind, but she sees no alternative. “I still worry about money every day, but I’m proud of my work,” she says. “Being part of Bristol’s creative community is worth it.”
Elboreini and Hollie’s stories highlight the broader trend of workers seeking stability through diverse income sources. While some view this as a necessary adaptation, others question whether it signals a deeper issue in the labor market. The combination of rising costs, automation, and job insecurity is reshaping how people approach their careers.
Experts suggest that the multi-job workforce is here to stay, driven by both economic necessity and the need for flexibility. As industries continue to evolve and technology reshapes traditional roles, the ability to adapt through multiple income streams will likely become an even more common reality for workers across the UK.