The number of Americans working multiple jobs has reached a 25-year high, signaling growing economic stress beneath official claims of strength and recovery. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 9.3 million Americans now hold more than one job in order to make ends meet. This figure represents a steady rise over the past year and highlights deep concerns about affordability, underemployment, and labor market stability.

The increase comes during President Donald Trump’s second term, a time when the administration has publicly emphasized optimism about the economy. In recent speeches, Trump claimed the United States was on the brink of an unprecedented economic boom and even graded his own economic performance as “A+++++.” However, the latest labor data paints a far more complicated picture.

While political leaders often rely on headline statistics to measure success, labor economists tend to look deeper. The rise in multiple jobholders suggests that for many Americans, a single paycheck is no longer enough to cover basic living expenses. Economists view this trend not as a sign of ambition or opportunity, but as a warning signal that wages, job quality, or hours are failing to keep pace with rising costs.

Unemployment has also climbed to 4.6 percent, the highest level in four years. At the same time, job creation has slowed dramatically. Over the last three months, only 67,000 new jobs were added to the economy, a figure significantly lower than job growth seen at the beginning of Trump’s second term. This slowdown has raised questions about the long-term strength of the labor market.

Beyond unemployment, underemployment has emerged as a major concern. Underemployment includes people who are working part-time but want full-time jobs, as well as those who are employed below their skill level or earning insufficient wages. Between November 2024 and November 2025, the number of Americans working part-time surged by 62 percent, the largest increase on record.

Labor researchers describe this shift as a sign that the labor market is weakening. When workers are forced to patch together multiple part-time or full-time jobs, it reflects a shortage of stable, well-paying employment rather than economic vitality.

One of the strongest drivers behind this trend is affordability. Rising housing costs, food prices, healthcare expenses, and transportation costs have stretched household budgets thin. Researchers note that when people take on additional jobs, especially a second full-time position, it is often a response to financial pressure rather than personal choice.

From a purely economic perspective, multiple jobholding can look neutral or even positive. But from a human perspective, it often means longer hours, less rest, increased stress, and reduced family time. The physical and emotional toll of juggling multiple jobs can be significant, especially when it becomes a long-term necessity rather than a short-term solution.

Much of the current economic instability can be traced back to the large government shutdown in the fall of 2025. While many federal employees eventually received back pay, contractors and gig workers were left without compensation for weeks. This disruption forced many workers to seek additional income streams to stay financially afloat.

One government contractor from Maryland shared that after losing income during the shutdown, he took on food delivery work and continues to do so because of uncertainty in the job market. For workers in this position, giving up extra income feels risky, even when holding multiple jobs becomes exhausting.

Public opinion appears to reflect these economic realities. A December survey by NPR, PBS News, and the Marist Institute found that 57 percent of Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy, marking his lowest rating on the issue across both terms. While Republicans largely remain supportive, independents and Democrats overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction.

Affordability has become one of the most politically sensitive issues in the country. When households struggle to pay rent, afford groceries, or keep up with medical bills, economic messaging centered on growth and optimism can feel disconnected from everyday life. When affordability dominates public concern, responsibility is often placed on national leadership.

If the rise in multiple jobholding continues, it could signal a shift toward a more fragmented labor market. Workers may increasingly rely on gig work, freelance roles, and secondary employment rather than traditional full-time positions with benefits. While flexibility can be valuable, instability can undermine long-term financial security.

Economists warn that prolonged underemployment can weaken consumer confidence, slow economic growth, and increase burnout across the workforce. When workers spend more time working just to maintain basic living standards, they have less capacity to invest in education, health, and community engagement.

The data suggests that the labor market is not collapsing, but it is clearly strained. The growing need for multiple jobs reflects deeper structural issues that simple job counts do not capture. As affordability pressures persist, policymakers and employers alike may need to reassess how wages, job quality, and economic stability intersect.

12 Side Jobs Americans Are Turning To

1. Food Delivery Driver: Apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub allow flexible scheduling and quick income.

2. Rideshare Driver: Driving for Uber or Lyft remains a popular option, especially in urban areas.

3. Freelance Writing or Editing: Many workers with strong writing skills take on online freelance projects.

4. Remote Customer Support Agent: Companies increasingly hire part-time remote workers for customer service roles.

5. Online Tutoring: Tutoring students in math, science, languages, or test prep through online platforms.

6. Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative support to small businesses or entrepreneurs remotely.

7. Selling Items Online: Reselling clothing, electronics, or collectibles on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

8. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: Services like Rover and Wag connect pet owners with caregivers.

9. Warehouse or Fulfillment Work: Part-time shifts at distribution centers provide steady supplemental income.

10. Content Creation: Creating videos, blogs, or social media content that generates ad or sponsorship revenue.

11. Handyman or Home Services: Offering basic repairs, cleaning, or lawn care in local communities.

12. Contract or Gig Tech Work: Short-term coding, IT support, or data entry projects for companies needing flexible labor.