Multiple Job Holding - A Working Option for Young People

Abstract

This paper considers the motivations and experiences of young people who are multiple jobholders. The research is based on structured face-to-face interviews with 73 people aged 18-34 years who worked in cafe/restaurant and/or creative occupations. Young people working in either occupational group were ambivalent about why they held multiple jobs: they reported wanting to work in this way and also having to, for financial and other reasons. However, whereas those in cafe/restaurant jobs often saw multiple job holding as a transitional work arrangement to support themselves and their lifestyle while they pursued other activities, those in creative occupations tended to view multiple job holding as a long-term working arrangement. Despite the negative impacts multiple job holding had on many aspects of their personal and social life, most young people described multiple job holding as a positive experience. These findings add to our understanding of the range of work options now taken by younger workers and point to some policy implications.

Multiple Jobholding: An Integrative Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda

“…Some workers find their vocational aspirations and passion cannot be fulfilled by a single job and therefore take on second or third jobs to achieve these (Caza et al, 2018). Other research suggests that some work several jobs because they enjoy the work (Averett, 2001) or to have new experiences (Osborne & Warren, 2006), which can be enriching.…”

“…These findings are consistent across industries and ages. For example, a study of young MJH restaurant workers concluded that MJH can hinder MJHers’ personal lives by restricting their ability to go out with friends or engage in health and fitness activities (Osborne & Warren, 2006).…”

“…While no studies have tested the differences in experiences of MJHers according to industry, one study examined how perceptions of MJH differed by industry. Specifically, Osborne and Warren (2006) compared the perception of MJH between individuals whose primary job was in a creative industry or the restaurant industry. They found that while restaurant workers viewed MJH as a transitional work arrangement, creative workers believed MJH would be long term and necessary for survival.…”

Aligning working in an organization with teaching yoga: An investigation into personally meaningful work

“…Some people hold multiple jobs in order to express their whole and true self at work (Caza et al, 2018b; Sullivan and Baruch, 2009). Others want to balance out negative primary job experiences or enjoy new experiences (Osborne and Warren, 1970), fulfill their desire to mix with other people (Campion et al, 2020), or enjoy the actual work (Averett, 2001).…”