Gen X worker juggles multiple jobs for financial security
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Brian (not his real name), a Gen X worker who earns $150,000 annually by secretly working multiple remote jobs, says the grueling 100-hour weeks are worth it to ensure his family’s financial stability.
The IT professional “started being less dependent on one company by being employed by more than one company.
“If something went wrong, then no big loss. We just temporarily lost a paycheck,” he explained to the Business Insider.
The journey to overemployment
Brian’s journey began in 2004 when he decided to seek part-time remote work in addition to his full-time IT role. His goal was to create a safety net for his family, protecting them from the potential loss of a single income source.
This strategy evolved over 15 years, culminating in 2020 when Brian realized he could manage two full-time jobs concurrently. Today, Brian juggles two full-time and four part-time positions, allowing his family to enjoy extended international trips while he works remotely.
“The biggest impact has been the confidence that our family’s future is not tied to the success of any one job or any one company,” Brian said.
Avoiding burnout in overemployment
Working such intense hours can be taxing, but Brian, who is in his 40s, has a method to avoid burnout.
“When it starts to feel like a drain on family time or fun time, that simply means we evaluate our situation and I choose to continue with the full-time role that has the best potential to maintain our lifestyle until the next overemployed opportunity shows up,” he said.
Brian also emphasized the importance of time management in managing multiple roles. Moreover, regular job applications and interviews help Brian stay informed about hiring trends and potential future opportunities.
He advised job jugglers to find positions with staggered working hours and to prioritize jobs that don’t require constant video calls. He also recommended seeking positions that don’t require camera use during meetings to avoid suspicion.
While Brian acknowledges the risks and stress associated with his approach, he remains committed to overemployment for the foreseeable future.
“Most roles today come with an inherent longevity risk,” he said.
“That includes everything from a role being eliminated all the way to the department or the company being subjected to major staffing changes.”
Gen Z and freelancing
Gen Zs are turning the traditional career trajectory on its head by embracing freelancing, reveals freelance services marketplace Fiverr.
The worldwide report found that with almost 70% freelancing already or planning to, and nearly 40% willing to go full-time, Gen Z cites a desire for flexibility, autonomy, and stability in the midst of rampant layoffs.
“Now, in the face of layoffs and the implementation of AI [artificial intelligence] across the corporate world, Gen Z workers are relying on themselves for the stability that they need to pursue their career ambitions by choosing freelancing,” said Gali Arnon, Fiverr’s Chief Business Officer.
