Written By Lexx Thornton
A millennial is someone born between 1981 and 1996, also known as Generation Y. This generation is characterized by their growth during the rise of the internet and digital technology. Millennials are increasingly polyworking—working multiple jobs or income streams at once—for several interrelated economic, cultural, and technological reasons.
The economic pressures that millennials are facing are a possible #1 reason polyworking is the norm for their generation. Despite rising living costs, especially in housing, healthcare, and education, wages for many have remained relatively flat. Millennials also carry significant student loan debt, pushing many to seek extra income streams. Inflation and urban living costs often outpace salary growth, prompting side hustles or freelance gigs to bridge the gap.
Technology enablement could be the second reason millennials are spiking a rise in polyworking. Uber, Fiverr, Etsy, and Upwork have made it easier than ever to monetize skills or time. Why wouldn’t someone utilize those sources to run up some extra cash? The post-COVID normalization of remote work has blurred the lines between traditional jobs and side projects. Tools for project management, marketing, and collaboration lower the barrier to starting a business or freelance career.
Also, think about the job market stability. Sure different generations have possibly faced this as well but contract work, layoffs, and the decline of long-term job security push people to diversify income sources. With diminished benefits and pensions, fewer millennials feel loyal to a single employer. If you take a look at a millennial resume, sure there are different jobs on there but there are also other job fields as well! Some millennials challenge staying with a job like generations before them when simple benefits aren’t even included.
Would you say that this is smart for their generation or will this equal burnout as they want to create those nostalgic memories they have of what their parents had: A home, front & backyard, possible car garage, steady 9-5 job, and possibly owning a pet with possible children. How the economy is currently set up, this is their norm and they are making the most of it.