Millions of individuals across the United Kingdom are increasingly taking on second jobs, a trend driven by the persistent cost of living crisis, volatile economic conditions, and the evolving nature of work. This surge in supplementary employment is reshaping the labor market, pushing more workers into the gig economy and prompting a re-evaluation of traditional career paths.
Billy-Jo Pierce, a 29-year-old from Bristol, exemplifies this trend, describing her current situation as being "in survival mode." She juggles multiple roles to stay financially afloat in Bristol, one of the UK's most expensive cities. Pierce's situation highlights a broader phenomenon where individuals are seeking additional paid work not only to combat rising expenses but also to achieve greater financial security and flexibility.
Despite her passion for her primary business, which involves decorating teeth with cosmetic gems, Pierce admits that the "burn out is real." Her workweek spans 50 to 60 hours, encompassing her entrepreneurial venture alongside reception shifts, bar work, festival employment, and online clothing sales. This demanding schedule underscores the lengths many are going to in order to make ends meet.
Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that approximately 1.3 million people in the UK currently hold a second job. While this represents a slight decrease from a record high of 1.35 million in 2025, it still signifies a substantial portion of the workforce engaged in supplementary employment. Pierce's own entrepreneurial journey began during her university studies in interior design. Even with a first-class degree, she encountered difficulties securing employment in her field, leading her to accept a conventional 9-to-5 gaming job while simultaneously developing her business on the side.
Her early days were characterized by an intense work ethic, often from 5 or 6 PM until 11 PM at her own business after finishing her primary job. This left little room for a social life and fostered a sense of being trapped in a relentless "rat race." "I was working so hard but I wasn't saving and I wasn't really living," she stated, reflecting on that period.
After being made redundant last year, she decided to dedicate herself fully to her business. However, the escalating cost of living and Bristol's high living expenses made it challenging to sustain herself on a single income. Research indicates that material costs in the beauty industry have surged by over 90% in the last decade, adding further financial strain. To mitigate expenses, Pierce has resorted to living in a van and relies on her various jobs to support her business endeavors. A typical weekday involves studio work from 10 AM to 7 PM, followed by reception shifts that can extend to 11 PM. Weekends are frequently occupied by work at bars or festivals.
Even with this rigorous schedule, financial anxieties persist. Pierce expresses concern about not earning a sufficient monthly wage to approach homeownership. "I feel like it's quite the norm at the moment to work multiple jobs. There's definitely something wrong with what's going on at the moment," she observed. The UK unemployment rate has recently increased to 5%, coinciding with a five-year low in job vacancies, according to official data. This economic climate is pushing more individuals towards the gig economy, characterized by freelance or contract work rather than permanent employment.
The gig economy has seen significant expansion, with nearly five million people now participating in various forms of gig work, including food delivery, freelance design, cleaning, and online sales. Although only a fifth of these individuals rely on gig work as their primary source of income, it serves as a crucial supplement for many. When unemployment rises, the appeal and necessity of gig work often increase, particularly for younger workers who perceive less security in relying on a single employer.
Engy Elboreini, a freelance graphic designer based in Bristol, has had to adapt her career due to industry shifts, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence. She notes that the past two years have been her most challenging financially. The increasing accessibility of AI tools and platforms like Canva has enabled clients to undertake much of their design work themselves, significantly reducing demand for traditional graphic design services.
After more than a decade in the design field, Elboreini, 35, feels that AI has "eradicated" much of the demand for her traditional skills. "Whenever there is scarcity, as humans, we find solutions," she said, adding, "Especially if you're creative – you'll always find solutions." Consequently, she has diversified her professional activities, taking on roles in creative production and coordination, and is currently retraining in events management.
Despite these adaptations, financial pressures have compelled Elboreini to curtail discretionary spending on items like holidays and festival tickets. While she acknowledges that this lifestyle is not her ideal, she finds value in living in Bristol and being part of its vibrant creative community. For others, the decision to pursue multiple jobs is influenced by personal circumstances as much as financial necessity.
Hollie, another Bristol resident, became a single mother and required flexible work arrangements to support her son, Max, while managing on a single income. Through a recommendation, she began working as a life model. "It wasn't something that I ever planned, but when you're in that position, you become open to things you might not have considered before," she stated. The 41-year-old also works as a part-time legal assistant and occasionally as a TV extra, enabling her to balance employment with her son's school hours.
Hollie states that this arrangement arose out of necessity. "I'd rather take my clothes off and stand in a room full of artists than work a minimum wage job where I'm rushed off my feet and can't make ends meet and miss the time with my son," she said. She also notes that this work has helped her overcome feelings of vulnerability, finding less fear in being naked among artists than in other high-pressure work environments. "But I don't feel that fear naked in a room full of strangers," she added.
Like many gig workers, she experiences a "constant pressure" due to the lack of long-term job security. "I'm always thinking about the next bill, the next job, even though work is coming through, there's no real security," she said. Nevertheless, she believes that evolving economic realities are altering societal attitudes toward work and the measures individuals are willing to take to achieve financial stability.
