More young workers take on second jobs to deal with cost of living

New research suggests that a growing number of younger workers in the UK are turning to second jobs as they struggle to manage everyday living costs. According to a poll from Boostworks, more than half of Gen Z workers and over 70 percent of Millennials are exploring ways to supplement their income, with many already taking on additional work outside their primary employment. The findings, based on a survey of 5,600 working adults, highlight the scale of financial strain facing the workforce, particularly among younger generations.

The majority of respondents across all age groups said they were motivated by the rising cost of living. Among Gen Z, 57 percent said they were considering a second job. That figure rose to 71 percent for Millennials. Gen X and Baby Boomers reported lower, but still significant levels of financial concern.

Nearly one in five Gen Z workers said they are already working a second job. For Millennials, the figure was 11 percent. Many others said they were weighing the financial benefits against the potential impact on their wellbeing and ability to focus at work. Forty-four percent of Gen Z and nearly half of Millennials said financial stress was making it harder to concentrate during the working day.