- A new national survey reveals that 42 percent of U.S. workers and 52 percent of Gen Z now juggle multiple jobs or side hustles, largely driven by inflation and reduced purchasing power.
- A majority of workers no longer believe in the stability of full-time jobs, with 61 percent calling the idea a "myth" and 76 percent expressing disinterest in leadership roles due to stress and burnout.
- Over half of workers (51 percent) would consider quitting if wellness benefits were cut and 81 percent favor flexible hours, highlighting a shift toward mental health and work-life balance.
- Many workers, especially younger generations, find corporate hierarchies outdated. Sixty-one percent view the corporate ladder as irrelevant and 45 percent would accept lower pay for a job aligned with their values.
- Despite a desire for meaning and flexibility, 67 percent of respondents still view salary and financial benefits as the top indicators of a good job, underscoring the tension between values and financial pressure.
A new Checkr survey has revealed that a growing number of American workers are juggling multiple jobs or side hustles as rising costs and stagnant wages continue to strain household budgets.
The study, conducted online through the Pollfish survey platform from May 30 to June 4, found that 42 percent of U.S. workers currently hold more than one job, with the figure rising to 52 percent among Generation Z – those aged 18 to 28. The overwhelming driver, the survey shows, is financial necessity.
Amid inflation and the rising cost of living, 76 percent of all respondents said their current salaries have less purchasing power than those of previous generations. As a result, many are turning to "polywork," or multiple income streams, not as a lifestyle choice, but as a financial survival strategy.
The survey, which included responses from a total of 3,000 employed Americans with equal numbers of Baby Boomers (ages 61-78), Gen X (45-60), Millennials (29-44) and Gen Z (18-28), reveals widespread dissatisfaction with traditional employment models. (Related: Inflation, cost-of-living crisis crushing Generations Y and Z.)
For instance, 62 percent said they would reject a high-paying job if it lacked benefits that supported their life outside of work, 67 percent still cited salary and financial benefits as the most important factors in evaluating a job, including 71 percent of Baby Boomers and 76 percent of all respondents said they have no interest in leadership roles, citing burnout, stress and office politics – with Gen X expressing this view most strongly at 80 percent.
Additionally, 61 percent of workers believe that the notion of a stable, full-time job is increasingly being viewed as a myth, with a striking 72 percent of Gen Z agreeing. At the same time, rising expenses are changing workers' expectations. Nearly 80 percent said inflation and higher prices have caused them to reassess what they consider fair compensation.
Mental health and flexibility are becoming non-negotiables for modern workforce
Aside from juggling multiple jobs, he survey also found that mental health and flexibility are becoming non-negotiables for today's workforce.
According to the report, 51 percent of all respondents and 63 percent of Gen Z said they would consider quitting their job if mental or physical wellness benefits were cut, even if their salary remained the same; 81 percent said they support flexible work hours to help parents and caregivers, this rose to 89 percent among Gen Z; 70 percent said they would trade most in-office perks for one paid mental health day per month; and 71 percent said perks not tied to essential needs, such as childcare or healthcare, are superficial and unappealing.
Moreover, traditional ideas of career advancement are losing appeal, particularly among younger generations.
For instance, 61 percent said the concept of climbing the corporate ladder feels outdated; 56 percent said leadership models no longer reflect modern work values, including 65 percent of Gen Z and 62 percent of Millennials; and 45 percent of workers said they would take a pay cut to join a company that aligns with their values and offers growth, while just 27 percent rejected that outright.
Meanwhile, 49 percent said they would leave a job with a strong culture and flexible policies if offered 20 percent more pay elsewhere. Thirty-eight percent said their loyalty to a company hinges solely on compensation.
In other words, the report paints a picture of a workforce in transition – one that's demanding pay equity, work-life balance and realistic career paths, rather than outdated perks and rigid hierarchies. These findings underscore a fundamental shift in how American workers, especially younger generations, evaluate jobs, careers and the purpose of work itself.
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