As the cost of living continues to rise and homeownership seems more out of reach, young Australians are rolling up their sleeves and taking on more work than ever before. Far from the outdated labels of being “lazy” or “entitled,” this new generation is showing resilience and determination in ways that deserve recognition.

With nearly a million Australians now taking on a second job, we’re seeing a trend known as “over employment.” Young job seekers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are leading the charge, balancing two full-time roles to stay afloat. This shift isn’t just about getting by — it’s about redefining what success and stability look like in today’s workplace.

The Reality for Young Workers

Meet Samantha. Like many others, she works a full-time banking job during the week. But her weekends are far from restful — she packs in nearly 20 hours at a casual role, driven by the goal of saving $300,000 for a house deposit. It’s a story that is the reality for many; young people are working tirelessly, often without financial help from family, to secure their future in a challenging employment landscape.

This type of commitment shows just how far young Australians are willing to go, not just to survive but to thrive in a system that often seems stacked against them.

The Role of Technology and Mental Wellbeing

One of the key enablers of this over employment trend is technology, particularly artificial intelligence. Workers are leaning on AI to help juggle multiple roles more efficiently, especially in white-collar jobs. But while this tech helps balance workloads, it’s important to remember that no amount of efficiency can fully offset the emotional and physical toll of working two jobs.

Career expert Sally McKibbin from Indeed highlights the growing pressure young Australians are facing: “Living costs and property prices continue to outpace earnings, putting pressure on workers to take on more than they can realistically handle.” The result is a growing number of young workers feeling the strain, and while technology can ease some burdens, it can’t solve the bigger issue of burnout in the workplace.

Keeping It Honest with Employers

What’s particularly noteworthy is how transparent these workers are being about their situation. According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of over employed individuals have been upfront with their employers about their side gig. This honesty is fostering a healthier workplace culture where job seekers feel comfortable sharing their challenges without fear of judgment.

However, many workers admit they would give up their second job if they earned just $51,500 more in their main role. This shows that, for many, the extra hustle isn’t about ambition or greed — it’s about necessity. It’s about securing a future in a world where the dream of owning a home feels more like a distant hope than a realistic goal.

Navigating Tax Implications

While balancing two jobs is impressive, it also comes with important financial considerations. The Australian Taxation Office reminds workers that they need to be mindful of the tax-free threshold, currently set at $18,200. For most, only their primary role will benefit from this threshold, meaning their second income is taxed right from the first dollar earned.

For young Australians who are balancing so much, it’s crucial they have a clear understanding of how to manage their income across multiple roles, especially as they navigate the complexities of today’s employment market.