What the Overemployment Trend Reveals About Modern Careers

Why People Are Working Two Jobs

Overemployment — working multiple remote full-time jobs simultaneously — became a quiet phenomenon during the remote work boom. While the ethics are debatable, the motivations behind it tell us something important about what's broken in modern careers.

It's Not Just About Money

Yes, 64% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and extra income is a powerful motivator. But the overemployed aren't just chasing money — they're chasing security, autonomy, and a hedge against the volatility of modern employment. When you've watched wave after wave of layoffs, the idea of depending on a single employer feels risky.

The deeper issue: many professionals feel undervalued, under-challenged, or stuck in roles where their potential is invisible. If your job doesn't challenge you or invest in your growth, it's not surprising that some people start looking for fulfillment (and income) elsewhere.

What This Means for Your Career

You don't need to work two jobs to take the lessons here. The overemployment trend is a signal that professionals need to take more ownership of their career trajectory.

Diversify your skills. Don't let your entire professional identity live inside one role at one company. Build skills that transfer across industries and roles.

Build your personal brand. When your value is visible — on LinkedIn, in your network, in your industry — you're never fully dependent on one employer's recognition.

Negotiate for what you're worth. If you feel underpaid or under-challenged, say so. The professionals who advocate for themselves get more — more money, more responsibility, more opportunity.

Create optionality. Keep your LinkedIn active, your network warm, and your skills sharp. The best career insurance isn't a second job — it's being so well-positioned that opportunities come to you.

How well-positioned is your LinkedIn right now? Get an audit from Avery to see where you stand and what to improve.