Second jobs, side hustles and insecurity: the financial struggles of the working class

Hustle culture reaches the majority in our current economical standing and especially in places like Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, where living costs do not make a lot of sense.

You can blame capitalism, the economy or the Baby Boomers but those working two jobs feel defeated and as if they may never find financial relief.

They are not asking to win a lottery sum of money but are looking to enjoy a simple day off at the beach or staycation on the weekend without guilt or having to budget extra for the coming weeks.

XSTSY MEDIA conducted an informal survey via Instagram poll, generationally ranging from Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, who work two jobs and how that is affecting their lives.

When asked why they have two jobs, three people said for financial reasons and two people said because one is their day job and the other is their passion. One person said because they were bored.

XSTSY MEDIA asked if they feel financially secure with two jobs as seven people said no and one person said yes. Those who answered no said because large, yet essential bills like car issues, dental or medical bills or student loans take up a lot of their savings. Some also said no because it is hard to support and balance business and school while working enough hours for a worthy paycheck. Others said no because neither of their jobs are full time so consistency of pay is ever-changing. Others also said no because of their high maintenance lifestyle that requires networking which ultimately contributes to their job, like a circular economy.

When given two options of the positives of having two jobs, one person said financial freedom while six others said for more opportunities. Regarding the negatives, three people said it is hard on their mind and body, two people said they never have any free time and three people said they are still financially struggling.

With four options of how long do participants see themselves having two jobs, one person said less than a year, four people said one to three years, one person said five to eight years and one person said nine plus years.

XSTSY MEDIA asked participants if they envisioned themselves having two jobs after high school or college, three people said no and four people said yes.

Skylarr Cruppi, Glendora resident, said she personally experienced owing more money during tax season than when she had two jobs even though she was working at minimum wages.

“I felt like I was working so much and the money was not that great,” Cruppi said. “I guess this depends on the job you have and the wage it pays.”

Even though two jobs put you in a different tax bracket on paper, people still live in conditions or situations that do not reflect that tax bracket and put them in a tight situation during the season.

Andrew Made, an apartment complex maintenance technician and photographer does not currently feel financially confident with his two jobs but knows in the future he will.

“My day job is looking to give me a raise because I am starting an educational program that they pay for that gives me more opportunity for growth,” Made said. “And if I were to eventually get a well-paying client for photography, I do not have to work for all these clubs, I can work for just one person.”

Made said his second job is not typical as it involves night life and potentially being out late so that can affect him especially when he has to wake up early for his day job. He said he does not mind the long hours because he wants the money but would enjoy more flexibility regarding the amount of employees at his job so he is able to have someone cover his shift rather than taking paid time off.

Riley Hunter, a hairstylist and waitress said at the beginning of having two jobs it was stressful and her work-life balance was nonexistent, however she gradually made adjustments.

“It is not as balanced as I would like it to be because the weekends come and I feel super drained ,” Hunter said. “I’m working 12 hour days because I'll be working at the salon and then I have to immediately come home and go straight to the restaurant.”

Apani Kulzer, a music festival bartender, bartender and server for a catering company and small business owner regarding her Volkswagen bus, said the consistency of her jobs changed drastically after COVID due to the economy and participation in these events.

“My jobs used to thrive and I never worried about money but times have changed unfortunately not for the better,” Kulzer said.

As billionaires increase, the middle, working class disappears which radically impacts society in a negative way as affluent wealth continues to push money around and impoverished communities continue to fight for equality.

Editor-in-Chief Sarah Van Buskirk can be reached at bysarahvanbuskirk@gmail.com