Cost of Living

American multiple jobholders have stayed above 5% of total employment for 11 straight months, hitting a 5.19% moving average not seen since December 2009. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows 8.2 million Americans working multiple jobs as real wages rose just 0.1% over 12 months while essential costs outpaced income gains. Deputy's analysis of 120,000 shift workers found poly-employment more than doubled between 2021-2023, with over 60% being women in hospitality, healthcare, and retail. The trend spans beyond gig work into stable dual roles as workers patch together full-time income from multiple part-time positions, driven by what economists call financial instability rather than career choice.

Australia's retirement crisis just got measurably worse. Nearly 38% of superannuation members now fear they cannot retire — up from 28% in 2024 — while housing costs have overtaken daily expenses as people's biggest financial worry. The numbers reveal a structural shift: Australians estimate they need at least $1.25 million to feel secure, compared to just $350,000 in France and Germany where generous government benefits reduce the burden. Two-thirds expect to work longer than planned, and four in five believe they have a 40% chance of outliving their savings — despite data showing typical retirees die with 90% of their super intact.