Qaplo - For 35-year-old Timeka Gomillion, juggling multiple jobs while pursuing a computer engineering degree at the University of the District of Columbia has become part of everyday life. She works as an usher at an event venue and a receptionist at the student center, managing a packed schedule driven largely by financial necessity. Gomillion is far from alone. With the cost of living continuing to rise, many Americans are turning to “income stacking” — taking on multiple streams of work to strengthen their financial stability. This can include side hustles or freelance gigs alongside a full-time job, or combining several part-time roles. In fact, recent government data shows that nearly 8.4 million U.S. adults — about 5.2% of the workforce — are currently working more than one job. Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to earn extra income. Platforms such as DoorDash and Uber enable flexible delivery work, while Fiverr and Upwork connect freelancers with clients worldwide. Social media has also opened doors for influencer opportunities, and TaskRabbit allows individuals to pick up various odd jobs on demand. For some, income stacking is not just about money but also about skill development. Take 19-year-old Aidan Hoo, a student at Northern Virginia Community College, who works three part-time roles as an audiovisual and broadcast technician while studying computer science. “Taking on jobs helps me pay for college,” he says, “but it also helps me learn new skills.” A recent Fiverr survey found that 64% of Gen Z respondents believe having multiple income streams is essential for financial security. More than half (55%) think traditional full-time employment may eventually become outdated, while 39% are already freelancing or plan to start soon. As the job market continues to shift, workers like Gomillion and Hoo are preparing for uncertainty by building alternative income sources that allow them to adapt quickly if needed. This raises an important question for employers: how should they respond to this growing trend? “The key is to keep lines of communication open,” says Paul Wolfe, former chief human resources officer and author of Human Beings First . He suggests that companies can actually benefit when employees pursue additional work that helps them develop new skills and expand their capabilities. When it comes to disclosing side hustles, Wolfe recommends a straightforward approach: “Let’s talk about it openly. If any issues come up, we agree to address them together.” For Gomillion, income stacking offers more than just financial support — it also shapes her future career path. She hopes to continue working in audiovisual production after graduation. “With every single gig, I get to learn how a specific piece of software or hardware works,” she explains.
