'For many, poly-employment is not about ambition. It's about survival'
Holding more than just one job is becoming the norm for many Canadians, according to a recent survey.
Overall, more than one in three (35 per cent) of Canadians working full-time are holding down multiple jobs.
This trend does not stem from a desire to do more, says Kevin Kliman, president of Canadian business at Employment Hero.
“When Canadians are working 40 hours a week and still can’t pay the bills, it’s not just an economic headline—it’s a human story and a wake-up call,” he says. “For many, poly-employment is not about ambition. It’s about survival. Full-time should guarantee a level of financial stability, but for many Canadians today, it doesn’t.”
Over one in three (37 per cent) of Canadians believe that the current household economic condition is poor or very poor, according to a previous Leger survey.
Pressure, responsibility at work
With Canadians feeling the need to take on jobs outside of full-time employment, many are hoping things will get easier in their main job, finds Employment Hero’s survey of 3,635 workers across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Over half of workers (53 per cent) say they want a job without much pressure and responsibility. This sentiment is strongest in Quebec (60 per cent) and lowest in the Atlantic region (47 per cent).
“The trend is particularly pronounced among 25–34-year-olds, who are prioritising well-being over promotions. Yet traditional expressions of ambition persist in younger cohorts,” according to Employment Hero’s Annual Jobs Report 2025 - Work In Motion.
“18–24s continue to work longer hours to advance their careers (62 per cent), which begs the question: are they truly striving for growth or simply responding to the demands of an increasingly overwhelmed workforce?”
More employees are becoming hesitant to take on extra responsibilities, share ideas with their teams, or attend company events, according to a previous report.
Workers looking for a change
Meanwhile, 35 per cent of Canadians want to do something completely different at work. This number stands at 43 per cent among 25–34-year-olds and 25 per cent among those aged 55 and up, according to Employment Hero.
“This trend highlights the need for employers to offer flexible pathways, including late-career training and lateral moves,” reads part of their report. “By supporting employees at every stage to leverage their skills in new ways, companies can retain experienced talent, energise younger workers, and foster a culture that embraces growth and adaptability.”
Job tenure among young workers today is nearly identical to that of their parents and grandparents when they were the same age, according to the report from the National Institute on Retirement Security.
“While holding two jobs can provide financial security and new opportunities, it also presents significant challenges, including increased burnout and work-life imbalance, especially for younger workers and women balancing additional caregiving responsibilities,” says Cynthia Orduña is a Career and Business Coach, via Careerminds.
“For employers, these trends highlight the urgent need to rethink traditional workplace policies and support systems.”
