Germany's middle class turns to polyworking as financial pressures mount

Holding down multiple jobs at once has become a reality for many middle-class workers. The trend, known as polyworking, reflects growing financial pressures across Germany. Rising rents, stagnant wages, and job insecurity have pushed more people into juggling several roles just to get by. For one writer, the past year has meant balancing two part-time editorial jobs alongside freelance assignments. Their contracts are short-term, with economic instability and AI-driven layoffs adding to the uncertainty. This workload often stretches to 50 or 60 hours a week, leaving little time for rest and causing persistent sleep deprivation.

The situation is far from unique. A 2025 survey by Academized found that half of people aged 26 to 41 now have at least one side job. Part-time job listings have also jumped by nearly 69 percent since 2020, with the highest demand in major cities. Financial strain lies at the heart of the issue. Many full-time positions offer wages that barely cover basic living costs, while pensions remain woefully inadequate. Rents have nearly doubled in the last decade, with Berlin seeing a 69 percent increase alone. For workers like the author, a single job simply no longer guarantees stability.

The rise of polyworking highlights a shifting employment landscape. With housing costs climbing and traditional jobs failing to provide security, more professionals are piecing together multiple roles. For now, this approach remains a necessity rather than a choice for many in Germany’s middle class.