A study published last month by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed that Australians are most likely to be working multiple jobs when they are in their early twenties.
The 2025 study has delved deep into the demographics of people working more than one job, and has revealed that the 20-24 age-bracket had the highest rate of holding multiple-jobs.
Mental Health Nursing professor Lorna Moxham said that working multiple jobs can have a domino effect on students who are struggling to make ends meet.
“When they’re so busy working and trying to pay rent, I suspect it would have quite an impact on their grades,” Professor Moxham said.
“Then if people don’t get the grades they’re expecting, that’s also going to affect their self esteem and their mental health.”
The ABS stated that it was most common for multiple-job holders to work part-time hours at two jobs, with 467,400 Australians finding themselves in this employment situation in December 2025.
The numbers have been climbing over the past decade, in comparison to December 2015, where 350,600 jobholders held two part-time hour positions.
Increased pressure for young adults to work more and earn more during the cost of living crisis is forcing them to make difficult decisions about what to prioritise.
Student Sophia Ward, 20, said that students who hold multiple jobs often have to sacrifice their social connections and physical health in order to keep up with shifts and coursework.
“When I’m doing work and uni, it’s hard to fit anything else in my life, like any sort of physical activity or seeing my friends,” Ms Ward said.
The University of Wollongong recommends that students spend 12 hours of study on each subject per week. For some multiple job holders, that is not a realistic timeframe.
Student Seisha Passlow, 21, said that working two jobs while studying full time isn’t sustainable for the mind or body.
“It’s too physically taxing and mentally draining,” Ms Passlow said.
“You shouldn’t be stressed about work, you should be worrying about your studies.”
Prof Moxham said increased workloads and mental strain can present in a number of physical health symptoms, which contribute negatively to the overall wellbeing of young adults.
“It can have effects physically,” she said.
“Blood pressure, pulse rates, inability to sleep and effect on their diet.”
The University of Wollongong provides a number of support services for struggling students, including financial support and counselling services.
