A recent report indicates almost half of Polish workers are taking on additional employment, increasingly resembling a second full-time job rather than supplemental income.
Second Jobs Becoming the New Normal
Nearly half of Poles are now earning extra income, with a growing trend of these jobs evolving into second full-time positions, demanding up to 20 hours per week.
What was once considered occasional extra work is now a significant part of the employment landscape for many, prompting questions about whether this is a temporary response to economic pressures or a lasting shift in work models.
Financial Security Drives the Trend
Increasingly, individuals are not just supplementing their income but also relying on it for their financial stability and sense of security, fundamentally changing their approach to work.
Nearly 50% of Poles are “Double Employed”
Just a few years ago, extra work was primarily associated with students and freelancers. Now, the scale of the phenomenon is vastly different. A report by Gi Group reveals that 49.8% of Poles engage in additional work, and 58% plan to continue or start doing so.
This signifies a transition where earning extra income is no longer a supplement to a standard job but an integral part of professional life.
A Shift from “Rescue” to Financial Strategy
The structure of those taking on extra work demonstrates that it’s moving beyond being a temporary fix for household budgets and becoming a deliberate financial strategy.
Longer Hours: The New Reality
The most noticeable change is the increase in working hours. In 2023, short-term assignments of a few hours per week were common. This model is now changing significantly.
In 2025, a growing number of Poles are dedicating 20+ hours per week to additional work, indicating a shift towards more intensive time commitments.
This shift has tangible consequences, with additional work encroaching on time previously reserved for full-time employment, leading many to work 50-60 hours per week—a sustained pattern rather than a temporary situation.
Motivations Beyond Basic Needs
While financial necessity is a factor, the reasons for taking on extra work are more complex. The most common reasons include improving one’s standard of living (28%) and building a financial safety net.
Those with stable employment often take on additional work to maintain their lifestyle or accelerate savings, while those with lower incomes view it as a necessity.
Overtime at the Same Company is Increasing
The nature of extra work is also evolving. Previously, temporary jobs were more common. Now, more individuals are working overtime at their current companies.
This shift has systemic implications, with companies increasingly extending existing employees’ hours rather than hiring new staff, a practice accepted by workers for quick access to additional income.
Growing Hours Worked (2023-2025)
The following data illustrates the changing model of extra work:
Time Commitment for Additional Work
1–9 hours per week: 46.7% (2023), 45.9% (2024), 38.7% (2025)
10–19 hours: 29.9% (2023), 33.8% (2024), 38.9% (2025)
20+ hours: approx. 13.7% (2023), 10.8% (2024), 15.8% (2025)
Source: Gi Group report
The trend is clear: extra work is becoming more time-intensive.
Impact on Productivity: A Growing Concern
While most Poles still believe extra work doesn’t negatively impact their primary job, this perception is changing. Currently, 29.5% of Poles report a decline in productivity.
The proportion of those noticing negative effects is increasing, particularly among younger workers, with common symptoms including fatigue, decreased concentration, difficulty recovering, and reduced engagement in their main job.
This creates a tension between short-term financial gains and long-term effectiveness.
The Rise of the “Portfolio Career”
Experts have been highlighting the growing importance of the “portfolio career”—combining multiple income streams—for several years. Data from Poland aligns with this trend.
OECD and Eurostat data show a rise in the number of people working for multiple employers in many countries, with Poland experiencing a particularly rapid increase due to rising living costs, flexible employment options, and the growth of remote and platform work.
Risks of Overwork: Burnout and Depression
Consider an office worker who finishes their regular job at 4:00 PM and then takes on freelance work or additional shifts in the evening, adding 15-20 hours per week. Initially, this seems manageable—income increases, expenses are easier to plan, and a sense of control emerges.
However, after several months, the daily routine changes, followed by a decline in physical and mental health.
Labor market specialists and psychologists increasingly warn that prolonged overwork leads to real health consequences, most commonly heart disease and mental health issues.
The model of “extra work” can ultimately become counterproductive, diminishing quality of life and work capacity.
