Gen Z Ditches Full-Time Jobs for Multiple Part-Time Roles

Poly-employment hits highest level in over a decade, driven by Gen Z's desire for flexibility and independence

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:50am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of premium, polished objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the evolving priorities and work habits of the younger generation.As Gen Z workers increasingly embrace the flexibility and independence of poly-employment, the studio still life captures the abstract symbolism of a changing workforce and the tools they use to navigate it.NYC Today

A new study finds the number of people working multiple jobs simultaneously has reached its highest level in more than a decade, with Gen Z leading the charge. While economic pressures play a role, the data reveals a growing divide between those forced into poly-employment and those who are intentionally seeking the flexibility and self-direction it offers. Gen Z's approach is as much cultural as it is economic, a deliberate break from the traditional 9-to-5 job model that chained their parents to the 'golden handcuffs' of a single employer.

Why it matters

The rise in poly-employment reflects a fundamental shift in how the younger generation views work, prioritizing flexibility and independence over the stability and benefits often associated with full-time employment. This trend has significant implications for employers, as they navigate a changing workforce that is increasingly resistant to traditional work models.

The details

The study, conducted by workforce management firm Deputy, found that more than half (55%) of those engaged in poly-employment are from Gen Z. While some are turning to multiple jobs to supplement their income amid economic uncertainty, the data shows a growing number are intentionally seeking out this work arrangement to gain the flexibility and self-direction they prioritize. This marks a shift from the previous trend of 'overemployment,' where workers held multiple full-time jobs but remained tethered to their desks. For Gen Z, the appeal of poly-employment is as much cultural as it is economic, a reaction to the long hours and lack of work-life balance they witnessed growing up.

  • The study, entitled 'The Big Shift 2026', analyzed data from more than 41 million shifts and 268 million hours worked.
  • The unemployment rate of recent college graduates has surpassed that of all workers, according to New York Federal Reserve Bank data.

The players

Deputy

A workforce management firm that conducted the study on the rise of poly-employment.

Silvija Martincevic

The CEO of Deputy, who provided commentary on the study's findings and the cultural and economic factors driving the shift towards poly-employment among Gen Z.

Dario Amodei

The CEO of Anthropic, who warned that AI could soon wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar roles, further narrowing the job market for new graduates.

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What they’re saying

“'Gen Z's approach to work is also a reaction to what they saw growing up—long hours, loyalty to a single employer, and then the shock of the 2008 financial crisis. That's shaped a mindset focused on hedging risk rather than relying on one job for stability.'”

— Silvija Martincevic, CEO, Deputy

“'AI unlocks predictable schedules, which in turn support more flexible work arrangements. Nearly 75% of shift workers say AI helps them leave on time, underscoring its role in improving efficiency and scheduling.'”

— Silvija Martincevic, CEO, Deputy

“'The rise in poly-employment doesn't signal a weakening job market—it reflects a workforce being reshaped by both economic and generational pressure.'”

— Silvija Martincevic, CEO, Deputy

What’s next

As more Gen Zers embrace poly-employment, the impact of AI on the job market will be a key factor to watch. While some 'poly-advantaged' workers are leveraging AI to manage their multiple roles, others are resisting the technology's potential to automate the precarious positions they've taken on. The evolving relationship between Gen Z, poly-employment, and AI will likely shape the future of work in the years to come.

The takeaway

The rise of poly-employment among Gen Z signals a fundamental shift in how the younger generation views work, prioritizing flexibility, independence, and risk mitigation over the traditional stability and benefits of full-time employment. This trend reflects both economic pressures and a cultural reaction to the work-life balance challenges witnessed by their parents, potentially ushering in a new era of work that challenges long-held norms.