Many people are taking second jobs to pay their bills. From police officers to IT workers, many are feeling the pressure to find extra earnings.
Avinash Kaur Dhaliwal works full-time at an IT company in Auckland but became a marriage celebrant to help with extra costs. She said the money helps with everyday expenses like groceries, petrol, and public transport. With half-price fares ending in Auckland, her family has had to cut back on spending significantly. “We used to fill our grocery trolley, now it’s less than half,” she explained.
Another worker, a teacher who wants to remain unnamed, also has a second job as a video editor. He often works up to 60 hours a week between teaching, video work, and playing at events on weekends. He said, “I felt incredibly burnt out.”
Recent data from Stats NZ shows that the cost of living for New Zealand households rose by 5.4% from last year and that 33,000 more people are unemployed this year compared to 2022.
A 111 call operator said she took on photography as a side job for extra income and to feel more financial security. She explained that with budget cuts, having a backup plan helps her feel more in control. Though her full-time job is stressful, her photography allows her a creative escape.
She noted that many of her coworkers also have side hustles. In July, a message to Canterbury police advised officers on managing second jobs as they waited for pay negotiations. It stated that police support their staff in finding supplementary income and mentioned dog walking, building, and personal training as acceptable side jobs.
Over the past two years, there were 1,374 requests from police for secondary work. The police said that staff must seek approval for any second job to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure safety and public trust.
