Working two jobs enjoyed by most, disliked by 17% of people

Ingé Lamprecht

More than one in three working individuals earning over R5 000 a month earn an additional income over and above their normal job, an online survey suggests.

Referred to as “slashers” due to the “slash” between their job titles (communication manager/ yoga instructor), they’re part of a global phenomenon where people supplement their main source of income for various reasons. American author Marci Alboher coined the term in 2007.

The survey was conducted towards end June among a booster sample of 943 individuals as complementary research for the annual Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor. Of respondents, 24% indicated they earned additional income by doing something different from their current job. An additional 13% said they earned more money by doing something similar to their current job.

Old Mutual research manager Lynette Nicholson says typically entrepreneurial go-getters become slashers, in part to ensure greater job security and because their income may not be coping with growing expenses.

Common second jobs included catering, event planning, photography, tutoring, waitressing, running a gardening service or installing water equipment.

More than 60% indicated that they enjoyed more than one job, but 17% said it was negative.