In South Korea, an increasing number of individuals are embracing the "N-jobber" lifestyle, taking on multiple jobs to supplement their income. Recent statistics from the Korea National Statistical Office reveal that over 550,000 people are now engaged in this practice. Notably, there has been a significant rise among young adults aged 15 to 29 and those in their 40s, with a 30% surge observed in the former and a 27.7% increase in the latter. This trend highlights the prevalence of platform-based jobs, particularly in the delivery sector, often referred to as "riders."
Demographically, individuals aged 60 and above form the largest segment of N-jobbers, followed by those in their 50s and 40s. However, younger demographics, including individuals in their 30s and youth aged 15 to 29, also contribute significantly to this workforce. Despite their growing numbers, N-jobbers still constitute a relatively small portion of the overall workforce, though this proportion has been rapidly expanding over the past five years.
While the rise in supplementary jobs has resulted in increased working hours, the improvement in income has been modest. According to a report by the Korea Labor Institute, the combined monthly income of individuals engaged in both primary and secondary jobs is only slightly higher than those with a single job. Moreover, the hourly income for N-jobbers falls short of individuals with sole employment, averaging 13,000 won compared to 16,000 won.
Shin Seon-ok, a specialist at the Korea Labor Institute, explains that individuals take on multiple jobs to supplement insufficient income, driven by unfavorable working conditions in both primary and secondary jobs. This underscores broader challenges within the labor market. The rise of N-jobbers reflects the evolving nature of work and economic realities faced by many individuals, particularly in a rapidly changing job market. Policymakers and stakeholders must address these challenges to ensure fair labor practices and support this growing segment of the workforce, especially as the gig economy continues to expand.