polywork

/ˈpɑliˌwɝk/
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Paid work spread across several jobs, roles, or projects at the same time.

Examples

  • For Maya, polywork means teaching three days a week and designing websites at night.
  • She polyworks as a researcher, translator, and podcast producer.
  • They polyworked for two years before turning one project into a full-time business.
  • How do you polywork without letting every job take over your evenings?
  • Rising rent pushed him into polywork, not a desire for a fashionable career.

Similar words

side hustling
multiple jobholding
moonlight
portfolio career
multiple careers
work multiple jobs
hold down several jobs
juggle jobs

Meanings

Several jobs at once

noun
work
informal
A way of earning a living through several jobs, professional roles, or paid projects at the same time, whether by choice or financial need.

Examples

  • For Maya, polywork means teaching three days a week and designing websites at night.
  • Rising rent pushed him into polywork, not a desire for a fashionable career.
  • Could polywork give you more security if one client disappears?
  • Her version of polywork combines a salaried job, freelance editing, and weekend photography.
  • The article praised polywork, but several readers said it was simply a new name for working multiple jobs.

Similar words

Work in several roles

verb
work
informal
To hold several jobs or carry out several kinds of paid work during the same period.

Examples

  • She polyworks as a researcher, translator, and podcast producer.
  • I began to polywork after my main employer cut my hours.
  • They polyworked for two years before turning one project into a full-time business.
  • He does not polywork for variety, he needs the extra income.
  • How do you polywork without letting every job take over your evenings?

Similar words

Etymology

Formed from poly-, meaning "many," and work. The name Polywork was also used for a professional networking platform launched in 2021, while the lowercase word became a broader label for working in several roles at once.

FAQ

What does polywork mean?

Polywork means having several jobs, professional roles, or paid projects during the same period.

Is polywork the same as a side hustle?

Not exactly. A side hustle is usually extra work beside a main job, while polywork can describe several roles with no single role at the center.

Is polywork always a choice?

No. Some people choose polywork for variety or independence, while others take several jobs because one income is not enough.

Can polywork be used as a verb?

Yes. Someone can polywork, polyworks, polyworked, or be polyworking, although the noun is also common.

What is the difference between polywork and overemployment?

Polywork broadly covers several jobs or roles. Overemployment often means holding multiple full-time remote jobs whose hours overlap, sometimes without telling the employers.

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