Belgians Embrace Second Jobs and Part-Time Work: Statistics Reveal Rising Trend and Gender Shifts

In recent years, the trend of having a second job and working part-time has been on the rise in Belgium. According to statistics from the Belgian statistics agency Statbel, about 260,000 people or 5.2 percent of the working population have a second job. This is an increase from 3.8 percent in 2018.

The percentage of people working part-time has also increased, with about a quarter of wage earners expected to be working part-time in 2023. Highly educated individuals, particularly those aged 25 to 49, are more likely to have a second job to earn extra income. In the past, more men had multiple jobs, but that gender gap has now closed.

Most people with second jobs are self-employed, with popular sectors including human health and social services, education, and wholesale and retail trade. Additionally, Statbel’s data shows that 26.0 percent of salaried employees in Belgium work part-time, with women more likely to work part-time than men. Women often reduce their working hours to care for children or others while men usually do so for other personal reasons. Working four-fifths is the most popular part-time schedule for both genders.

Overall, the trend of having a second job and working part-time is becoming more common among both genders in Belgium due to various reasons such as financial needs or personal choices. The practice varies between men and women depending on their priorities and circumstances but it is becoming increasingly prevalent among highly educated individuals particularly those aged 25 to 49 who seek extra income or work flexibility