The Second Job Economy: More Romanians Are Looking for Additional Income
As rising living costs put pressure on household budgets, more employees are considering a second job or alternative sources of income. But what opportunities are realistically available, and how sustainable is working beyond a full-time role?
Alexandra Ene, Managing Partner PFP Advisory, was recently invited to Antena 1's Observator to discuss the growing interest in second jobs in Romania, the opportunities available to those looking to supplement their income, and the practical considerations that come with taking on additional work.
The discussion reflects a broader change in how people approach employment and financial security. For some, a second job is a personal choice, allowing them to save more, repay a loan faster or explore a potential career change. For others, it is increasingly a financial necessity, as their regular income struggles to keep pace with everyday expenses.
Growing Interest in Part-Time Employment
Recent figures suggest that additional employment is becoming an increasingly relevant option for Romanian workers.
According to surveys conducted by eJobs in 2026, 35% of respondents were already actively looking for an additional source of income. The trend is also visible in recruitment activity. During the first nine months of 2026, applications for part-time positions reached approximately 1.3 million, representing a 13% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
However, the availability of flexible employment does not always match candidates' expectations. Only 14.6% of part-time positions advertised in 2026 offered remote working arrangements, suggesting that most opportunities still require a physical presence or a relatively structured schedule.
What Opportunities Are Available Beyond a Full-Time Job?
When considering additional employment, many people immediately think of a second part-time contract. In reality, there is a much wider range of possibilities, depending on someone's professional experience, practical skills, availability and financial objectives.
Traditional part-time opportunities can be found in retail, hospitality, logistics, customer service, tourism and events. These positions may offer relatively predictable income, although working hours are not always compatible with an existing full-time schedule.
Other options involve occasional services, such as tutoring, pet sitting, household assistance, photography, repairs or event-related activities. These can provide greater flexibility, particularly for people who cannot commit to another fixed working schedule.
For experienced professionals, independent projects and freelance work may be financially more attractive than taking on an additional entry-level position. Accounting, consulting, training, IT support, digital marketing, administrative services and specialist business projects are examples of activities that can sometimes be delivered on a limited, project-based basis.
The important distinction is that a second source of income does not necessarily require a second employer. In some cases, working with a small number of clients for a few hours each week may be a better alternative.
How Is Artificial Intelligence Changing Freelance Opportunities?
Technology is also reshaping the market for additional work. Some activities that were traditionally accessible to freelancers, such as basic content writing, general translations or routine data processing, are increasingly exposed to automation. This does not mean that these services have disappeared, but competition and pricing pressures are changing the opportunities available.
At the same time, specialised expertise, practical experience, professional judgement and services requiring direct human interaction remain important differentiators.
For someone considering freelance work, the question should therefore go beyond what they are capable of doing. It is equally important to understand whether there is sufficient demand for that service, what clients are willing to pay and how easily the activity could be replaced or automated.
Can Employees Legally Have More Than One Job in Romania?
Romanian labour legislation allows employees to hold multiple employment contracts, either with different employers or with the same employer, provided their working schedules do not overlap and any applicable legal incompatibilities are respected.
Article 35 of the Romanian Labour Code explicitly recognises this right and prohibits employers from treating employees unfavourably simply because they exercise it.
However, employees must also consider the applicable working-time and rest requirements, confidentiality obligations, potential conflicts of interest and their responsibilities towards their existing employer.
Retirees may also represent an important category of people interested in additional employment. In Romania, individuals receiving an old-age pension can generally combine pension income with employment income, while other pension categories are subject to specific conditions.
The legal and tax implications may differ significantly between a second employment contract and independent professional activity, making it important to choose the appropriate arrangement before starting work.
Is a Second Job Always the Best Financial Decision?
While additional employment can help address immediate financial pressures, it also comes with costs that are not always reflected in the income earned.
Working evenings or weekends reduces the time available for rest, family and personal activities. Over time, a demanding second job can also affect performance in the primary role, particularly when the two activities leave little room for recovery.
There are also practical costs to consider, including transportation, equipment, taxes and the time required to find and manage additional work.
Before accepting another position, individuals should assess not only the potential income but also the actual financial return for the hours invested.
For professionals with established experience, it may be worth considering whether negotiating a salary increase, moving to a better-paid position or developing a specialised service could provide a more sustainable financial improvement.
Looking Beyond the Immediate Solution
The growing interest in second jobs raises questions that extend beyond individual career decisions.
Additional employment can offer financial flexibility, help people develop new skills and create opportunities to explore different professional directions. It can also provide a useful transition towards self-employment or entrepreneurship.
However, when people increasingly seek a second job simply to cover their regular living expenses, the discussion becomes a broader one about purchasing power, compensation and the sustainability of employment.
A second job may be a practical solution, particularly when it is carefully chosen and compatible with someone's existing responsibilities. But it should not automatically be seen as the only answer to insufficient income.
For anyone considering this step, the starting point should be a realistic assessment of their available time, marketable skills, financial expectations and longer-term professional objectives.
The objective should not simply be to work more hours, but to make better use of the time, experience and skills already available.
This article draws on a discussion with Antena 1's Observator and labour market data published by eJobs in 2026.
Sources: eJobs, Cât de mult mai contează un al doilea job în 2026?; eJobs part-time employment data, September 2026; Romanian Labour Code, Article 35; Law No. 360/2023 on the public pension system.
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