Australian News Today

Almost a million Australians are working more than one job. But there could be a hidden cost.

Almost a million Australians are working more than one job. But there could be a hidden cost.

A record number of Australians are working second jobs to ease cost of living pressures, but experts have warned of superannuation traps could be draining this extra income. 

Zach Simmons is one of almost a million people across the country working for more than one employer.

The 23-year-old’s main form of income comes as a barista and waiter at a Melbourne cafe, while his supplementary income comes from bartending shifts on a Saturday and modelling as a hobby.
Approximately 961,000 Australians have more than one job, according to new ABS data. (9News)

“I love working here, it’s a small business,” Simmons told 9News Melbourne.

“The bar is a change of pace and modelling is a bit of a passion.

“A lot of people work a lot more than they’d like to, I’m just lucky I’ve got three I look forward to.”

A record number of Australians are working second jobs to ease cost of living pressures, but experts have warned of superannuation traps could be draining this extra income. Zach Simmons is one of almost a million Australians working for more than one employer.
Zach Simmons is one of almost a million Australians working for more than one employer. (9News)

Approximately 961,000 Australians have more than one job, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released today, which represents an increase of more than 215,000 people in the last five years.

However as more people take on second jobs, Australians are being reminded to check their superannuation, as the number of Australians with more than one account has grown to four million.

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Colonial First State Superannuation CEO Kelly Power said multiple accounts can cost people their hard-earned money.

“They’re paying multiple fees, multiple insurance and perhaps missing out on investment returns as well,” Power said.

“It could be up to $20,000 by the time you retire.”

Australians are being told to check the MyGov website to see if they have multiple accounts and consolidate them into one.

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