Why so many people are working multiple jobs, and how do we close the gender play gap? episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 23, 2025 · 55 MIN

Why so many people are working multiple jobs, and how do we close the gender play gap?

from Life Matters - Full program podcast · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

For the third year in a row, ABS figures show an increasing number of Australians are taking on two or more jobs as the cost of living rises. Lessleen Makoni is working two jobs to get by in Sydney, Isaac Koomson is a senior research fellow the University of Queensland's Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, and Dr Isaac Gross is a senior lecturer in Economics at Monash University and former RBA economist.For many of us who work, this time of year is a countdown until much-needed holidays over Christmas and the New Year. But a large number of people will push through with no break from work... not even on Christmas Day. Now, a new legal ruling has enforced the concept that employers must "request not require" staff to work on public holidays. Andrew Stewart is a Professor of Work and Regulation at the Queensland University of Technology and Sarah McCann-Bartlett is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Australian HR Institute.Women's teams are breaking records and hearts, with the Matildas selling out stadiums and record attendance for the women's Ashes earlier this year. But at the grassroots, the gap is real: data shows that nearly 30% more boys aged 0–14 participate in club or association sport than girls. Nikhil Kulkarni is the author of My Summer of Cricket, James Kay is a PhD Candidate at Flinders University's College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, and Dr Rochelle Eime is a Professor of Exercise and Sport Science at Federation University.

For the third year in a row, ABS figures show an increasing number of Australians are taking on two or more jobs as the cost of living rises. Lessleen Makoni is working two jobs to get by in Sydney, Isaac Koomson is a senior research fellow the University of Queensland's Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, and Dr Isaac Gross is a senior lecturer in Economics at Monash University and former RBA economist. For many of us who work, this time of year is a countdown until much-needed holidays over Christmas and the New Year. But a large number of people will push through with no break from work... not even on Christmas Day. Now, a new legal ruling has enforced the concept that employers must "request not require" staff to work on public holidays. Andrew Stewart is a Professor of Work and Regulation at the Queensland University of Technology and Sarah McCann-Bartlett is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Australian HR Institute. Women's teams are breaking records and hearts, with the Matildas selling out stadiums and record attendance for the women's Ashes earlier this year. But at the grassroots, the gap is real: data shows that nearly 30% more boys aged 0–14 participate in club or association sport than girls. Nikhil Kulkarni is the author of My Summer of Cricket, James Kay is a PhD Candidate at Flinders University's College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, and Dr Rochelle Eime is a Professor of Exercise and Sport Science at Federation University.

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Why so many people are working multiple jobs, and how do we close the gender play gap?

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This episode was published on November 23, 2025.

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For the third year in a row, ABS figures show an increasing number of Australians are taking on two or more jobs as the cost of living rises. Lessleen Makoni is working two jobs to get by in Sydney, Isaac Koomson is a senior research fellow the...

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