In recent years, as work styles have diversified, “double work”—holding a second job alongside one’s primary occupation—has become an increasingly common choice.
The latest 2025 survey by staffing firm En Japan (surveying 1,542 people) revealed that those with double work experience reached 54%, finally surpassing half of respondents.
This article delves into the realities of double work in the Sapporo/Hokkaido area and changes in corporate acceptance systems.
1. Why Double Jobs Now? Real-Life Experiences Reveal the “Purpose”
Street interviews revealed that people across a wide age range, from their 20s to 60s, are choosing double jobs for their own reasons.
Objective 1: Supplementing living expenses and saving for the future
The most common reason is financial.
- 40s (Healthcare professional)
“My main job in the mornings, plus another job three afternoons a week. It’s for living expenses, and I want to put the extra money into savings for the future.” - 60s
“I juggle delivery work and sample sales. I simply needed the money.”
Objective 2: Challenging oneself to pursue aspirations and achieve self-realization
Since the pandemic, more people are making effective use of the “time” gained through the widespread adoption of remote work.
- 40s (Management Consultant)
“With no more commuting, I finally started the writing career I’d always wanted. My main job kept me too busy to pursue it before, but working two jobs let me fulfill my dream.”
Purpose 3: Temporary funding (travel/hobbies)
- 30s
“To save up for my graduation trip, I worked part-time at restaurants alongside my main job.”
2. Expanding Even in Hokkaido and Sapporo! The Background Behind the Surge in Companies Allowing Dual Employment
According to Rina Koseki of Hokkaido Part-Time Job Information, a company handling job listings, corporate attitudes have dramatically shifted in recent years.
Company “Dual-Job Acceptance Rate” Reaches the 60% Range
Until about five years ago, only around 40% of companies allowed dual employment. However, over the past two years, this rate has consistently hovered in the 60% range.
Why Have Companies Started Allowing Dual Employment?
Behind this shift lies a pressing change in business conditions.
- Cost Cutting
Amid rising raw material and utility costs, more companies are curbing hiring of full-time employees and shifting to part-time and temporary workers to reduce expenses. - Securing Labor
In the face of chronic labor shortages, workplaces cannot operate without accepting “dual workers” who can work even short hours.
【Key Point】
As companies shift their hiring focus from “full-time regular employees” to “flexible part-time workers,” this trend is also expanding opportunities for dual employment among workers.
3. Key Points for Successfully Managing Two Jobs
For those considering taking on a second job, here are three pieces of advice to avoid failure.
- Strict Schedule Management
To avoid disrupting your primary job, flexible shift adjustments are essential. - Health Management
As your working hours increase, ensure you get adequate rest. - Verify Employment Rules
Even though more companies now permit side jobs, always check your primary employer’s rules on secondary employment beforehand.
Summary
While it was once viewed negatively as a necessity driven by hardship, working multiple jobs may now be shifting toward a positive choice—a way to earn wisely and pursue new challenges.
Even within Sapporo, job listings welcoming part-time work, including short-hour positions, appear to be on the rise.
Considering new work arrangements that fit your lifestyle might be a worthwhile option.
