Introduction
In Mexico, the precariousness of employment and rising living costs are pushing more workers to seek a second job. Although unemployment has decreased, the growth in informal work and low wages limit overall well-being.
The Rise of Informal Employment
Financial uncertainty and job insecurity have led workers to seek refuge in informality. Although jobs have been created, the conditions are unfavorable, prompting Mexicans—especially young people—to seek additional income, often within the informal market.
Despite a decrease in unemployment, Banco Base’s analysis “Mexican Labor Market and Productivity Situation in 2025” acknowledges that job opportunities are not only insufficient but also of lower quality. This has led to an average monthly increase in labor informality, rising from 54.27% in 2024 to 54.85%.
Employment Growth Driven by Informal Jobs
According to the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE), the number of occupied individuals increased by 1,057,970, totaling 60.38 million. However, this growth was primarily driven by informal employment, which added 1,161,926 people.
Insufficient Incomes for the Average Mexican Family
The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) states that nearly seven out of ten people earn a maximum of two minimum wages, equivalent to 19,164 pesos per month. Only 1% exceeds five minimum wages.
The income threshold for a basic food and non-food basket in urban areas is 4,818.14 pesos per person, according to Inegi. For a family of three and a half people—the average family size, as per the National Population Council (Conapo)—a single salary is insufficient.
The Growing Trend of Seeking Additional Income
More workers are seeking a second income, particularly among those aged 18 to 45. This demographic is more willing to sacrifice leisure time for additional income amidst an unstable economic environment.
Randstad’s study “Monitor de Trabajo 2026: La Gran Adaptación de la Fuerza Laboral” reveals that four out of ten millennials and centennials have or are seeking a second job.
The rising cost of living is the primary reason for seeking additional income. In 2024, only 22% of people had or were seeking a second job. By 2025, this figure nearly doubled to 40%.
This income shortage has also motivated 36% to increase or plan to increase their work hours for extra income, a percentage higher than 2024 when only 20% considered this option.
Despite the need for more income, Randstad’s study shows that workers are not interested in salary increases due to economic uncertainty.
“More people stay in their jobs despite dissatisfaction,” the report states, highlighting that economic uncertainty keeps 46% of people worried about their jobs, making them more cautious in job-related requests and movements.
Banco Base’s analysis indicates that the Mexican labor market is deteriorating. To complement income, more people attempt to join the workforce; however, labor supply exceeds available opportunities, making it difficult for the formal sector to absorb all talent, “forcing a migration into precarity.”
This shift results in workers holding multiple jobs or engaging in self-employment or non-formal activities that limit access to social security and long-term stability but are the only means of sustenance.
