The Gen Xers turning to odd jobs - from summer internships to ice hockey refereeing - to stay employed

"Dionne Foster, 52, built a steady career as a business analyst contractor before losing her job in April 2024. A year later, she found herself taking on an eight-week summer internship at an IT company, where she made $20 an hour and worked alongside a high schooler. 'I haven't made $20 an hour since I was in college,' Foster said. Foster accepted the internship offer after roughly a year on the job market, where she cast a wide net of applications for both full-time and contract opportunities."

"For seasoned Gen X professionals like Foster, the job market is especially brutal. Many recount frustrating experiences with résumés screened by algorithms, routine ghosting, and the blow of being labeled 'overqualified.' In such a tough market, some Gen Xers are taking whatever unconventional roles they can find to stay afloat while they search for jobs in careers they spent decades building."

"William Simon, 49, had always heard that his job in medical equipment sales would be safe. But after losing his position at a startup in April, he hasn't been immune to the struggles other job seekers are facing. 'The hardest part of looking for a job in this economy is the competition,' Simon said, adding that he thinks 'a lot of employers are looking to go the younger route' so that they can pay less and have a greater ability to mold their employees."

Seasoned Gen X workers are increasingly taking unconventional or short-term roles after prolonged job searches. Experienced contractors and sales professionals have accepted internships, lower hourly pay, gig work, and mission-driven positions while relying on savings and unemployment benefits. Many face résumé screening algorithms, routine ghosting, and being labeled overqualified, which compounds rejection even after decadeslong careers. Some monetized hobbies and side gigs have supplemented incomes. Competitive hiring preferences for younger workers contribute to difficulties. These shifts help maintain income and professional engagement while pursuing full-time opportunities in established career fields.

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