August 08, 2014
More than a quarter of employed Iranians hold two or more jobs—while almost a quarter are looking for a second job, an economist reports.
Most attention in Iran is focused on the high rate of unemployment—especially now that many university graduates, who used to enjoy full employment, are joining the ranks of those unemployed. But Iran has always been a country where many people hold down more than one job since salaries are not all that generous.
A sharp rise in the cost of living, the goal of a better lifestyle, the fall in the value of the national currency and low wages are all factors impelling millions of people to work 12 to 16 hours a day.
The result is that a large number of homes have turned into sleeping quarters for parents. Many clerics and state officials complain that this is having a very negative impact on children’s development.
Moslem Khani, an economist, told the state news agency this week that studies show 28 to 30 percent of the Iranian workforce have second or third jobs. Another 22 percent of the employees of public and private sector organizations are seeking another job opportunity, he said.
He said some of those looking for a second job have non-economic reasons—they simply are not satisfied with their current job, but don’t want to lose the income.
There is a significant body of research showing that long working hours have negative physical and psychological impacts on people. In addition, long hours of work cut people off from their family and friends.