10 years working, 2 jobs, but still not making ends meet

Vice Ganda shares story of a Filipino worker juggling two jobs despite working for 10 years.

Working two jobs is supposed to mean earning more. But for some Filipino workers, it does not guarantee a better quality of life.

The situation resurfaced after Vice Ganda shared a story of a struggling worker during “It’s Showtime’s” “Laro Laro Pick” segment.

“Meron akong nakausap na sobrang heartbroken. Ang sabi sa akin, ‘Nag-aral ako, ginalingan ko at gumraduate ako, at ang sipag ko. Hindi ako huminto sa pagtatrabaho. 10 years na akong nagtatrabaho, pero hindi pa rin ako umuusad,’” the comedian said.

The worker reports to one job from morning to afternoon before heading to a second job that lasts until early morning. Despite spending most of the day working, the worker still wondered why there was not enough money left.

That experience is reflected in the country’s labor data. The Philippine Statistics Authority counted 5.82 million underemployed Filipinos in 2025, equivalent to 11.9% of all employed workers. They include people who want additional hours, another job, or a new job with longer hours.

Some are already working full-time. In December 2025, 38.4% of underemployed workers were working at least 40 hours a week.

“Kasi ang kalaban natin sa Pilipinas ay sistema. ‘Yung paulit-ulit at walang katapusang sistema na parang walang pag-asa,” Vice Ganda continued.

Income helps explain why some workers continue looking for more. The PSA’s 2024 Occupational Wages Survey placed the average monthly wage at ₱21,544 nationwide and ₱29,310 in the National Capital Region. Agriculture workers averaged ₱14,615.

Higher incomes mean more than having extra money at the end of the month. They can mean a better home, a child’s education, a family vacation, fewer debts, or simply enough savings to face an emergency without panic.

As more workers turn to second jobs to fill the gap, the pressure will only grow if wages fail to keep pace with the cost of living.

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