# Australians ‘scrambling’ for second jobs as mortgage repayments and living costs rise

https://mins.news/en/item/71776

- The Guardian, 2026-09-24 06:12 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/24/australians-working-second-jobs-rising-mortgage-repayments-cost-of-living

> Economists say Australians are “scrambling” to find extra work as living expenses and mortgage costs climb. Unemployment rose unexpectedly from 4.5% in July to 4.6% in August, its highest level since the pandemic, but analysts say the increase is unlikely to deter the Reserve Bank of Australia from raising rates again next week.