Economist explains cost

Economist Edita Rodríguez cited the cost of the basic family food basket, which cannot be covered by most Dominicans with a single job, and the employment opportunities generated by economic growth as the reasons for the rise of multiple jobholding in the Dominican Republic.

Rodríguez cites that Central Bank statistics indicate that more than 80% of workers earn less than the approximately RD$49,000 that the national basic food basket costs, which forces many families to seek additional sources of income.

In an opinion piece, it is argued that this economic gap forces families to seek additional sources of income to cover essential expenses that are growing faster than wages, such as: housing rent and food, transportation and electricity, health, education, and telecommunications.

However, it highlights that the phenomenon of multiple job holding has a direct impact on the population’s quality of life. It explains that the increase in working hours reduces the time available for rest and family life, which raises stress levels and deteriorates physical and mental health.

Given that situation, he suggests not multiplying the number of jobs, but rather increasing labor productivity

“A more productive economy would allow for better wages and greater competitiveness through investments in education, innovation, and digital transformation,” cites Rodríguez.

Understand that the State assumes an active role through the strengthening of real wages, the expansion of the supply of affordable housing, and the improvement of public transport to reduce pressure on the family budget.

Also through support for MSMEs, generate formal and better-paid jobs.

He concluded that the success of Dominican development should not be measured solely by the number of people with jobs, but by the ability of a single decent job to guarantee the well-being of the family

. The challenge for the country’s next stage is to ensure that economic growth is felt directly in the citizens’ pockets, turning multiple job-holding into an option for progress rather than an obligation for survival.