掛け持ち

• Reading: かけもち
• Romaji: kakemochi
• Kanji breakdown: 掛け (hang/hold) + 持ち (carry/hold) → holding multiple things simultaneously
• Pronunciation: /ka.ke.mo.tɕi/

Meaning

Juggling multiple part-time jobs or commitments simultaneously — a common reality for financially stretched students.

掛け持ち means holding multiple positions or roles at the same time. In student life, it most commonly refers to working two or more part-time jobs to make ends meet. It can also apply to being in multiple clubs or circles. While sometimes a sign of entrepreneurial spirit, 掛け持ち often indicates financial necessity. Students who 掛け持ち risk burning out, missing classes, and sacrificing their academic performance.

Examples

1. バイト3つ掛け持ちしてたら授業に出る時間がなくなった。 I was juggling three part-time jobs and ran out of time to attend classes.
2. 掛け持ちしないと家賃払えないんだよね。 I can't pay rent unless I'm working multiple jobs.
3. サークルとバイトの掛け持ちで毎日スケジュールがパンパン。 Between clubs and part-time jobs, my schedule is packed solid every day.

Usage Guide

Context: work, university, daily life

Tone: matter-of-fact, sometimes stressed

Do Say

• バイト掛け持ちで忙しいけど貯金はできてる。 (I'm busy juggling multiple jobs but I'm saving money.)
• 掛け持ちしすぎて体壊さないでね。 (Don't ruin your health by juggling too many jobs.)

Don't Say

• 「掛け持ち楽しそう」は本人がキツいと言ってる時に使わない (Don't say 'juggling jobs sounds fun' when someone is clearly struggling)

Common Mistakes

• Limiting 掛け持ち to just jobs — it can also mean juggling multiple clubs, commitments, or even romantic relationships simultaneously

Origin & History

Originally a general Japanese term meaning to carry/hold multiple things at once. From 掛け (hang/hold) + 持ち (carry). Applied to employment and commitments since the modern era.

Cultural Context

Era: General Japanese, applied to student work culture especially since the 2000s

Generation: All ages

Social background: Common among students with financial constraints

Regional notes: Used across Japan. Particularly common in urban areas with high cost of living like Tokyo and Osaka.