Second Shift

The "second shift" refers to the additional work many people, particularly women, do after completing their paid job during the day. After their formal work hours end, they often take on responsibilities like household chores, cooking, cleaning, and caregiving. This unpaid labor is essential for maintaining a household but is frequently undervalued and can lead to increased stress and less personal time. The term highlights the ongoing imbalance between paid work and domestic responsibilities that many individuals, especially women, face in their daily lives.