If you’ve recently graduated or are actively job-hunting, you may have come across job listings that seem a little too good to be true—until you’re in the role juggling an overwhelming number of responsibilities. This alarming scenario has a name: “The Octo-Hire.” It’s a rising and harmful career trend where one employee ends up doing the job of eight. Not only does this lead to burnout, but it can derail your career and health before you even get started.
In this post, we’ll break down what the octo-hire is, how it’s affecting new hires and experienced professionals alike, and what you can do to avoid falling into this trap.
What Is ‘The Octo-Hire’? And Why Should You Care?
The term “octo-hire,” coined by Glassdoor, describes workers who’ve unknowingly taken on the workload of multiple people—often due to misleading job descriptions or vague hiring practices. This phenomenon is especially common among new graduates eager to prove themselves in competitive job markets.
Many octo-hires are victims of “shift shock”—the rude awakening that comes when the job turns out to be very different from what was promised. In fact, a Muse survey found that 72% of professionals have experienced shift shock. What starts as a promising opportunity quickly turns into a chaotic workload, filled with unrealistic expectations and undefined boundaries.
Common red flags of octo-hire roles include:
Job listings with vague responsibilities or broad phrases like “wear many hats”
A lack of disclosed salary or clear career path
Unclear reporting structures or overlapping roles
Why This Trend Is Dangerous—and Growing
Burnout is already at crisis levels. Glassdoor reports that burnout mentions in employee reviews are up 32%, the highest in over a decade. Octo-hire roles are a big contributor.
Imagine an executive assistant who not only manages schedules but also coordinates office maintenance and plans company retreats. Or a graphic designer who suddenly becomes responsible for writing marketing copy and managing social media accounts. These unrealistic expectations not only hurt productivity—they crush morale.
Experts like Josh Millet, CEO of Criteria, warn that misaligned job placements—often caused by rushed or misleading hiring—create dissatisfaction on both sides. And when roles don’t match a candidate’s qualifications or capacity, burnout becomes inevitable.
3 Smart Ways To Avoid Becoming an Octo-Hire
You don’t have to fall into the trap. Here are three practical ways to identify and avoid octo-hire roles before you sign that offer letter.
1. Ask About Salary and Scope—Early
If a company avoids disclosing salary, consider it a red flag. A Resume.io analysis found that only 39% of job ads reveal pay ranges. Not knowing the compensation makes it harder to evaluate whether the responsibilities align with fair compensation.
Simon Bocca, CEO of PayCaptain, recommends asking directly about pay and role clarity. It’s fair—and essential—for your future well-being. Also, check peer forums or salary-sharing groups to gauge whether an offer is realistic.
2. Research the Company and the Role Thoroughly
Don’t rely solely on the job posting. Dig into the company’s Glassdoor reviews, LinkedIn page, and employee feedback. Look for signs of high turnover, vague job responsibilities, or comments mentioning burnout.
Pay close attention to phrases like “fast-paced,” “startup mentality,” or “team player”—these can sometimes be euphemisms for disorganized environments with blurred roles.
3. Be Assertive in the Interview Process
Hiring managers appreciate candidates who know what they want. Be upfront about what you’re looking for and ask detailed questions about your day-to-day responsibilities, performance expectations, and work-life balance.
If hired and you find yourself overloaded, take action before quitting:
Clarify if your extra duties are temporary
Negotiate a new title or compensation if the role has changed
Set boundaries and document changes to protect yourself down the line
Even if you’re already facing shift shock, don’t panic. Take a moment to evaluate whether renegotiation or internal support can help stabilize your situation before jumping ship.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Health, Not Just Your Resume
The octo-hire trend is not just a workplace annoyance—it’s a serious mental and physical health risk. Overloading yourself with too many roles or excessive hours is not a badge of honor. Burnout is real, and it doesn’t go away by taking a few days off.
If you’re job searching or entering the workforce for the first time, prioritize clarity, balance, and transparency. Don’t sacrifice your well-being for a title or paycheck. The best job is one where you can grow, thrive, and protect your peace.
Found this helpful? Share with a friend, or drop a comment with your own octo-hire story. Let’s help each other stay informed—and sane—in the modern workplace.