By Charlene Crowell –
Growing numbers of side hustle jobs rise as 52% of workers took on second jobs in the past three years, according to consumer survey.
For many people of modest means, taking a second job has long been a go-to option for seasonal and/or short-term additional earnings. Whether planning for special holidays, noteworthy family events, or a one-time purchase, a “side hustle” has enabled many families to have a few extra comforts to make life more enjoyable.
But a new consumer survey finds that in recent years, an increasing number of workers are taking on second jobs for household needs, instead of wants. As the costs of living continue to creep upward, many working Americans are finding that one full-time job is simply not enough.
More than half of workers—52%—have taken on second jobs in the past three years, and nearly one in three survey respondents believe they will always need a second income just to make ends meet, according to Bankrate.com.
“While it’s admirable that so many Americans are putting in extra time and effort on their side hustles, it’s unfortunate that most are doing so simply to fund their expenses,” noted Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior credit card analyst.
The workers who most frequently turned to side hustles were Generation Z ages 18 to 27 (48%); parents with children younger than 18 (45%); and Millennials, ages 28-43 (44%). For their extra work, average monthly earnings rose from $810 in 2023 to $891 this year. The extra income typically is used to help pay for housing and groceries, paying down debt, or savings.
These findings follow a Bankrate pay raise survey released this spring that showed household budgets remained strained, despite the nation’s slowing inflation, particularly in the areas of housing and insurance.
“Although the much-feared recession hasn’t quite yet reared its head, three in five US adults (59%)…
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