More than six in 10 employed U.S. adults are likely to supplement their income with a second job or side hustle over the next year, according to a new ASA Workforce Monitor® survey from ASA conducted by The Harris Poll.
The major divisions found in the findings were by parental status, generation, and social media use. Three-quarters (75%) of employed parents with minor children are likely to get a second job or side hustle in the next year, compared with 55% of employed adults without children under 18. Three-quarters (76%) of employed Millennials (29–44) and 73% of Gen Z workers (18–28) were likely to get a second job or start a side hustle in the next year, compared with 59% of Gen X (45–60) and 37% of Baby Boomers (61–79). A staggering 84% of employed daily social media users were likely to look for a side hustle or second job in the next year, compared with 65% of both weekly and monthly users and 50% of those who aren’t on social media accounts.
“For growing numbers of Americans, a side hustle can be a good way to build savings, pay off debt, find a new job, or change careers. However, for others, a side hustle means having enough money to make ends meet,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. “With economic uncertainty dominating the headlines, it’s not surprising to see Americans looking for ways to create some breathing room in their budgets.”
The survey also showed that a significant portion of employed Americans are living with a minimal financial cushion. The ASA Workforce Monitor focuses on current U.S. workforce trends and issues.