Amid rising financial pressure, nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers are planning to take on a second job or start a side hustle within the next year, according to a recent survey by the American Staffing Association (ASA) in partnership with The Harris Poll.

The June 12 report highlights that 64% of American workers are actively exploring ways to boost their income to stay afloat, reflecting the growing economic anxiety among working individuals. Richard Wahlquist, CEO of ASA, said it’s understandable that workers are seeking “breathing room” in their budgets, as uncertainty continues to loom over the economy.

The survey, which polled over 2,000 U.S. employees, also revealed that financial vulnerability is widespread. Around 28% of renters and 14% of homeowners said they would run out of savings in under a month if laid off. In total, 19% of respondents reported having less than a month’s worth of financial cushion, while another third said their savings would last just one to five months.

Generational and lifestyle differences play a major role in side hustle intentions. Among Millennials and Gen Z workers, over 70% said they are likely to pursue extra income, compared to just 59% of Gen X and 37% of Baby Boomers. Parents of minor children (75%) were more inclined than non-parents (55%) to seek additional work.

Social media habits also influence these trends. A striking 84% of daily social media users said they plan to pursue a second job or side hustle, a figure that drops to 65% among those who use social platforms less frequently.

The report comes alongside new findings from Resume Now, which shows that nearly 3 in 4 workers can only cover basic expenses. Meanwhile, 30% have already turned to debt to manage daily costs. Monster’s latest data adds further insight—95% of surveyed workers believe their wages haven’t kept pace with inflation, prompting a surge in the pursuit of higher-paying or additional jobs.

Wahlquist noted that while side hustles may serve as a bridge to new opportunities or long-term goals for some, for many, they’re a necessity to keep up with everyday living expenses.

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Source: Hrdive.com