Latest Insights on Side Jobs from Lotsful
The
lotsful side job matching service, operated by Persol Innovation based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has recently conducted its quarterly survey on side jobs for the winter of 2025. This ongoing investigation seeks to provide a clearer picture of the side job landscape, highlighting worker interests and attitudes towards supplementary occupations. The most recent survey, its 16th iteration, incorporated inquiries into the interest in non-desk jobs and experience related to essential work, which encompasses critical roles in healthcare, logistics, infrastructure, and other indispensable services in society.
Survey Summary
- - The survey reveals a 41.0% participation rate in side jobs, showing a slight decrease from the previous survey but an increase from the same time last year, indicating that side jobs are increasingly being embraced by individuals.
- - Among various industries, the highest engagement in side jobs is within the information and communications equipment manufacturing sector, while roles such as public relations and web designers show notably high participation rates.
- - Approximately 48.3% of respondents expressed interest in pursuing side jobs, bolstered by supportive organizational policies.
- - Notably, 17.9% of those involved in side jobs reported earning over 300,000 yen monthly, representing a modest rise from recent surveys.
Key Findings
The survey collected responses from 667 working professionals between the ages of 20 and 40 through an online method, providing valuable insights into current trends in side employment.
1.
Side Job Participation Rates: The 41.0% engagement rate in side jobs reflects a nuanced trend; while there is a slight fall since the last survey, a notable increase from the previous year underscores the growing normalization of side jobs.
- A significant differentiation in participation by industry was observed, with the highest engagement at
90.0% noted in the information and communications equipment manufacturing segment, followed by the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining sectors.
2.
Interest in Side Jobs Maintained: Despite a slight dip, the sustained interest among respondents indicates approximately 48.3% are still inclined to engage in side jobs over the next six months. The predominant motivation is the desire to augment personal finances, which emphasizes ongoing economic factors as a driving force.
- Interestingly, the corporate landscape appears to be adapting with more companies endorsing side job engagements, making it easier for employees to explore supplementary work opportunities without fear of reprisal.
3.
Desire for Non-Traditional Roles: A substantial majority (54.4%) expressed interest in hands-on work, with males in their twenties showing considerable enthusiasm. Notably, over
60% of young men are inclined towards non-desk jobs that offer physical involvement.
- Popular pursuits among interested workers include positions like