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The Rise of Side Income: Over 72% of Workers Depend on Secondary Jobs by 2026

In a fascinating turn of events, a recent survey by MyPerfectResume® reveals that approximately 72% of American workers now rely on at least one form of secondary income, indicating that side hustles and secondary jobs have become an integral part of the modern workforce. This substantial increase, up from 71% the previous year, signals a shift from temporary solutions during economic strain to a new normal in financial security for many.

Understanding the Need for Secondary Income

The survey, titled the '2026 State of Secondary Income Report,' highlights that the need for supplemental income has emerged from economic necessity rather than just personal preference. Rising inflation and a high cost of living have prompted many individuals to seek additional financial resources to make ends meet. The findings indicate that 38% of respondents feel a strong need for extra money due to inflation, and 72% agree that rising costs have made secondary work a necessity in today’s economy.

The idea of side hustling initially started as a response to economic challenges but has quickly evolved into a crucial component of financial management for a significant portion of the workforce. As Jasmine Escalera, a Career Expert at MyPerfectResume, noted, "Workers aren’t just hustling to make ends meet; they’re hedging against uncertainty."

How Workers Are Supplementing Their Income

The survey provides a breakdown of the types of secondary income sources utilized by respondents, revealing the diverse methods Americans are employing to supplement their financial needs:

• - Freelance or gig work: 14%
• - Own side businesses: 9%
• - Investments (stocks or cryptocurrencies): 14%
• - Passive income (rentals/royalties): 9%
• - Second job for another employer: 4%

This transformation underscores a notable dependency on side jobs as many Americans expand beyond traditional income streams.

Cost of Living: The Main Driver

Unsurprisingly, respondents largely attributed their increased reliance on secondary income to soaring living costs. The main motivations for seeking additional income included:

• - Covering basic living expenses: 26%
• - Paying off debt: 18%
• - Building an emergency fund: 17%
• - Saving for major life goals: 16%
• - Affording nonessential items: 15%

This pattern reflects the economic pressures that have made financial flexibility a priority, rather than a luxury.

The Impact of Dual Workloads

While many workers are finding ways to adapt to the demands of dual incomes, it's important to note that extra work has its downsides. The survey indicated that 21% of respondents reported a decline in health due to overwork, with 15% experiencing increased burnout. On the other hand, 28% feel their workload is sustainable, suggesting that a portion of the workforce is adjusting well to the demands of a side hustle.

A New Definition of Job Security

Interestingly, while secondary jobs haven’t eliminated job insecurities, they have provided many workers with a sense of safety and stability. About 52% of respondents felt that a second income contributes to their overall job security. Moreover, a staggering 68% claimed that their side work has not impeded their dedication to their primary job, highlighting a balanced approach to managing multiple sources of income.

The Future of Side Income

With the landscape of work continuously evolving, the outlook on secondary income remains optimistic. A significant 71% of participants believe that reliance on side income will become increasingly widespread in 2026, with 26% considering that secondary earnings could eventually replace traditional raises.

As the workforce grapples with stagnant wage growth coupled with persistent financial uncertainty, side income strategies are becoming necessary. The insights gained from the MyPerfectResume report illustrate a pivotal shift in the work culture, encouraging individuals to seek creative solutions in navigating their financial futures.

For more detailed insights and to access the full report, visit MyPerfectResume.