#United States #Seattle #ResumeTemplates #extra income #holiday expenses

Majority of Workers Seek Additional Income for Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, a recent survey conducted by ResumeTemplates.com has disclosed that a significant number of full-time workers in the United States are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their holiday expenses. Out of 1,000 surveyed individuals, it was revealed that 61% of participants feel that affording gifts, travel, and celebratory activities has become more challenging compared to previous years.

A Struggling Workforce

The findings indicate that two-thirds of American full-time workers are actively looking for additional sources of income to cover their rising holiday costs. This trend highlights a broader economic issue where traditional full-time employment fails to provide the financial stability needed for many families during the holidays. Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com, pointed out that “wages aren't keeping pace with costs, and many people are being forced to find extra income just to maintain a basic standard of living.”

Interestingly, nearly 30% of those surveyed attributed their financial struggles to the discontinuation of government benefits such as SNAP or insurance assistance. Consequently, an increasing number of employees are resorting to side gigs or taking on extra hours to bridge the financial gap created during this festive season.

Popular Side Gigs

The survey shed light on the types of supplemental work that employees are engaging in to alleviate their financial distress:

• - 46% are opting to work overtime for their primary employer.
• - 33% are taking up delivery jobs.
• - 30% have secured positions in seasonal retail.
• - 23% are pursuing freelance opportunities or working through ride-sharing services.
• - Others are exploring social media roles, pet-sitting, and babysitting services.

Nonetheless, the pursuit of additional work is not without its challenges. More than a third of respondents (39%) confirmed that juggling side jobs negatively impacts their productivity at their main jobs. Furthermore, about 43% expressed difficulty in discovering suitable side job openings.

Adjusting Holiday Spending

Amid these challenges, many workers are planning to cut back on their holiday spending. Specifically:

• - 35% intend to spend less on gifts.
• - 29% plan to reduce their spending on decorations.
• - 26% will limit their travel expenditures.
• - 25% will cut back on food costs.

This cautious approach reflects the deep financial concerns many are enduring, as the holiday season traditionally encourages spending and togetherness. Nevertheless, for many, the festive cheer is intertwined with financial anxiety, and adjusting their spending seems a necessary measure.

Conclusion

The results from this survey illustrate a worrying trend that suggests full-time employment is no longer a guarantee of financial stability, particularly during the holiday season. The reliance on supplemental income sources raises questions about the current economic landscape and the long-term viability of traditional wage structures. As more workers face these realities, it becomes vital for employers and policymakers to understand the implications of these findings and consider new strategies to support individuals navigating the financial complexities of modern life.

For additional insights and more in-depth results, the complete report is available on the ResumeTemplates.com website.