A recent report indicates a growing divide among millennials regarding side jobs, revealing that 52% engage in additional work while 46% do not.
The findings come from a survey conducted by Academized.com involving 2,500 millennials aged 26 to 41.
The trend of side hustles, or polyworking, has been on the rise, particularly in tandem with the gig economy’s expansion. Interestingly, more women seem to be taking on multiple roles—52% compared to just 38% of men.
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The emergence of overemployed workers
The shift to remote work during and after the pandemic has facilitated a rise in individuals taking on multiple full-time roles, particularly in tech. These workers, often called “overemployed,” frequently keep their second jobs hidden from their primary employers.
Even if balancing two full-time positions seems overwhelming, securing extra employment has never been easier. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr enable skilled professionals to find freelance opportunities that match their expertise.
So, why do so many Americans pursue additional work? The primary reason appears to be a quest for financial stability.
Research from the American Bar Association highlights that between 1979 and 2019, the wage growth for the bottom 90% of American workers lagged behind the overall economic growth.
The report suggests that the wealthiest—primarily in finance and business—have benefited disproportionately, resulting in stagnant wages for most workers.
This situation creates a troubling “tightened middle ground,” where wage growth for this demographic has been minimal, with median earnings increasing by just 13.7% over four decades.
Consequently, there are fewer middle-class millennials compared to previous generations. While 70% of baby boomers found themselves in the middle class in their 20s, only 60% of millennials have achieved the same by that age, according to an OECD report.
The impact of rising living costs
With stagnant wages and rising inflation, it’s understandable why millennials are seeking additional income.
Food costs, in particular, have surged since 2020. For instance, data shows that food prices in May 2025 were 2.9% higher than the previous year, outpacing overall inflation.
This climb follows price increases of 3.9% in 2021, 9.9% in 2022, 5.8% in 2023, and 1.9% in 2024.
Egg prices, specifically, have fluctuated significantly, experiencing a drop in June but rising over 27% year-over-year.
Side hustles are certainly a practical way to cope with these financial pressures, as indicated by the Academized.com study.
Millennials on average earn about $12,689 yearly from freelance or extra jobs. Those with in-demand technical skills might see an additional $45,000, while those with less specialized skills earn roughly $1,200 more annually.
For many, these efforts are not just about financial relief; 41% say their side work has alleviated some financial strain. Additionally, 24% are pursuing their interests and creative outlets, 17% feel it helps them grow in their careers, and 12% are motivated by entrepreneurship and personal branding.
The challenges of side hustles
While extra income can be beneficial, there are potential downsides. Juggling multiple roles and responsibilities can lead to sacrifices and significant time commitments.
Interestingly, 64% of side hustlers report spending 5-20 hours each week on their additional work.
This has resulted in burnout for many, with 42% of respondents expressing exhaustion from the stress of managing extended work hours and shifts between jobs.
There are also relational concerns, as 26% noted that their extra work has strained personal relationships, and 19% reported a decline in performance in their primary roles.
