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Second jobs for money, satisfaction
WORKERS are chasing career fulfilment and a boost to their bank accounts by taking on a second job.
The nbn’s Side Hustle Report reveals the most popular second jobs for Australians are reviewing services or products (22%), photography (21%) and food or drink-related jobs (20%).
Women skew towards fashion (17% of females, 5% of males) while men prefer tech-related side jobs (24% of males, 7% of females).
The School of Life faculty leader Christian Stenta says Australians are obsessed with finding fulfilment outside of work.
“Fortunately we’re not limited to our day job to feel challenged and fulfilled in life, with access to fast broadband providing a platform for us to ... make some extra cash on the side,” he says.
The report reveals 76% of Australians would like a side job for the chance to learn new skills while others would take one to give their life further meaning (69%), to be their own boss (65%) or because they are sick of
their work routine (56%).
Others may pursue a side job to boost their income because of underemployment.
Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the national underemployment rate – people wanting to work more hours than they are offered – is about 8.3%, up
from 7.3% five years ago and 6.4% 10 years ago.
SEEK data reveals there is a market for work on the side as casual and vacation job ads increased 19% this year, compared to 5% for new full-time job ads.
Hays Queensland managing director Darren Buchanan says although he has noticed
underemployment, a lot of people take a second job or start a side business by choice.
“The attitude towards a job for life changed a long time ago,” he says.
“Someone who has had children (might) work part time and the rest of the time run a business from home.”
He says there are also
benefits to working temporary and contract roles, such as being able to take travel breaks and having flexible hours.
“You can meet new contacts, make networks and improve your skill set because you are working with different organisations, different systems, different work styles,” he says.
❝ Fortunately we’re not limited to our day job to feel challenged and fulfilled in life ... — Christian Stenta