In an effort to get ahead of their finances, one in five millennials (19%) has turned to working in two or more jobs, research from financial services provider OneFamily has revealed.
- 2.8 million workers aged 18-34 are juggling tw or more jobs to get ahead
- The most common reason young people are working extra jobs is to improve their career opportunities (31%) and to boost their income (23%)
- Millennials earn an average of £4,500 extra a year from their second job – and one in 10 (10%) will use this to save for a specific financial goal such as a first home
Money-makers
2.8 million people under 35 are working an extra 10 hours a week in additional jobs to help themselves get ahead. On average they earn an extra £387 a month as a result.
One in four of these (23%) are doing it to boost their salary; with 17% saying it helps pay the bills on a day to day basis and one in 10 (10%) will use this to save for a specific financial goal such as a first home.
Demonstrating their entrepreneurial outlook, the majority of job jugglers (69%) are also taking advantage of other ways to make money in addition to their extra work. Some are selling their personal items through websites, such as eBay (74%) or through online marketplaces on social media sites such as Facebook (56%). Others are taking advantage of the ‘sharing economy’ by renting out their room on sites such as Airbnb (24%).
Lisa, 33, decided to make some extra money by selling vintage clothing on eBay during her maternity leave:
“As any new mum knows, finances can be a struggle but my online hobby paid for a family holiday. I’m back at work now but have not given up on my online shop – it’s a great way to make some extra money.”
Career builders
A third of job-jugglers are using the additional work to help build experience and get ahead in a new career (31%). These young people pursuing their career ambitions have been able to build up a network of contacts in their new field (24%) or broaden their set of skills (17%). The focus on building up professional skills has meant that one in four (27%) intend to make their side project a full-time career at some point in the future.
Lewis, (23, a lab-technician) has always dreamed of making ice-cream for a living, he now has his own artisan gelato food truck: “I used to just feel like running my own truck was a pipe dream but I’ve managed to make it happen as a side business. One day I hope I can make it work full time but for now I’ll try and balance my two jobs.”
Passion projects
While money and career seem to be big motivators for job-jugglers, one in three (30%) are primarily interested in feeling passionate about their extra work; 17% see their side business as a ‘passion project’ rather than a long-term career goal. As a result, along with the extra money they may earn from their side-careers, young people are looking for fulfilment (43%) and often find the challenge brings a lot of fun (11%).
Felicity, 34, juggles her freelance editing and proof reading job with running a mother and baby group business:
“I took on my side business because it plays a vital role in the community and for new parents who need support. I already have turned one of my previous side hustles into a full-time job (proof-reading), so it was great to do something that would help others instead.”
Nici Audhlam-Gardiner, Managing Director of Lifetime ISAs at OneFamily commented:
“It’s amazing that so many young people are working hard to pursue their passions, achieve their goals and improve their finances.
“This extra work often comes with a bank balance boost – an average of £4,500 extra every year – and many young workers seem to be using this to build up their savings pot. For those using their extra earnings toward a long-term goal such as their first home or retirement, they may want to consider a Lifetime ISA which can earn them an additional £1000 a year through Government bonuses.”