One in six Brits has a second job to make ends meet, new research has shown. A study, of 2,000 adults revealed the incredible extent to which many people are struggling to keep their heads above water.
It found one in six workers – or around six million people – have taken on a second job because they don’t earn enough from their primary employment, while many more are currently exploring their options in tight financial times.
The ways in which Brits are bringing in more income outside of work were also detailed – selling things on eBay, car boot sales and taking side jobs cleaning were among the most common methods turned to for extra cash.
The small things do make a big difference - as for the average Brit, just an extra £131 a month would make the world of difference to their financial situation.
The research, commissioned by Magnetix Wellness, a designer magnetic jewelry maker, also found one in seven people have kept the extra job secret from family and friends.
Dr Petra Doring, of Magnetix Wellness, said:
”The results show just how many people are having a tough time financially and the options they have been exploring as a way of boosting income.
”With so many exploring different ways of bringing in a bit more each month, the desire to find something that offers flexibility and that can fit in with an already hectic routine is key.
”Many mums in particular are increasingly looking to regain their financial independence and re-establish themselves professionally while contributing to the household income.”
The study found the biggest reasons for keeping extra income secret was a fear that they would be judged for taking on a second job, while a desire to ’give the impression I’m better off than I actually am’, also emerged.
One in five said ‘on the outside’ they managed to keep up appearances and look like they are doing well, but in truth they have serious money worries – while a third of respondents have had to cover up money worries from friends and family so they weren’t forced to answer difficult questions.
In addition, 37% feel a certain pressure to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ and maintain an image that isn’t in keeping with their level of income.
Amid the tough financial climate one in ten has sold a cherished family heirloom to cover costs of their day to day lifestyle.
The study also showed one in three mums took a job in order to support their partner as his income wasn’t stretching far enough.
The need for financial independence between partners was clear with three quarters stating it was important to a relationship.
But the key barrier to mum’s contributing to the household income was flexibility, while the ability to work from home and have a support structure was also key.
There was also a sense of mum’s feeling out of touch or missing out socially as the family tries to get by each month – seven in ten said the ability to work from home would help them get the balance between being a mom and an employee while bringing in the much needed extra money.
Dr. Doring added:
”The study showed many mums are increasingly looking to bring in their own income and have that financial independence, but in a tough financial climate, finding jobs that offer the right flexibility and support can be challenging.
”With people turning to second jobs and ways of bringing in money to maintain or enhance their current lifestyle, it’s important they consider routes that will offer them a sense of pride and development.
‘The study also found Brits turning to dog walking, supermarket night shifts and bar work as ways to boost their finances on the side.”
MOST COMMON WAYS OF GAINING EXTRA INCOME
1. Selling things on eBay
2. Car boot selling
3. Waitressing
4. Delivery job
5. Cleaning
6. Buying and selling things at auction
7. Envelope stuffing
8. Bar work
9. Paper/leaflet delivery
10. Night shifts in a supermarket
11. Mail order – such as Avon, Kleeneze etc.
12. Dog walking
13. Renting out a room in my house
14. Babysitting
15. Tutoring
16. Renting out my home in a holiday swap
17. Receptionist
18. Painting pictures/making things to sell on
19. Renting out a car