A growing number of UK professionals are extending their working week beyond traditional office hours, as side hustles become an increasingly common response to rising living costs and economic pressure, research shows.
New data from global talent solutions firm Robert Walters shows that 30 percent of professionals are considering starting a second income stream, while 19 percent are already engaged in one.
As inflation and tax hikes continue to impact earnings, many employees are working well beyond standard full-time hours. According to the findings, a quarter of professionals with side hustles are dedicating an additional 10 to 20 hours each week to these activities, pushing their total working hours up to 67.5 per week.
The trend is part of a wider shift in how professionals manage their time and income, as seen in the rise of social media trends such as TikTok’s ‘5-9 after 9-5’, where users showcase routines and projects undertaken outside regular work hours. The increased visibility of alternative income streams is helping to normalise this type of working pattern, especially among younger workers.
In response to the surge in side hustles, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched a campaign, Help for Hustles, to raise awareness of tax obligations among individuals generating income through platforms like Etsy, eBay and Airbnb. The initiative aims to ensure that those involved in side ventures comply with relevant reporting and tax requirements.
Increased income remains the main driver
The majority of respondents cited financial necessity as the main reason for starting a side hustle. Seventy-five percent said they were motivated by the need for additional income, suggesting that inflationary pressures and static salaries are key factors in the decision to take on more work.
While many are driven by financial concerns, some professionals see side hustles as opportunities for personal and career development. According to the Robert Walters survey, 36 percent said their second job provided motivation or inspiration in their primary role, while 24 percent reported gaining transferable skills that enhanced their performance in their main job.
However, the pressure of balancing dual workloads is also taking a toll. Among professionals with side hustles, 27 percent reported having less time and capacity for their primary role, and 13 percent experienced higher levels of burnout. The physical and mental demands of working extended hours may affect overall productivity and well-being in the long term.
Risks and rewards of side hustles
Lucy Bisset, Director at Robert Walters, acknowledged that side hustles can present both opportunities and challenges. She said, “The number of professionals actively pursuing side hustles, as well as those considering them, truly attests to the levels of financial instability many professionals and businesses currently face.”
Bisset advised workers to weigh the potential benefits against possible drawbacks, particularly the time required to generate meaningful income and the risk of overworking. “Professionals must consider several factors to maximise the benefits of a side hustle – like ensuring they understand any new tax obligations and being careful to remember that the hours invested into a secondary job aren’t always proportionate to the rewards,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Bisset also noted the potential for side projects to contribute positively to career development. “Side hustles can greatly enhance a professional’s main role and their CV – by helping them bring in fresh ideas and perspectives, pursue a passion project as well as developing transferable skills which can improve their existing capabilities,” she added.
“The key is maintaining a balance – a side hustle should enrich your professional capacity and profile, not diminish it.”