Almost 60% of people in Asia-Pacific have a side job, with the majority saying they do so to make ends meet, according to a recent survey from global health and wellness company Herbalife.
Findings from Herbalife's 2023 Asia-Pacific Side Job Survey indicated almost 3 in 5 (59%) respondents have a side job, with the top reason (61%) being to make ends meet.
Other reasons for working a side job include dealing with the rising cost of living (44%) and being less reliant on a single source of income (43%).
The findings represent opinions from 5,500 respondents in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Those with a source of additional income said on average, they need to earn between US$300-$700 per month to live comfortably.
"The increased cost of food, housing and natural resources has affected communities globally, causing people to search for supplemental income streams," said Stephen Conchie, Herbalife's regional president of Asia-Pacific and China.
More than half (56%) of the respondents said their financial situation makes it difficult to pay for necessities such as food, utilities and medicine, while seven in 10 (72%) said they were as worried about money now as they were a year ago.
In addition, 56% said they have no idea what their financial future looks like, and for some, "this is having a negative effect on their mental health", said Mr Conchie.
Among the side jobs, selling products online, content creation, as well as writing, editing or proofreading were the most common positions, while direct sales, also known as network marketing, was fourth.
"While having a side job can provide more financial flexibility, a sense of security and the means to make ends meet, it's important for individuals to choose one that's right for them," he said.
Among the respondents, millennials were the most likely to have a side job (63%), followed by Gen Z (59%), Gen X (50%) and Baby Boomers (45%).
Among millennials, the top reason for starting a side job is to deal with the rising cost of living (47%), to be less reliant on a single source of income (46%) and to have a financial safety net (43%).
The survey found people with a side job commit an average of eight hours a week to those gigs.
"Direct sales offers time flexibility and low start-up costs," said Mr Conchie.
"It's also an opportunity to market a product or service you're passionate about, which helps ensure you'll dedicate the necessary time and effort."
