Jessica O'ConnorWorkers are increasingly looking for additional sources of income as the cost-of-living squeeze continues, according to analysis from YuLife.
Research by YuLife found that in December 2025 alone, searches for “side hustle” and “second job” were made a combined 56,000 times, as employees prepared for the financial pressures of the new year.
Interest in extra work built steadily through the autumn, before peaking in November and December.
YuLife’s analysis revealed searches for “side hustle” rose by 33% between August and December, increasing from an estimated 35,274 to around 47,000 by the end of the year.
Searches for “second job” peaked in November at an estimated 11,246, remaining elevated at around 9,000 in December.
The company said the trend points to a growing number of workers taking on what it describes as a “shadow shift” – additional paid work carried out in evenings or at weekends on top of already demanding main jobs.
This suggests many employees are entering 2026 under financial strain and with reduced time to rest and recover.
Sammy Rubin, CEO and founder of YuLife, said: “People are increasingly relying on second jobs and side hustles to bridge the gap between wage growth and living costs.
“The challenge for employers is that financial pressure doesn’t just affect the wallet, it affects sleep, recovery and overall wellbeing.
“As we move into 2026, there’s a real risk that workers begin the year already depleted. Employers can’t control the economic climate, but they can take proactive steps to support the financial and mental wellbeing of their teams.”
