Why 38% of US workers now rely on a second job to afford basic living expenses

For a growing number of American workers, one job is no longer enough. According to a 2025 survey by LendingTree, 38% of US workers now rely on a second job or side hustle to afford their basic living expenses.From groceries to rent and electricity bills, the cost of daily life has pushed millions to work beyond regular hours. Among those with a side hustle, 61% said they would not be able to afford their current lifestyle without that additional income. The side hustle has moved from being a luxury or creative outlet to a lifeline for survival.

More work, fewer options

Side hustles were once seen as a way to earn extra income or explore personal interests.

In 2025, that perception is changing. The LendingTree survey found that 33% of people with side hustles said they took them up due to rising cost-of-living expenses. Another 29% said they needed the money to pay regular bills, while 28% used it for discretionary spending such as clothes or meals.Debt was another major driver, with 24% reporting that their side hustle income is used to manage or pay off existing loans and credit card debt.

Inflation is high, but wages are not

According to the same LendingTree data, nearly 49% of workers said the state of the economy pushed them to take on a side hustle. 42% pointed specifically to inflation. Other cited reasons included the ongoing effects of the pandemic (21%), rising interest rates (20%), and market instability (14%).Even full-time workers are feeling the pressure. While wages remain largely stagnant, the costs of essentials like housing, food, healthcare, and transportation have risen steadily.The survey also looked at how much people are earning from their side gigs. It found that the average monthly income was $1,215, but the median was only $400, suggesting that while a few people make substantial money, most are earning much less.There was also a striking gender gap in earnings. According to LendingTree, men reported earning an average of $1,580 per month, while women reported $749.

What second jobs look like in 2025

The LendingTree survey offered insights into the most common types of side hustles.

The top three were food and grocery delivery (15%), online freelancing (15%), and part-time or seasonal work (14%). Other reported roles included housecleaning, selling goods or crafts online, reselling items, and creating content on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.Some workers are also turning to babysitting, tutoring, day trading, rideshare driving, or even platforms like OnlyFans. The variety is wide, but the motivation is often the same.

Most people are not taking these roles for passion or fun. They need the money.

Most workers don’t want to juggle jobs

While side hustles are now a regular part of life for many, most workers would rather not have them. According to LendingTree, 65% of those with a side hustle said they would prefer to rely on a single job, if that job provided enough income to meet their needs.When asked what expenses they would cut first if their side hustle disappeared, 46% said dining out, 39% mentioned entertainment, and another 39% said shopping.

A temporary fix that’s now a way of life

The LendingTree report paints a clear picture. For millions of Americans, the second job is not a short-term fix. It is an essential part of household income.These jobs rarely come with benefits, stability, or long-term growth. They often require working late nights, weekends, or hours squeezed in between other responsibilities. But they are now what keeps the lights on and the bills paid.

Until wages catch up with real-world expenses, or the economy shifts in favor of working families, side hustles will remain a critical financial support system. For a growing segment of the US workforce, they are no longer optional. They are the only way to survive.