Approximately 80% of South Korean workers are either currently engaged in side jobs or considering taking on additional work. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — A recent survey has revealed that approximately 80% of South Korean workers are either currently engaged in side jobs or considering taking on additional work, highlighting the economic pressures faced by many in the country’s workforce.
The survey results, released by the job search app Albamon on August 29, polled 1,327 workers on their income situations and attitudes towards secondary employment. The data paints a picture of a workforce grappling with stagnant wages and rising living costs.
Despite the country’s reputation as an economic powerhouse, 81.5% of respondents reported that their financial situations had worsened compared to the previous year. The primary culprit, cited by 79% of those surveyed, was rising prices. Other factors included decreased income, interest rate hikes, and increased debt.
The survey found that 26.8% of respondents are currently working side jobs, while an additional 55.3% are considering doing so. Only 17.9% expressed no interest in supplementary employment. The most common reason for seeking additional work, cited by 55.1% of respondents, was that their primary salary was insufficient to cover living expenses.
“Monthly wages alone make it difficult to get by,” said Kim Min-joo, a 32-year-old office worker in Seoul. “With the cost of everything going up, many of us are looking for ways to supplement our income.”
Among those already engaged in side jobs, the most popular options were managing social media accounts like blogs or YouTube channels, working as event staff, assisting in restaurants, delivery services, and working in logistics centers.
Interestingly, the most desired form of side job was managing social media accounts, followed by office assistance, and retail or delivery work.
The appeal of social media-based side jobs likely stems from their flexibility and potential for growth. “Running a YouTube channel allows me to work on my own schedule without interfering with my day job,” said Lee Joon-ho, a 28-year-old who started a cooking channel last year.
The survey also revealed a gender disparity in side job earnings. Men reported an average monthly income of 712,000 won from their side jobs, while women earned an average of 534,000 won, a difference of 178,000 won.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
