It has often become humorous that one cannot just settle for a full-time job alone, but with various demands, ways of living, and personal expenses that young people, in particular, are experiencing, searching for extra gigs almost became a ‘mandatory’ thing.
According to business consulting firm Deloitte, millennials and Filipinos belonging to Generation Z (Gen Z) are taking on side gigs other than their primary, full-time career for additional sources of income.
Further, it was reported that around 71% of Filipino millennials and 65% of Gen Zs have taken on sidelines. This is considerably higher than last year, ranging from 61% to 64%.
So, what made such decisions and actions among young Filipinos? Frederic Landicho, managing partner and chief executive officer of Deloitte Philippines, comments that this may have been due to the economic uncertainties the young find themselves in as the world recovers from the global pandemic.
He adds that young workers lean on their resourcefulness to cope and that organizations can significantly influence their employees’ financial well-being. A side job also allowed the young Filipinos to develop essential skills and form connections.
The report also states that 6 out of 10 Filipino millennials and Gen Zs believe that if our economy does not improve next year, it will be challenging to land a job—especially a full-time offer.
It should also be noted that the job quality worsened last April 2023. Many millennials and Gen Zs also feel burnt out by the taxing demands their jobs bring. Millennials and Gen Zs have refused assignments or tasks that go against their personal beliefs and values.
With that said, there is a firm belief that employers should focus on their people’s mental health, which would surely usher in a positive workspace and increased productivity.
While one of the core reasons millennials and Gen Zs are searching for extra gigs or freelance work is financial stability, especially in the aftermath of the global health crisis, another reason is that young people are more ambitious than the older generation. This allows the young to be compelled to seek out part-time or freelance gigs other than their full-time role.
Do you agree that the generation of today needs other gigs aside from their primary, full-time job? Let us know your opinions in the comment section.