Secret Second Jobs: 1 in 3 Workers Working a Secret Second Income
- Amanda Augustine
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
1 in 3 (32.2%) of full-time workers with a side hustle are keeping it from their employer, reveals a new study.
The survey, conducted by global workforce solutions provider Careerminds, explores how a lack of job security in 2026 has shaped American adults taking on side hustles.
The research found that 2 in 3 (66.5%) of full-time workers currently have a side hustle, with 37.5% of those stating they picked up a side hustle in the last six months as a form of ‘career insurance’ to protect themselves from financial difficulties should they be laid off.
However, the extra financial protection that additional work provides also comes with a layer of secrecy. Almost one in three (32.2%) workers said they are keeping their activity hidden from their employer. A further 26.5% report that their employer is aware they have a side hustle, but don’t know the specifics, while just 41.3% have fully informed their employer.
Career coach weighs in on whether you should disclose your side hustle to your employer
“Whether you need to tell your boss about a side hustle really depends on your situation,” says Amanda Augustine, career expert and certified professional career coach (CPCC). “It comes down to your relationship with your employer, your company’s culture, and what’s spelled out in your employment agreement. Some employers are perfectly fine with employees pursuing outside work on their own time; others take a much stricter view.
“That said, things get more complicated if your side hustle overlaps with your full-time role, competes with your employer, or creates a potential conflict of interest. From an employer’s perspective, the biggest concern is whether outside work could interfere with your performance or loyalty. No one can fault someone for being a go-getter on their own time, but if there’s any chance your side hustle could blur those lines, transparency is usually the smarter move.”
The full research, complete with Augustine’s comments can be found on Careerminds’ research page: https://careerminds.com/blog/job-insecurity-report
Methodology: This report is based on a survey conducted by Careerminds in January 2026, gathering insights from 1,000 full-time workers who also receive an income from a side hustle.
About Careerminds: Careerminds is a global workforce solutions provider specializing in outplacement, career transition, job architecture, and talent development. We combine modern technology with high-touch, one-to-one coaching to help organizations support employees through workforce change and growth. Our scalable delivery model enables consistent, personalized experiences across 80+ languages and major markets worldwide, offering a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional firms. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Amanda Augustine is the resident career expert for career.io’s suite of brands: Careerminds, TopResume, resume.io, and Resume.ai. As a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), she has spent more than 20 years helping professionals improve their careers and land the right job sooner. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
