Fourit Inc., the developer and operator of the affiliate platform 'afb (Afi-Bee)' <https://www.afi-b.com/>, conducted a nationwide survey of 2,000 people regarding 'side jobs' and summarized findings including age-specific characteristics.

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[Background of the Survey]

In recent years, an increasing number of companies have begun allowing side jobs and concurrent employment, leading to a steady rise in the number of people starting or considering side jobs. However, side jobs vary widely in type and work style, and many express confusion such as 'Which side job suits me best?' or 'What criteria should I use to choose?'. Criteria for selecting side jobs differ from person to person—some prioritize income, while others value low risk or skill development—resulting in increasingly diverse needs. Therefore, this survey investigated the most important factors when considering a side job, targeting 2,000 men and women aged 20 and above across Japan.

[Survey Overview]

Target respondents: Men and women aged 20 and above nationwide

Sample size: 2,000 people

Residence: Nationwide

Survey method: Online research

Survey date: April 21, 2026

[Question: If you were to take on a side job, what would be the most important factor?]

Response options for the question were as follows:

1. Potential for income growth

2. Ability to earn stable income

3. Can be done in a short amount of time

4. Can be enjoyed

5. Helps develop skills

6. Requires low initial cost

7. Low risk

8. Has support system

9. Other

Income and ease of continuation are key factors in choosing a side job

The most selected response overall was 'Potential for income growth' at 26.2%, followed by 'Ability to earn stable income' at 22.7%, and 'Can be done in a short amount of time' at 21.0%. While income-related factors ranked highest, the fact that 'Can be done in a short amount of time' ranked third reflects the reality that many seek side jobs that can be pursued without strain while balancing their main job.

'Can be enjoyed' accounted for 9.7% and 'Helps develop skills' for 7.3%, indicating that a certain portion of respondents seek fulfillment and personal growth through side jobs, not just income. 'Requires low initial cost' (6.4%) and 'Low risk' (4.5%) were also selected, suggesting that lowering the barrier to entry is an important factor in encouraging participation in side jobs.

20s prioritize profitability, 30s focus on skill development—different perspectives across generations

When analyzed by age group, 'Potential for income growth' ranked highly across all age groups, indicating a common desire for profitability regardless of age.

Among those in their 20s, 'Potential for income growth' was the highest at 34.2%, showing a standout figure among all age groups. This reflects a strong motivation to actively increase income—a characteristic tendency of a generation with high growth aspirations. Additionally, 'Requires low initial cost' was also high at 12.2%, higher than other age groups, highlighting a strong demand for side jobs that can be started without significant upfront investment.

Among those in their 30s, 'Helps develop skills' was highest at 14.7%, the highest among all age groups. This suggests many in this age group are considering personal growth through side jobs alongside career development in their main job. Those in their 40s and 50s showed trends close to the overall average, but 'Ability to earn stable income' was relatively high at around 25%, indicating a strong preference for stability. Among those aged 60 and above, 'Can be enjoyed' was highest at 15.8%, the highest across all age groups, indicating a characteristic tendency to seek job satisfaction and fulfillment, not just income, from side jobs. While different age groups seek different things from side jobs, it can be said that if suitable options matching their individual needs are available, side jobs can become accessible to all generations.

Both men and women prioritize stable income—women show higher interest in time efficiency

When analyzed by gender, both men and women ranked 'Potential for income growth' (men: 26.1%, women: 26.3%) and 'Ability to earn stable income' (men: 23.9%, women: 20.5%) highly, indicating a common emphasis on income.

However, 'Can be done in a short amount of time' was selected by 23.1% of women, surpassing the 19.8% of men, suggesting slightly higher interest among women in side jobs that are easy to pursue within limited time. Additionally, the proportion selecting 'Ability to earn stable income' was slightly higher among men, indicating a relatively stronger tendency to prioritize income continuity and predictability.

While some differences exist in priorities, both genders commonly seek side jobs that 'can be continued without strain and lead to stable earnings,' reflecting a shared attitude of valuing practicality and sustainability.

Different side job needs by occupation—salaried workers prioritize efficiency, self-employed prioritize profitability

When analyzed by occupation, 'Potential for income growth' ranked highly across all job types, indicating a widespread common perception of side jobs as a means to increase income.

Among company employees and public servants, 'Potential for income growth' was highest at 27.1%, and 'Can be done in a short amount of time' was also high at 21.4%, indicating a desire to efficiently earn income while being mindful of balancing with their main job. Among the self-employed and business owners, 'Potential for income growth' was highest at 29.0%, the highest among all occupations, highlighting a particularly strong focus on profitability.

Among students and part-time workers, 'Can be enjoyed' was highest at 14.0%, the highest across all occupations, indicating a tendency to value interest and enjoyment in the side job itself, not just income. Among the unemployed and others, 'Ability to earn stable income' was exceptionally high at 40.4%, indicating that securing income is their top priority. The key concerns when starting a side job vary by occupation, and being able to choose a side job format suitable for one’s situation can be the first step toward action.

Criteria for choosing side jobs vary by income level—higher-income groups prioritize profitability and growth potential

When analyzed by household income, 'Potential for income growth' and 'Ability to earn stable income' ranked highly across all income brackets, indicating a common emphasis on income regardless of income level.

Among those with household income under ¥5 million, 'Requires low initial cost' was high at 8.4%, higher than other income brackets (¥5–10 million: 5.3%, ¥10 million and above: 4.0%), indicating a strong tendency to prefer side jobs with low startup costs. Among those with household income of ¥10 million and above, 'Potential for income growth' was highest at 29.1%, and 'Helps develop skills' was also highest at 9.0% among all income brackets. Regardless of income level, the desire to 'start in an easily accessible environment' is common, and offering options tailored to the interests of each income bracket could make side jobs feel more approachable to more people.

From this survey, the most important factors when doing a side job

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey