Half of Brits pursue side hustles in emerging '5-9 economy'

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 14:20 · Archive

Half of Britons regularly dedicate 214 extra hours annually to side hustles and passion projects outside their main job.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that 49% regularly work towards a personal goal after their day job, at least once a week, whilst 14% do so every weekday. Those on a 'second shift' dedicate an average of four hours a week to these projects. The typical second shift begins between 7:00 pm and 7:59 pm, with 17% reporting that their most productive hours occur after officially finishing work.

Side hustles are the primary driver of the UK's after-hours activity, with 24% of adults currently running one alongside their main job. However, earning extra money is not the sole motivation. Some 32% pursue evening activities to learn new skills for personal interest, while 23% do so for career development. A further 15% hope their evening projects will unlock new career opportunities, and 12% are studying for professional qualifications.

Millennials show the strongest commitment to professional development, with 31% using their evenings to build workplace skills, compared to 11% of Gen X and 9% of older generations. Creative ambitions are also significant, with 16% using evening hours to create digital content. The Mirror reports that London has become the UK's 'hustle capital', with 61% of residents engaging in their '5-9' at least once weekly, ahead of Manchester at 54% and Bristol at 49%.

How it is being reported

• Rise of the 5-9 economy as Brits clock up hundreds of hours on 'side hustles'Half of Britons regularly clock into a 'second shift', putting in 214 extra hours a year to pursue side hustles and passion projects.The Mirror · 16 Oct, 13:17
• Millennials lead the charge in UK's '5-9 economy' - but it's not just about making moneyHalf of Brits dedicate 214 extra hours annually to side hustles and passion projects.Daily Express · 16 Oct, 11:43

In this story: Samsung · London · Manchester · Bristol · Millennials · Gen X

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