Survey finds 40% "frequently" think about changing jobs for better financial opportunities
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- According to FlexJobs'® and Remote.co's® Side Hustle & Financial Flexibility Report, 77% of respondents said they "frequently" (40%) or "occasionally" (37%) think about changing jobs for better financial opportunities. Released today, the survey revealed 41% of workers considered quitting or quit their job to pursue a side hustle full time, signaling the search for greater career agency and financial security among today's workforce.
Ahead of Financial Literacy Month in April, FlexJobs and Remote.co developed the survey and polled over 2,200 U.S. professionals between February 4 and 18, 2025, on their financial and career decisions amid remote work debates, layoffs, return-to-office (RTO) mandates, inflation fears, and economic uncertainty.
"With the career landscape rapidly changing and remote work remaining a top priority to the majority of workers, we're seeing professionals across experience levels actively seeking ways to improve their financial situation and work-life balance through highly strategic job moves, including freelancing and entrepreneurship," said Toni Frana, Career Expert Manager at FlexJobs and Remote.co.
$100,000+ Salary Key Signifier of Financial Success
The Side Hustle & Financial Flexibility Report found over half (51%) of respondents define financial success as earning a salary somewhere between $100,000 and $250,000 annually, while the remaining 49% said:
- $75,000 - $100,000 (26%)
- $250,000 - $500,000 (17%)
- $500,000 and above (6%)
When asked about the best way to increase their salary, 54% believe changing jobs is the more effective strategy, compared to 46% who would pursue a promotion within their current company.
Among those seeking external positions, 77% stated they "frequently" (40%) or "occasionally" (37%) think about changing jobs for better financial opportunities. Comparatively, less than one-quarter (23%) said they "rarely" (17%) or "never" (6%) consider it.
41% Quit or Consider Quitting Day Job for Side Hustle
FlexJobs and Remote.co's survey found the majority of respondents engage in side hustles to supplement their income. However, most prioritize financial security, requiring their side hustle to nearly match their current salary in order to leave their job.
- 61% said they have had (36%) or currently have (25%) a side hustle, suggesting the strong need for workers to supplement their primary income.
- Almost one-third (31%) have considered quitting their job to pursue a side hustle full time, with an additional 10% having already made the leap.
- However, 57% of respondents expressed that they need a side hustle to generate at least 75% of their current salary before leaving their full-time job.
- 22% said they would leave for 51-75% of their salary, 16% would quit for 25-50%, and only five percent would risk it for less than 25%.
"Side hustles can be a profitable stream of income, but they require workers to have a solid financial foundation in place," Frana said. "This Financial Literacy Month, we encourage workers to assess their risks, know the market, build a solid emergency fund, and create a detailed budget before they make the leap to a full-time side hustle."
For more information, please visit https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexjobs-report-workers-consider-quitting-full-time-jobs-for-side-hustles or contact Shanna Briggs ([email protected]).
Methodology: Demographic breakdown of the 2,293 respondents: Gender: women (73%), men (25%), prefer not to identify (1%), prefer to self-describe (1%); Generation: Gen Z (4%), millennial/Gen Y (26%), Gen X (46%), baby boomer (23%), silent generation (1%); Education: less than a high school degree (less than 1%), high school degree or equivalent (8%), some college but no degree (18%), associate's degree (10%), bachelor's degree (39%), graduate degree (24%); Career level: entry-level (11%), experienced (51%), manager (20%), senior-level manager (12%), executive (6%); 29 percent had children 18 or younger living at home with them. FlexJobs created the survey, which was promoted to general audiences and its subscribers/members primarily through social media and newsletters. FlexJobs used a multiple choice and multi-select question format via SurveyMonkey's online platform. The survey ran from February 4-18, 2025.
About FlexJobs
FlexJobs is the leading career service specializing in remote, hybrid, and flexible jobs, with over 135 million people having used its resources since 2007. FlexJobs provides the highest-quality database of vetted remote and flexible job listings, from entry-level to executive, startups to public companies, part-time to full-time. To support job seekers in all phases of their career journey, FlexJobs also offers extensive expert advice, webinars, and other resources. In parallel, FlexJobs works with leading companies to recruit quality remote talent and optimize their remote and flexible workplace. A trusted source for data, trends, and insight, FlexJobs has been cited extensively in top national outlets, including CNN, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNBC, Forbes magazine, and many more. FlexJobs also has partner sites Remote.co and Job-Hunt.org to help round out its content and job search offerings. Follow FlexJobs on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
About Remote.co
Remote.co is the definitive resource for remote jobs, helping professionals and companies navigate the evolving world of remote work. In addition to verified remote job listings, Remote.co provides in-depth articles, Q&As with remote professionals and companies, and actionable resources to help professionals and businesses maximize the benefits of remote jobs. Featured in publications such as Forbes, BuzzFeed, The New York Times, and more, Remote.co has established itself as a trusted platform for both remote job seekers and employers. As part of a network that includes partner sites FlexJobs and Job-Hunt.org, Remote.co continues to support innovation in the remote work landscape. Follow Remote.co on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for the latest trends, insights, and opportunities in remote work.
Media Contact
Shanna Briggs, FlexJobs, 866-991-9222, [email protected], www.flexjobs.com
SOURCE FlexJobs
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