Moonlighting now the norm among Gen Zs

JOB FAIR | Applicants fill up forms at the Public Employment Service Office in Manila on Feb. 24, 2023. (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA  — A majority of surveyed Filipino Gen Zs are taking on part-time jobs to keep their wallets fat as they seek financial independence at a time when prices of consumer goods and other expenses are becoming more expensive, according to a study by market research firm Agile Data Solutions Inc.

The report released on Tuesday revealed that 83 percent of Gen Z respondents (aged 18 to 25) were aspiring for financial stability, driving them to secure part-time work.

“We see an increasing number of Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, seeking part-time employment as a means to bolster their income and attain financial stability,” Agile Data Solutions chair and CEO Jason Gaguan said. He explained that inflation was the main motivation for Filipinos to work harder.

Inflation rose to 6.1 percent in September, quicker than the 5.3 percent registered the month earlier, because of higher food prices and transport costs.

READ: Inflation climbed up some more in September, says BSP

For the older age group (41 to 60), nearly half of the respondents said they wanted more flexibility in work, rather than prioritizing generation of additional income. Only 25 percent of Gen Z respondents agreed with this sentiment.

“This illustrates a willingness among Filipinos to exchange time for financial stability in their younger years. As individuals age, their focus tends to shift towards the importance of time and achieving a better work-life balance,” the study noted.

The most in-demand job is in the call center industry, followed by virtual assistant roles, service crew positions, information technology roles, and sales positions.

The respondents also prefer working from home amid the growing trend for remote work setups.

“Filipinos today aren’t just adapting to the digital age — they’re truly making the most of it. With all the new technology and online platforms out there, many are finding jobs that fit their preferences and skills,” Gaguan said.

The study, conducted from July to September among 1,000 participants, showed that 60 percent of Filipinos are engaged in some form of part-time work.

The respondents are reportedly earning as much as P10,000 monthly. The part-time workers reside mostly in Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon.