Pay packet pressure: Aussie workers are hunting for another job
Almost half of working Australians are seeking extra income in 2026, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,003 respondents, 646 of whom are employed, revealed 48% feel financially pressured to look for additional work this year.
A quarter (26%) feel pressured to look for a higher paying job, while a further 22% admit they need to look for a second job to cover rising living costs.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said many Australians are facing financial hardship.
"We are seeing a big shift where standard salaries no longer stretch to cover the essentials.
"A single pay cheque often isn't enough to cover the basics, let alone get ahead. Many are now forced to hunt for extra income just to make ends meet.
"This isn't just a story of people wanting to earn more money, it's about survival as everyday costs continue to rise faster than wages."
Finder's research found more women (54%) feel pressured to find additional work than men (42%).
Megginson said it's a sign financial stress has become more mainstream.
"When almost half of the working population are looking for a second job or a new role, it's a clear indicator of how deep the pressure goes.
"Australians are trying their best just to stay afloat," Megginson said.
Do you feel financially pressured to look for another job in 2026?
| Yes, I feel pressured to look for a second job | 22% |
| Yes, I feel pressured to look for a higher paying job | 26% |
| No, I don't feel pressured | 52% |
| Source: Finder survey of 646 respondents with a job, January 2026 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,003 respondents, 646 of whom are employed, from January 2026.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
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