Side hustles propping up underpaid and overworked education professionals

Following last month’s report from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, that six in ten education professionals (61.1%) struggle to make ends meet at the end of each month, brand new research reveals that side hustles are providing a much-needed extra cash flow. In fact, 64.3% of education professionals who work on the side claim that they started their side hustle to earn more money.  

The study surveyed 1,200 UK professionals and found that additional financial income is the main driving force behind having a side hustle. In fact, two thirds (66.7%) of education professionals said they would consider giving up their side hustle if their employer paid them more. The other reasons why education professionals started their side hustle are just for fun (21.4%) and for added job security (14.3%). 

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the findings: 

“Our research shows that while a quarter of education professionals have a side hustle, not very many seem to have one out of their own choice. Rather than taking up a side hustle because of personal interests or for fun, people are being forced to find ways to top up their monthly income.  

“What’s worrying about so many education professionals struggling for cash is that while Britain is almost at full employment, the quality of jobs on offer is dropping. Rather than accepting a salary which isn’t competitive or sustainable, be sure to negotiate your worth. It’s much more difficult to change your stance after you’ve started the job.” 

What’s more, despite 34% of employers having a policy on working on the side, plenty of education professionals are putting in extra hours every week for their side hustle. In fact, over a quarter (28.6%) of education professionals work an extra 10 hours or more per week on their side hustle. 

Biggins concludes: “It’s concerning that so many education professionals are working long, strenuous hours in their side hustle, as they could be putting themselves in serious danger of burnout. It’s tough enough at times to get through a full working week, let alone while working two jobs.  

“Although the work ethic of these industrious professionals is commendable, focussing your attention on one job is preferable. Put the time into your current job and hopefully your employer will reward you with a pay rise. However, if your side hustle is something which brings you joy, then there’s no harm in keeping it up. As long as it doesn’t affect your performance in your other job!”