Is Side Job Acceptable? Survey of 2,000 People Reveals Real Attitudes, with Rejection Being a Minority View

ForIt Inc., the company that develops and operates the affiliate platform 'afb (AffiBe)' <https://www.afi-b.com/>, conducted a nationwide survey of 2,000 people on the topic of 'side jobs' and summarized findings including generational characteristics.

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https://www.afi-b.com/beginner/archives/tsushin/15688/

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[Survey Background]

In recent years, work-style reforms and the spread of telework have led more companies to allow side jobs and concurrent employment. With rising living costs due to inflation, more people are seeking additional income sources beyond their primary jobs. Amid this trend, public opinion often includes sentiments like 'I want to try, but I can't take the first step' or 'I don't know what side job suits me.' Therefore, this survey was conducted to understand public perceptions of side jobs, targeting 2,000 men and women aged 20 and above across Japan.

[Survey Overview]

Target: Men and women aged 20 and above across Japan

Sample size: 2,000 people

Residence: Nationwide

Method: Online research

Survey date: April 21, 2026

[Question: What do you hope to achieve through self-investment?]

Response options:

1. Very positive (expect growth or increased income)

2. Somewhat positive

3. Neutral (both pros and cons)

4. Somewhat negative

5. Very negative (high time and effort burden)

6. Other

Neutral views dominate, with about 40% holding positive attitudes

Overall, 14.9% responded 'very positive' and 23.0% 'somewhat positive,' totaling approximately 38% with positive impressions. Those answering 'neutral' accounted for 44.6%, the highest proportion, indicating that most people believe side jobs can be beneficial depending on how they are approached. 'Somewhat negative' was 7.6% and 'very negative' was 10.1%, totaling about 18% with negative impressions. This suggests that outright rejection of side jobs is a minority view, and many people have latent interest, conditional on circumstances and work styles.

Younger generations more positive; older age groups show high interest with 'neutral' as the majority

By age group, 20-year-olds showed the highest 'very positive' response at 21.4%, with 'somewhat positive' at 28.6%, totaling 50%—half of this group holds positive views. This generation actively gathers information on new work styles and finances via the internet and social media, naturally viewing side jobs as a viable path for growth and career development.

From the 30s to 50s, the proportion answering 'neutral' remained in the 40% range, peaking at 46.9% among 50-year-olds. As this is an age when family and career situations stabilize, many appear conditionally interested, thinking 'if I can start at my own pace without overburdening myself.' Among those aged 60 and above, 'neutral' was highest at 47.0%, showing that interest in side jobs remains strong regardless of age. In fact, side jobs appear to be a flexible option that can be embraced across generations if they offer time and work flexibility.

Women slightly more positive; both genders show high acceptance of side jobs

Comparing by gender, 'very positive' responses were nearly equal—14.8% for men and 14.9% for women. However, 'somewhat positive' was higher among women at 27.3% compared to 20.8% for men. Overall, positive views totaled about 42.2% for women and 35.6% for men, indicating women are slightly more open to side jobs. Meanwhile, 'neutral' responses were higher among men (45.8% vs. 42.2% for women), and 'very negative' responses were slightly higher for men (10.5% vs. 9.2% for women). Overall, women show a higher proportion of positive impressions, while men tend to be more neutral and cautious.

This suggests that slightly more women accept side jobs as a viable work option, while men, though interested, tend to be more cautious about implementation and evaluation. However, negative impressions remain around 10% for both genders, confirming high baseline acceptance of side jobs regardless of gender.

Self-employed and business owners are most proactive; attitudes vary by occupation

By occupation, 'self-employed/business owners' showed the highest 'very positive' rate at 17.5%, with positive views totaling about 40.0%. This group appears highly motivated to secure additional income or diversify their business, showing proactive attitudes toward side jobs. 'Salaried workers/civil servants' had the highest 'neutral' response at 44.5%, with positive views totaling about 37.4%. Among 'students/part-time workers,' 'somewhat positive' was high at 25.5%, while 'neutral' was also 44.6%, indicating many are open to flexible work but remain cautious. For 'unemployed/other,' 'very negative' was significantly higher at 20.0% compared to other groups, while 'very positive' was only 12.9%. This group shows greater psychological distance from side jobs and heightened awareness of potential burdens.

Overall, those with autonomy in their primary work—self-employed and business owners—are most open to side jobs. Salaried workers, civil servants, students, and part-timers, whose work hours and flexibility vary by employment type, show divided opinions between positive and neutral. The higher negativity among the unemployed suggests anxiety about current employment status and high barriers to starting something new, highlighting how employment status significantly affects psychological distance from side jobs.

Higher household income correlates with more positive views; lower-income groups show mixed hope and anxiety

By household income, higher-income groups showed more positive impressions. Among those earning '10 million JPY or more,' 'very positive' was highest at 18.9%, with positive views totaling about 41.5%. For '5 million to under 10 million JPY,' 'very positive' was 14.6% and positive views totaled about 38.0%. In contrast, for those earning 'under 5 million JPY,' 'very positive' was 13.6% and 'very negative' was 11.4%—higher than other income groups—with positive views totaling only about 36.2%. Among higher-income households,