About 70% Prioritize "Income" and "Sustainability"! Survey on Key Factors for Choosing a Side Hustle

FOR-IT Inc., which develops and operates the affiliate platform "afb" <https://www.afi-b.com/>, conducted a survey on "side hustles" targeting 2,000 people nationwide and compiled data on characteristics by age group.

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https://www.afi-b.com/beginner/archives/tsushin/15710/

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[Background of the Survey]

In recent years, more companies have begun to allow side jobs and concurrent employment, and the number of people actually starting or considering side hustles is increasing year by year. However, side hustles vary widely in type and working style, and many voices are heard expressing悩む (worrying) about "which side hustle is right for me" or "what criteria should I use to choose." Since the criteria for choosing a side hustle differ from person to person, needs are diversifying, with some prioritizing income, others prioritizing low risk, and others prioritizing skill development. Therefore, this survey was conducted among 2,000 men and women aged 20s to 60s and over nationwide to understand the most important points when engaging in a side hustle.

[Survey Overview]

Target Audience: Men and women aged 20s to 60s and over nationwide

Sample Size: 2,000 people

Location: Nationwide

Survey Method: Online research

Survey Date: April 21, 2026

[Question: If you were to take on a side hustle, what would be the most important point?]

The response options for the question were as follows:

1. Potential for income increase 2. Stable income 3. Can be done in a short time 4. Can be enjoyed 5. Skills can be acquired 6. Low initial cost 7. Low risk 8. Support system available 9. Other

"Income" and "Sustainability" are Key Factors in Choosing a Side Hustle

The most frequent response overall was "Potential for income increase" at 26.2%, followed by "Stable income" at 22.7%, and "Can be done in a short time" at 21.0%. While income-related items occupied the top positions, the fact that "Can be done in a short time" ranked third reflects the reality of seeking a side hustle that can be pursued without strain while balancing it with one's main job.

"Can be enjoyed" accounted for 9.7%, and "Skills can be acquired" accounted for 7.3%, indicating that a certain number of people seek not only income but also fulfillment and self-growth from their side hustles. "Low initial cost" (6.4%) and "Low risk" (4.5%) were also chosen, suggesting that lowering the hurdle for the first step is an important point in encouraging participation in side hustles.

20s Focus on Profitability, 30s on Skill Development: Side Hustle Views Differ by Generation

Looking at the data by age group, "Potential for income increase" ranked high across all age groups, showing a common trend of seeking profitability from side hustles regardless of age.

In their 20s, "Potential for income increase" was highest at 34.2%, a figure that stood out among all age groups. This reflects a strong desire to actively increase income, a trend characteristic of a generation with high growth aspirations. Additionally, "Low initial cost" was also higher at 12.2% compared to other age groups, indicating a strong need for side hustles that can be started without upfront investment.

In their 30s, "Skills can be acquired" was highest among all age groups at 14.7%. This suggests that many in this age group are considering self-growth through side hustles in parallel with their career development in their main jobs. The 40s and 50s showed trends close to the overall average, with "Stable income" being relatively high at around 25%, indicating a strong preference for stability. For those aged 60 and over, "Can be enjoyed" was highest among all age groups at 15.8%, characterized by a tendency to seek not only income but also job satisfaction and fulfillment from their side hustles. While the demands placed on side hustles vary by generation, it can be said that it becomes easier for any generation to engage in them if suitable options are found.

Both Men and Women Prioritize Stable Income; Women Interested in "Can be Done in a Short Time"

Looking at the data by gender, "Potential for income increase" (Men 26.1% / Women 26.3%) and "Stable income" (Men 23.9% / Women 20.5%) ranked high for both men and women, indicating a common emphasis on income.

On the other hand, women showed a higher interest in "Can be done in a short time" at 23.1% compared to men at 19.8%, suggesting a slightly higher interest in side hustles that can be pursued even with limited time. Furthermore, the proportion of men who chose "Stable income" was slightly higher than that of women, indicating a relatively stronger emphasis on the continuity and predictability of earnings.

While there are some differences in the points emphasized, both men and women share a common desire for "side hustles that can be continued without strain and lead to stable profits," suggesting a focus on practicality and continuity.

Side Hustle Needs Vary by Occupation: Company Employees Prioritize Efficiency, Self-Employed Prioritize Profitability

Looking at the data by occupation, "Potential for income increase" ranked high across all job types, demonstrating a widespread commonality in viewing side hustles as a means of increasing income.

For company employees and public servants, "Potential for income increase" (27.1%) was the most common response, and "Can be done in a short time" (21.4%) was also high, indicating a need to efficiently earn income while balancing it with their main job. For the self-employed and business owners, "Potential for income increase" was the highest among all occupations at 29.0%, highlighting a strong focus on profitability.

For students and part-time/temporary workers, "Can be enjoyed" was the highest among all occupations at 14.0%, showing a tendency to prioritize not only income but also interest and enjoyment in the side hustle itself. For the unemployed and others, "Stable income" was exceptionally high at 40.4%, indicating that securing income is the top priority. The points of interest when starting a side hustle vary by occupation, and it seems that choosing a form of side hustle that fits one's own situation can be the first step toward action.

Side Hustle Selection Criteria Change with Annual Income: Higher Income Brackets Prioritize Profitability and Growth

Looking at the data by household annual income, "Potential for income increase" and "Stable income" ranked high in all income brackets, indicating that the emphasis on income is common regardless of annual income.

For those with "Less than 5 million yen," "Low initial cost" was 8.4%, higher than other income brackets (5 million to less than 10 million yen: 5.3%, 10 million yen or more: 4.0%), showing a high demand for side hustles that can be started with low initial costs. For those with "10 million yen or more," "Potential for income increase" was highest at 29.1%, and "Skills can be acquired" was also the highest among all income brackets at 9.0%. Regardless of income level, the need to "start in an easily accessible environment first" is common, and if there are options tailored to the interests of each income bracket, more people will be able to feel that side hustles are within reach.

This survey revealed that the three items "Potential for income increase," "Stable income," and "Can be done in a short time" account for approximately 70% of the overall responses regarding the most important points when engaging in a side hustle. It can be said that there is a widespread common interest in "side hustles that allow for good earnings and can be continued without strain," regardless of age, gender, occupation, or household income.

On the other hand, it was also revealed that the points emphasized, such as "skill development," "enjoyment," and "low initial cost," differ depending on age and occupation. The needs sought from side hustles are not uniform, and being able to choose a form that suits one's lifestyle and goals is likely the key to selecting a side hustle that can be continued long-term.

About "afb" <https://www.afi-b.com/>

A performance marketing service operated by FOR-IT Inc.

It is an affiliate platform that has been rated No. 1 in satisfaction among high-income partners for 13 consecutive years* (*Survey by the Affiliate Marketing Association).

Leveraging a vast media network and data with approximately 20 years of extensive operational experience, cumulative promotion count of approximately 17,000, and cumulative partner sites of approximately 1.18 million, we support data-driven marketing activities that maximize advertising effectiveness.

Towards the clean-up of the advertising industry, we provide information and services related to laws and regulations not only for our employees but also for our partners and advertisers.

Click here to register as a new member of afb

New Affiliate Partner Registration: https://www.afi-b.com/general/partner/terms

Partner Registration via Social Media Account: https://www.afi-b.com/web/influencer-lp/

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"afb" will continue to deliver the latest information on affiliate marketing to more people and contribute to the growth of the internet advertising market.

Please cooperate by always citing the following link as the source when quoting article content, graphs, data, etc., rather than reprinting this press release.

https://www.afi-b.com/beginner/archives/tsushin/15710/

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Company Profile

Company Name: FOR-IT Inc.

Location: E-Space Tower 9F, 3-6 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Capital: 10 million yen (as of the end of April 2025)

Business Activities: Affiliate Platform Business, Global Marketing Business, Influencer Platform Business, App Promotion & Development Business, Media Business, CRM Business

URL: https://www.for-it.co.jp

<Inquiries Regarding This Matter>

TEL: 03-5728-5865 | Email: afb_partnersupport@for-it.co.jp | Contact: [afb] Partner Support Operations Secretariat

TEL: 03-5728-5865 | Email: press@for-it.co.jp | Contact: Public Relations Department