Half of Brits work a ‘second shift’ after hours on side hustles

A poll of 2,000 adults found 49 per cent now regularly work towards a personal ambition after their day job ends, doing so at least once a week.

While 14 per cent are even more dedicated, hustling every day from Monday to Friday.

The average person with a second shift dedicates four hours a week to projects that could shape their future.

The emerging ‘5-9 economy’ sees the average second shift begin between 7pm and 7.59pm, with 17 per cent saying some of their most productive hours happen after they have officially finished work.

The research was commissioned by Samsung to highlight its Galaxy Tab S12 Series, combining long-lasting battery life with an expansive display that gives users the space to learn, research, create and pursue personal projects after hours.

Side hustles are the biggest driver of the UK's after-hours output boom, with 24 per cent currently running one alongside their main job.

But making extra money isn't the only motivation, as some spend their evenings learning a new skill, either out of personal interest (32 per cent) or to develop their career (23 per cent).

Millennials are the most focused on career development, with 31 per cent using their evenings to build their skills in this area, compared to just 11 per cent of Gen X and nine per cent of Boomers.

Creative ambitions also factor in, as 16 per cent use their evenings to create content.

London has also emerged as the UK’s “hustle capital”, with 61 per cent of residents clocking in to their '5–9' at least once a week, ahead of Manchester (54 per cent) and Bristol (49 per cent).

The desire for greater independence is helping drive Britain’s second shift, with 22 per cent wanting to gain more control over their future.

While 15 per cent hope their evening efforts will open up new career opportunities as 12 per cent use this time to study towards a qualification.

The second shift also has the potential to transform the first, with 15 per cent of side-hustlers hoping their evening project will become their full-time career.

Whereas 12 per cent of those studying or developing new skills hope to use these to move into a different role.

But turning these ambitions into progress takes commitment, with finding the time (37 per cent) and keeping their energy up after a full working day (45 per cent) the two biggest challenges.

Technology also helps power this second shift, in the form of online tutorials (25 per cent), task management apps (16 per cent), and digital creative tools (15 per cent).

Charlie Nordfeldt, from Samsung UK and Ireland, said: “Finishing the workday is often when personal ambitions truly take flight.

“Whether you are studying for a qualification, launching a new business idea, or bringing a creative project to life, those evening hours make a real difference.”

TOP FIVE SIDE-HUSTLING CITIES:

1. London

2. Manchester

3. Bristol

4. Newcastle

5. Leicester