What the 72% figure means
MyPerfectResume reported that 72% of respondents in its 2026 State of Secondary Income survey used at least one source of secondary income. The underlying Pollfish survey was fielded in October 2025. Its definition included several forms of active and passive income, so it should not be read as “72% of all Americans need a second job.”
Evaluate the economics before adding work
Estimate after-tax revenue, direct expenses, unpaid administrative time, insurance, equipment, platform fees, and payment risk. Then compare the effective hourly return with alternatives such as overtime, training, a job change, or protecting performance in a primary role.
Also count nonfinancial costs: sleep, health, caregiving, and time with family. A side business that harms the primary income source or creates unsustainable family conflict can have negative value even if gross revenue looks attractive.
Use a bounded experiment
A practical test sets a small budget, a fixed time window, a target customer, and a stop rule. Track demand and net income before buying expensive tools or assuming that a high-end anecdote represents a typical result.
Sources and methodology
Checked August 26, 2026. Survey findings describe the named sample, not every person in a generation or population. Limits, rates, market facts, and program rules can change.
- MyPerfectResume — 2026 State of Secondary Income survey release — survey sponsor’s release; interpret with normal sponsor and sampling caveats
Educational information only. This is not individualized financial, investment, tax, legal, medical, or mental-health advice. Verify current rules and consider an appropriately licensed professional for decisions specific to you.
