The Rise of the 'Portfolio Career': Why Side Hustles Are Here to Stay

Side hustles have become a permanent fixture in the American work landscape, driven by economic necessity and the desire for financial security.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The term 'side hustle' exploded during the COVID-19 years, fueled by the shift to remote work and a surge in inflation. While many have returned to traditional office settings, the appetite for supplemental income remains strong. A recent survey by MyPerfectResume reveals that a significant 72% of American workers now rely on at least one source of secondary income.

Why it matters

The persistence of side hustles is deeply rooted in economic realities. While average worker pay increased by 18% between 2020 and 2024, inflation rose by 21% over the same period. This means the typical worker has diminished purchasing power compared to five years ago, driving the need for additional income streams.

The details

Initially driven by necessity during the pandemic, the side hustle has evolved into a core component of the American work landscape. The MyPerfectResume report indicates this isn't a temporary phenomenon; over half of workers anticipate maintaining their current level of side hustle income in the coming year. Approximately one in four believe these secondary incomes may eventually surpass traditional pay raises as a means of financial growth. Federal data supports this trend, with the share of employees holding multiple jobs steadily increasing since the early months of the pandemic, peaking at 5.7% in November 2025 – the highest level recorded in the new millennium.

  • The term 'side hustle' exploded during the COVID-19 years.
  • The share of employees holding multiple jobs peaked at 5.7% in November 2025.

The players

MyPerfectResume

A company that conducted a survey revealing that 72% of American workers now rely on at least one source of secondary income.

Jasmine Escalera

A career expert at MyPerfectResume who explains that the persistence of side hustles is driven by economic necessity, not luxury.

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What they’re saying

“You think of people who are just trying to pay rent, to pay for food. This isn't about luxury. This represents about necessity.”

— Jasmine Escalera, Career expert at MyPerfectResume

The takeaway

The rise of the side hustle signals a broader shift in how Americans view work and income, with the traditional model of a single, full-time job being increasingly replaced by a 'portfolio career' – a combination of multiple income streams that provide financial security and flexibility. This trend is likely to continue as the gig economy expands and technology makes it easier to connect with freelance opportunities, allowing workers to seek greater control over their income and schedules.