Younger Filipinos are more engaged in the hustle culture than their older counterparts as shown in the study of startup market research firm Agile Data Solutions Inc. The economic challenges prompted 60% of Filipino respondents to take part-time jobs as they aim for financial independence.

The survey, conducted through the Hustle PH app from July to September 2023, involved 1,000 Filipino participants aged 18 and above.”

“We see an increasing number of Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, seeking part-time employment as a means to bolster their income and attain financial stability,” said Jason Gaguan, chair and CEO of Agile Data Solutions. “This trend is further driven by the prevailing economic challenges and inflation, which reached 6.1% in September.”

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The study found that more men (78%) are engaged in part-time jobs than women (76%). Male respondents usually take two or more part-time jobs.

Analyzing the average earnings of part-time workers across different regions revealed that individuals are reportedly earning as much as P10,000 per month in the leading three areas, which are Calabarzon at 20%, the National Capital Region at 18%, and Central Luzon at 11%.

About 83% of Gen Z respondents want to achieve financial independence compared to 76% of older generations (41-60 years old). However, 47% of the older generation want more flexibility in their employment compared to only 25% of the younger generation.

“This illustrates a willingness among Filipinos to exchange time for financial stability in their younger years,” the report stated. “As individuals age, their focus tends to shift toward the importance of time and achieving a better work-life balance.”

Changing trends

Across both genders, there’s a strong consensus that communication skills are crucial to getting hired. A substantial 84% of women and 81% of men emphasize the value of these skills for part-time employment, underscoring the importance of strong interpersonal abilities, even in part-time roles.

Call center roles top the list of part-time positions that Filipino workers look for, closely followed by virtual assistant roles, service crew positions, information technology roles, and sales positions, respectively.

Work from home emerges as the top preference for working arrangements among individuals of all ages which signals a growing acknowledgment of the value that remote setups bring.

“Filipinos today aren’t just adapting to the digital age – they’re truly making the most of it. With all the new technology and online platforms out there, many are finding jobs that fit their preferences and skills. It’s a testament to the adaptability and spirit of the modern Filipino workforce,” Gaguan said.