Two-Thirds Of U.S. Workers Rely On Side Hustles

Monster has just released their 2026 WorkWatch Report, which shows us how the workforce feels about their jobs, AI in the workplace, long-term career plans and more. It suggests that the majority of workers are focused on prioritizing stability and income protection over accelerating career moves this year. Some are still ambitious, but many are looking at risk more carefully and being realistic.

The employment site’s report is based on a survey of 1,504 U.S. workers of various industries, generations and education levels. Key findings include:

This year, 43% are planning to search for a new job. While that may sound high, it’s less than half of the 93% who said the same thing in 2025.
Four in 10 workers expect the job market to get worse in 2026 and another 40% don’t think it will improve, which means just 20% believe it will get better.
Just over half (52%) of respondents think we’ll see more layoffs across the country this year.
A third say layoffs at their company are somewhat likely and 13% say they’re extremely likely.
For 58%, the top concern of 2026 is that their salary won’t keep up with inflation, and 57% say their current pay has already fallen behind inflation.
Nearly two-thirds are turning to extra income streams, including 32% who already have a side hustle and 30% who are planning to start one soon.
Half of the workers polled (50%) are now required to be in the office five days a week.
Nearly a third (31%) say they won’t even apply for fully in-office jobs, while 13% wouldn’t take a job that requires being on site four days a week.
About half (49%) are worried AI could threaten their job or industry.

Workers’ Most Important Job Priorities for 2026