Many Filipinos are Embracing the Raket Culture, Survey Reveals

A study conducted a few years ago suggested that Filipinos need to earn an annual income of P1.3 million (or P110,000 per month) to achieve happiness. It appears that a considerable number of individuals are turning to side hustles or part-time work in pursuit of this goal.

According to a survey by market research tech company Agile Data Solutions Inc. and its data gathering platform Hustle PH, 60 percent of Filipinos have engaged in some form of part-time job, with the highest prevalence observed among younger individuals, particularly those aged 18 to 25 (Gen Zs). Engaging in part-time work is predominantly driven by financial considerations across all demographic groups.

But as Filipinos grow older, flexibility becomes more of a priority compared to younger Filipinos who are willing to sacrifice time in exchange for financial security. Other reasons cited were skills development, personal growth, career exploration, work-life-balance, flexibility, and networking opportunities.

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A noteworthy finding from the survey is the influence of side hustles on people’s financial consciousness. Over half of the respondents say they adopted budgeting practices and became more conscious of their spending since starting part-time work. This “signifies a broader shift towards financial mindfulness, prompting individuals of varied backgrounds to align their spending habits with personal goals,” says the study.

Filipinos are also inclined to save the income from their part-time jobs. They allocate their funds towards practical items and essential services, such as investments/insurance, groceries, household supplies, as well as rent and utilities.

A significant number of respondents across all age brackets express a strong interest in remote work. Among the most preferred part-time jobs are virtual assistance, freelancing, and online tutoring, primarily due to the appeal of flexible work hours and a positive work-life balance.

Whether women are better multitaskers than men remains up for debate. However, according to this study, men are statistically more prone to managing two part-time jobs compared to women, who prefer taking up only one. This could be attributed to a combination of factors, including differences in financial needs, career aspirations, and societal expectations

Call center roles top the lists of part-time positions Filipinos look for, closely followed by virtual assistant positions. “With outsourcing talent in the Philippines becoming a common practice for businesses around the world, both industries will continue to thrive and grow, providing lucrative work opportunities to Filipinos,” the study adds.