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The summer side hustle: Why more Australians are looking beyond their main job

National Online Courses

The summer side hustle: Why more Australians are looking beyond their main job

As Australians prepare for the Christmas spending season, new employment figures reveal just how common working more than one job has become, with around one million people now juggling multiple jobs.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures for June 2026 show approximately 6.9 per cent of employed Australians held more than one job, with the rate even higher among younger workers.

For Australians looking to boost their income over summer, hospitality, tourism, events and other customer-facing industries may offer opportunities to earn additional money alongside their regular employment.

But National Online Courses director Samuel Bohr said people considering a summer side hustle should think about more than simply finding an available shift.

"There's a lot to consider when you're taking on a second job, particularly if it's in an industry you haven't worked in before," Mr Bohr said.

"People might be looking for a few extra shifts to cover Christmas expenses, build up their savings or just give themselves a bit more financial breathing room.

"But it's worth doing some research first, because different jobs can have different training and compliance requirements."

Getting ready for a second job

Mr Bohr said hospitality was one industry worth considering for people seeking additional work, particularly over the busy summer period.

However, jobs involving the service or supply of alcohol generally require Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training, with requirements varying between states and territories.

Workers in gambling-related roles may also need Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG) or Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) training, while food handling roles can have specific food safety training requirements.

"Someone who's worked in an office for the past 10 years might be perfectly capable of picking up a few shifts in a local pub or restaurant, but there may be training they need to complete before they can perform certain duties," Mr Bohr said.

"The good news is that some of these requirements can be met through relatively short courses, rather than committing to months or years of study."

He said first aid training could also be a useful addition to a resume across a range of workplaces, although it was not mandatory for every role.

Making a second job work

Mr Bohr said people considering additional employment should also factor in their availability, travel time, fatigue and any obligations associated with their existing job.

"Working two jobs isn't necessarily easy, particularly when you're trying to fit everything around family responsibilities and your main employment," he said.

"You need to be realistic about how much time you have available and whether the additional income is worth the extra hours."

He recommended researching local employment opportunities, checking job advertisements for required qualifications and considering the full cost of taking on extra work.

"There's no point spending money on qualifications you don't actually need," he said.

"Start by looking at the jobs you're interested in, find out what employers require and work backwards from there.

"For someone hoping to pick up a few shifts over summer, a little preparation now could make it easier to take advantage of opportunities when they arise."

ENDS

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About National Online Courses

National Online Courses (NOC) provides nationally recognised and industry-relevant training across hospitality, first aid, food safety and workplace safety, helping Australians gain the skills and qualifications they need for work.

Contact details:

noc.edu.au
Contact Samuel Bohr
Director National Online Courses
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 1300 677 191