‘Survival’: Gross work trend impacting Australian workforce   
As the cost-of-living crisis continues its grip on Australian households, millions are searching for ways to survive.   

News.com.au
February 9, 2026

A grim work trend has hit Australia, with new research indicating more Aussies are desperate for more work amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Almost half of Aussie workers are feeling so cash-strapped they feel pressured to find ways to make additional income, even resorting to getting another job.

According to Finder research, 48 per cent of Aussies say they feel financially pressured to look for more work this year.

The cost-of-living crisis is forcing Aussies to look for extra income.

About a quarter said the cost of living was so intense they felt pressured to find a job with better pay.

Meanwhile, a further 22 per cent said they would have to seek out a second job to cover their increasing expenses.

It’s a grim trend on the rise across the country.

“We are seeing a big shift where standard salaries no longer stretch to cover the essentials,” Finder personal financial expert Sarah Megginson said.

“A single pay cheque often isn’t enough to cover the basics, let alone get ahead. Many are now forced to hunt for extra income just to make ends meet.”   

The financial pressure is impacting women more than men.

The financial pressure is also impacting women worse than men.


According to the survey, 54 per cent of women said they felt pressured to find more work compared with 42 per cent of men.

“This isn’t just a story of people wanting to earn more money, it’s about survival as everyday costs continue to rise faster than wages,” Ms Megginson said.

She said financial stress had become so common that it had entered the mainstream.

“When almost half of the working population are looking for a second job or a new role, it’s a clear indicator of how deep the pressure goes,” she said.

“Australians are trying their best just to stay afloat.”

Bobby. wrote Today at 5:32pm:


Be interesting to see how many of them were born in Australia.

I would be better if the people leaving gave the reasons instead of making a conclusion based simply on data, People leave for many reasons especially work.

This story doesn't pass the pub test for me.