In recent years, the wage situation in Indonesia has shown noteworthy developments. While nominal wages have indeed increased, when compared to the rising costs of basic necessities, housing, transportation, and education, many workers still feel pressure on their purchasing power. This situation raises fundamental questions about whether average wages are truly sufficient to cover basic household needs.

The phenomenon of workers taking on side jobs is a relevant indicator. For a small number of workers, additional work may be chosen to increase savings or broaden their experience. However, for many others, this decision is driven more by the need for sufficient monthly income. Thus, the presence of side jobs can be interpreted as a sign that income from their primary job is often insufficient.

This brief uses Sakernas data from August 2024 to provide a more detailed picture of workers who take on side jobs. The analysis will highlight the characteristics of these workers, including their primary sector of employment, education level, and differences across demographic groups. These findings are expected to provide a clearer perspective on the relationship between wage levels, living costs, and workers' strategies for maintaining their household's economic sustainability.