Young Australians seek security and side hustles as tech reshapes careers

This is the 2nd consecutive year as winners for 12 of the 20 companies, spanning global tech leaders, established names in finance, government, retail, and aviation that continue to attract young Australian workers.

Despite economic uncertainty, optimism remains high. Almost 80% (79%) feel positive about their career prospects, up from 75% in 2024, with nearly half expressing strong optimism.

“Young Australians are excited to use AI in their own careers. They’re not scared of the tools, but they are not sure how jobs will be re-designed and what new career paths for young workers will be. The employers who do that well, who show what new entry-level career paths in the AI era look like, and how young workers can still grow and have impact, will be the ones who win the best talent,” Jacobs said.

Hatch Head of AI and ML, Dr Arwen Griffioen, said young workers’ openness to AI could give them a career advantage.

“This technology is not without its challenges and people are rightly taking notice of how it will change some jobs and replace others. But AI can also empower workers to regain control. Experienced users can boost their impact, reduce stress, or manage multiple ventures without sacrificing their time and energy.”

Security is the defining theme for 2025, and diversifying income is part of that strategy. Eight in ten young Australians say they already have or want a side hustle, a figure that’s risen sharply over the past year.

Many see it as both a creative outlet and a way to expand their skills while keeping the stability of a permanent role. “Side hustles are on the rise, with more and more young Australians eager to try their hand at starting their own thing, while keeping a stable day job,” Jacobs said. “They should be seen as a sign of curiosity, ownership, and drive. In my teams, I’ve always encouraged them. Side hustles allow team members to develop their interests and build new skills that they bring back into the business. It also makes total sense for people to be looking to solidify their careers and expand their options. Having a plan B in this environment is an understandable instinct.”

Nearly 90% of young professionals say they want at least some time in the office, favouring two or three days a week for connection, collaboration, and learning. Only 12% prefer to work fully remotely, down from 23% in 2024.

“After years of remote work, nearly 90% of young professionals are eager to spend time in the office, learning from the people around them. In terms of when they come in, they want clear policies and a sense of shared rhythm,” Jacobs said.

Key findings

• ‍Top 3 dream employers: Google, Canva, Amazon, chosen for stability, culture and growth opportunities

• 12 of the top 20 companies are Australian-founded or based, from scaleups to established brands.

• Homegrown scaleups among top picks: Blackbird, Eucalyptus and Culture Amp, Unyoked.

• Security and growth lead: 37% cite unclear growth opportunities as a top reason to avoid an employer.

• Hybrid work dominates: Two to three days a week in the office is the preferred model for connection and learning.

• Optimism on the rise: 79% feel optimistic about their careers, up from 75% in 2024.

• AI in job applications: More than half have used AI tools, most often for cover letters and resumes.

• Hiring risks: 75% report being ghosted often or most of the time, with 40% saying it makes them feel disrespected.

• 80% of young Australians have or want a side hustle to build skills and a backup plan

• Security is key - stability, growth pathways, flexibility, and fair pay top the list of priorities.

2025 Hatch Hotlist top 20 (alphabetical)

‍ABC, Accenture, Adobe, Airbnb, Allianz, Amazon, ANZ, Atlassian, Canva, Commonwealth Bank, Deloitte, Freelancer.com, Google, Macquarie Group, NSW Government, Qantas, THE ICONIC, Tiktok, Virgin Australia, Woolworths Group

2025 Hatch Hotlist star scaleups (alphabetical)

‍Blackbird, CultureAmp, Deputy, Eucalyptus, HelloFresh, Notion, OwnHome, Pet Circle, SafetyCulture, Unyoked

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Press enquiries

‍The 2025 Hatch Hotlist report is based on a survey of nearly 2,000 Gen Z and Millennial professionals from Hatch’s community, conducted in May and June 2025. Respondents were asked which companies they most want to work for and why, along with their preferences for work arrangements, career priorities, and views on AI and side hustles. Now in its third year, the Hotlist survey is Hatch's annual research on job seekers.

For press enquiries please email press@hatch.team