Canadians aren’t just excited about major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026: they’re willing to rearrange their working lives to be part of them.
New research from Employment Hero reveals a striking shift in how people think about work and experience: among those open to event-based gigs, two-thirds would take time off their primary job to participate, even if it comes at a cost.
More than a quarter (28%) say they’d take unpaid leave, signalling that for many, these opportunities go beyond convenience or spare income.
Work is no longer just about the paycheck
What’s driving this? A mix of practicality and something less tangible. For some, it’s financial. One in four Canadians (25%) say they’d take on event work to help cover living costs. But for others, the appeal is experiential: 35% say they’re motivated by the chance to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
That balance reflects a broader shift. Work is increasingly being shaped not just by income, but by flexibility and personal meaning. As KJ Lee, CEO of Employment Hero Canada, puts it, the willingness to take unpaid leave points to “a deliberate choice to prioritize experience,” even when it comes with trade-offs.
The rise of “event-driven” side hustles
Rather than replacing traditional employment altogether, most Canadians are looking to layer these opportunities on top of their existing roles.
Six in ten say they’d treat event-based work as a side hustle, a way to participate without fully stepping away from their main job. Still, a smaller segment (11%) would go all in, temporarily leaving their primary role behind.
Together, it signals a growing appetite for short-term, flexible work that fits around life, not the other way around.
A challenge — and opportunity — for employers
This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. With events like the Calgary Stampede and the World Cup set to draw global attention, employers may start to feel the impact of increased time-off requests and shifting workforce availability.
But this moment also presents an opportunity. Organizations that plan ahead and embrace flexibility are more likely to retain and engage employees who increasingly expect to balance work with meaningful life experiences.
A turning point for how Canadians engage with work
What’s emerging is a new kind of workforce behaviour: one that blends earning with experiencing. Major events are no longer just something people attend — they’re something people want to actively participate in, even if it means stepping away from their day-to-day routine. And as Canada prepares to host the world, it’s clear many workers don’t just want a ticket. They want a role in the moment.
