Let’s be real, life today is expensive. Whether it’s saving up for university, paying off debt, or just covering daily costs, Gen Z is doing a lot to make ends meet. One major trend? Side hustles.
According to Investopedia, over 55% of Gen Zers are taking on side hustles, and it’s not just for fun. For many of us, it’s a necessity.
So, what exactly is a side hustle?
It’s any job you do outside of school or your main work. You just need a phone, an idea, and the drive to figure things out to start. Almost anything counts, from selling handmade jewelry, tutoring, or flipping thrift finds, to making reels or offering design services.
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Why are we all hustling?
A few reasons:
• Money stress: Rent, fees, groceries…it all adds up. According to Bankrate, 34% of Gen Z are working extra to stay afloat.
• Freedom: A lot of us want to be our own boss. Intuit found that 49% of Gen Z want independence, and 42% want to follow their passions.
• The future: Traditional job security doesn’t feel so secure anymore. Many are starting early to build something of their own.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Let’s be honest, side hustles aren’t always easy:
• Income can be unpredictable : Some people earn under $50 a month in the beginning stages. The average Gen Z hustler makes around $968 a month, which is quite decent, but still behind other generations.
• Burnout is real: 73% of Gen Z side hustlers say they feel exhausted. Working over 15 hours a week on top of everything else…a simple recipie for burnout
• You need real skills: Passion is great, but you’ll also need to learn marketing, manage your time, and track your money.
Why passion still matters
Here’s something cool: people who hustle for the love of it, not just money, tend to earn more in the long run. Visa found that “soul traders” meaning those who follow their passion make 22% more year over year. Why? Because when you care about something, you’re more likely to stick with it and do it well.
So… can passion actually pay?
It depends. If your hustle teaches you new skills, fits your schedule, and makes you excited to show up, that’s a great sign. But if you’re losing sleep, burning out, or not seeing growth, maybe its time to pause and rethink.
Start small, experiment, track how much time, energy, and money you’re putting in and how it makes you feel.