Gen Z Knows How to (Side) Hustle - and We Can All Learn from Them
By Nick Friesen
Nick is a recent graduate of Seattle University’s Creative Writing & Film Studies program
Throughout high school, I worked as a grocery store clerk – a fairly run-of-the-mill job, but one that gave me spending money and skills that have come in handy in later jobs.
Plenty of kids my age had part-time work, of course, but while I was chatting up retirees and playing Tetris with five cartons of oat milk and a banana, a few of my pioneering peers were already pursuing less traditional sources of income. Back in those days, one of the hot side jobs was shoe reselling, but since then the side hustle has grown into almost an art form, and one that Gen Z (those born between the mid-90’s and 2010) excels at.
While more experienced generations might be daunted by the notion of working multiple simultaneous jobs, tons of Gen Zers are all-in. But we’re not alone. A 2023 Bankrate survey revealed that 39% of working Americans have a side hustle, with more than 50% of Gen Zers reporting jobs on the side. The idea of picking up an extra income source isn’t exactly breaking news, but the vigor, passion and creativity that Gen Zers are putting into their hustles has launched the concept into new territory.
Sound intriguing? Let’s break it down.
So…What qualifies as a side hustle?
A side hustle is pretty much what it sounds like: a job on the side, or a secondary source of income apart from a regular job.
These gigs can take many forms, from crypto to reselling (shoes, clothing, and the like) to content creation, or even real estate. There is a huge range of potential side hustles requiring different levels of experience and time commitment, so really anyone can start at their comfort level. Some potential hustles include:
Freelance Work (writing, photography, graphic design, etc.)
Amazon Reselling (or eBay, thredUP, Facebook Marketplace, the list goes on)
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting
Content Creation (TikTok, YouTube, etc.)
Crafting (selling arts and crafts on websites like Etsy)
Stock Photography (selling photos to companies like Shutterstock for commercial use)
Online Tutoring
Rideshare/Food Delivery (Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, etc.)
As the internet generation, Gen Z hustlers know how to leverage resources like YouTube and TikTok to fuel their businesses, using these websites as learning resources, advertising platforms and, for many, hustles in and of themselves. Mastery of the algorithm is creating a microcosm of learning and business entirely outside of the “traditional” system.
Why Consider a Side Hustle?
Bottom line: flexibility, funds, and freedom. Self-protection. Having multiple income streams provides a degree of financial security should a layoff happen or the job market take a hit.
Side hustles usually aren’t a primary source of income, nor do they typically add up to another full-time job (though the lines can be blurry here). But they certainly pack the power to fatten up your wallet. According to a 2023 study by Zippia, side hustles pull in $483 per month on average. But 15% of hustlers make over $1,500 a month and a just over 2% make over $5,000 a month.
While many factors might push someone towards a side hustle, the income boost, flexibility, and freedom that traditional 9-to-5’s lack are a few major motivators.
In past generations, it wasn’t typical for up-and-coming professionals to seek out multiple streams of income. But inflation and an increasingly dire economy means that many Gen Zers fear goals like retirement or home ownership are out of reach. Side hustles can help to rectify this, producing additional income that can (hopefully) build up a nest egg and make some hard-to-reach dreams come true.
The side hustle can also fulfill a number of personal and comfort needs that other jobs don’t. For instance:
Allowing people to work on their own time, make their own schedule and take time off when they need it.
Creating a sense of independence, especially when one owns their own business.
Providing fulfillment and personal growth unavailable in a regular job.
Offering an alternative to industries that were fractured by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Enabling workers to gain new skills that might assist in their main profession.
Giving Gen Zers compensation for pursuing their interests and creativity.
Is there a downside?
In the wise words of Poison, “Every rose has its thorn” and there are a a few potential thorns to consider before plucking the rose of a side hustle. Larger employers—one’s “main hustle,” if you will— might frown upon workers having multiple jobs. According to a study conducted by payroll company Paychex, more than half of hiring managers consider multiple jobs a red flag. So, while having a side gig may not completely bar one from certain jobs, it could throw a wrench in the gears when it comes to hiring.
And then there’s burnout. Humans have limits — even hyper-energetic 20-somethings. With some Gen Zers working two to three side hustles plus a full-time gig, time management is key. The side hustle isn’t a pursuit for the faint of heart… or the sleepy.
Generation Zeal
As Gen Zers enter the workforce, the game is changing. Side hustles are just one of many ways that work is evolving, and in a topsy-turvy, what-the-heck-is-inflation-doing, why-is-gasoline-$5-a-gallon, post-pandemic world, it might be just what is needed.
From drop-shipping to shoe-selling, small business is being revamped and reinterpreted. Gen Z isn’t just a bunch of internet teens and iPad kids anymore. They — and the side hustle — are changing the way work is done.
Interested in learning more? Be on the lookout for Jenny’s soon-to-launch LinkedIn Learning course, which dives into portfolio careers, or those made up of a thoughtful collection of jobs, interests, and income streams (including side hustles) vs. one, single job.