In a world where a college degree no longer guarantees a stable career path, Gen Z has turned to side hustles as a way to pursue financial stability and fulfillment. In a recent survey commissioned by Microsoft, 48% of Gen Z respondents reported juggling multiple side hustles at once. As the youngest members of the workforce, Gen Z is leading the charge in the side hustle revolution.
Part of the reason why Gen Z is pursuing side hustles is due to economic concerns. A third of Gen Z respondents worry about the cost of living above all other concerns, according to a survey by Deloitte, and more than a quarter of Gen Zers said they doubt they’ll retire comfortably. With financial struggles like these, Gen Z has lost faith in the traditional notion that working hard and finding a good job will guarantee a stable future.
But Gen Z’s pursuit of side hustles isn’t just about financial stability. Side hustles have become a way for Gen Z to pursue their passions and explore new interests. Independent work allows them to reclaim their time and build a career that aligns with their values.
One of the driving forces behind Gen Z’s pursuit of side hustles is the desire for purpose and fulfillment. Many young people have found that corporate work doesn’t offer the same level of passion and excitement as their side hustles. For example, Ajla Brama, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, began selling unwanted items on eBay and babysitting in her neighborhood when she was in middle school. She knew early on that she didn’t want to do corporate work and has since pursued several side hustles that align with her values and interests.
While pursuing multiple side hustles can be challenging, Gen Z is finding ways to make it work. They’re leveraging technology and social media to build their brands and connect with their audiences. They’re also building networks and collaborating with like-minded individuals to grow their businesses.
In many ways, Gen Z’s pursuit of side hustles is a reflection of the changing nature of work. With the rise of the gig economy and remote work, traditional career paths are becoming less relevant. Gen Z is redefining what it means to have a successful career, and side hustles are playing a major role in this shift.
But while side hustles offer Gen Z new opportunities and possibilities, they also come with their own set of challenges. Pursuing multiple side hustles can lead to burnout and exhaustion, and it can be difficult to balance work with other commitments.
As the gig economy continues to expand, Gen Z has embraced the concept of side hustles as a means to supplement their income and explore their passions. However, while these hustles provide exciting new avenues for growth and development, they also present unique challenges that must be navigated.
The allure of side hustles is clear – they offer a way for Gen Z to pursue their interests and supplement their income outside of traditional 9-to-5 jobs. However, pursuing multiple hustles simultaneously can quickly lead to burnout and exhaustion, particularly if they’re also juggling other commitments like school, family, or other work.
Furthermore, balancing the demands of multiple side hustles with other commitments requires careful planning and organization. Without a clear strategy in place, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and let important tasks fall through the cracks.
Despite these challenges, many Gen Zers find that the benefits of pursuing side hustles far outweigh the costs. These hustles offer a way to explore new passions, gain valuable experience and skills, and build a diverse professional portfolio. With careful planning and a commitment to self-care, anyone can successfully navigate the world of side hustles and reap the rewards they offer.
As the youngest members of the workforce, they are leading the way in the side hustle revolution and redefining what it means to have a successful career.
