The world of work is undergoing a significant transformation, driven in part by the growing number of young Americans taking on side gigs to explore their passions and make extra cash. This seismic shift is particularly pronounced among gen Z Americans, with 57% of them having a side hustle, according to recent Harris Poll research. Aashna Doshi, a 23-year-old software engineer at Google, is a prime example of this trend. On top of her day job in the tech giant's security and artificial intelligence department, Doshi also publishes social media content about working in tech and her life in New York City, and records podcasts – sometimes all three in a day.
Doshi's experience is not unique. Many young adults are now spinning plates, using their main job as financial bedrock while directing their passion and ambition elsewhere. As Doshi noted, "In my side hustles, I can finally offer myself an outlet to be creative and express myself without any constraints." This desire for creativity and self-expression is a common theme among gen Z side hustlers, who are seeking to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 mold and forge their own paths.
Sen Ho, a 25-year-old who works in a stationery store and creates digital illustrations in his spare time, is another example of this trend. "If I wasn't doing my side hustle, I would be very lost in life," he said. "It is what keeps me going." Ho's experience highlights the importance of side hustles in providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment, particularly in an economy where traditional career paths are no longer guaranteed.
The Portfolio Career
According to Mark Valentino, Citizens Bank's president of business banking, gen Z is thinking in terms of a "portfolio of careers" – not just one path, but a bunch of different things that bring them fulfillment. This approach is driven by a desire for flexibility, freedom, and purpose, which a traditional corporate job may not be able to offer. As Valentino noted, "Gen Z is thinking in terms of what I call a 'portfolio of careers' – not just one path, but a bunch of different things that bring them fulfillment." This shift in mindset is likely to have significant implications for the way we think about work and careers in the future.
For many young professionals, the idea of a 9-to-5 job as the primary source of financial success is no longer appealing. Instead, they are turning to side hustles and investing as a way to achieve financial stability and pursue their passions. As Daniel Zhao, chief economist at Glassdoor, noted, "All the traditional pathways to success, like going to college and securing a steady white-collar job, haven't borne out, and now they are left with debt and a tough job market." This has led to a growing number of young Americans seeking alternative routes to financial success, including side hustles and entrepreneurship.
The Rise of the Gig Economy
The gig economy is playing a significant role in the rise of gen Z side hustles. With the proliferation of platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, it is easier than ever for young people to find freelance work and start their own businesses. This has created new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, but it also poses challenges for traditional employers. As Valentino noted, "There's going to be a big gap in the workforce in the next 10 years. The onus is on corporate employers to figure out how to attract young people into jobs where they feel passionate, where there's a mission and a sense of purpose, where there's flexibility."
Yeong Yuh Lee, a 23-year-old freelance illustrator in New York, is an example of the challenges and opportunities posed by the gig economy. After being let go from her full-time job, Lee was able to fall back on her side hustle, which has allowed her to continue working as an artist. However, she noted that the gig economy can be unpredictable and demanding, with clients often expecting quick turnarounds and low prices. As Lee said, "I don't know what I would've done if I didn't hustle for clients outside of my in-studio job. Right now, I am living off of my side hustle, while trying to find a new job. But it's already been six months and no luck."
Embracing the Side Hustle
Despite the challenges posed by the gig economy, many experts believe that side hustles are here to stay. As Zhao noted, "Side hustles are here to stay, especially for younger workers. They are motivated, have the will to learn, the grit to be scrappy, and these are all characteristics that are really important for a workforce." This has significant implications for employers, who will need to adapt to a workforce that is increasingly driven by a desire for flexibility, freedom, and purpose.
As the nature of work continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a growing number of young Americans turning to side hustles as a way to achieve financial stability and pursue their passions. As Doshi noted, "The job market is cooked. You might have a job today, but tomorrow you might be laid off. Side hustles are about security and control, in such an unpredictable economy. It feels safer than just relying on one employer." This shift in mindset is likely to have significant implications for the way we think about work and careers in the future, and will require employers to adapt to a workforce that is increasingly driven by a desire for flexibility, freedom, and purpose.
A New Era of Work
The rise of gen Z side hustles marks a significant shift in the way we think about work and careers. As Valentino noted, "The barriers to entry for starting something … are the lowest they've ever been. I do see there being a change in terms of what we define as a 'career' moving forward." This shift is driven by a desire for flexibility, freedom, and purpose, and is likely to have significant implications for the way we think about work and careers in the future. As the nature of work continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a growing number of young Americans turning to side hustles as a way to achieve financial stability and pursue their passions.
