In today’s fast-paced world, many Americans are turning to side-jobs to supplement their income, pursue passions, and gain new skills. Side hustles have become a significant part of the American workforce, with many people engaging in various activities outside their full-time jobs. This blog entry looks into the different types of extra gigs Americans busy themselves with, as well as the reasons behind them. I’m also going to give you some statistics to illustrate the scale of the phenomenon.

What Are Side Hustles?

Side hustles are any additional work or projects that individuals take on outside of their full-time jobs. These can range from freelance gigs, part-time jobs, second nighttime jobs, or even third jobs involving, for example, monetizing hobbies or interests. The rise of the gig economy and the availability of online platforms have made it easier for people to find and manage side hustles.

The modern landscape of side hustles is vast and diverse, encompassing everything from creative endeavors to more traditional forms of part-time work. The digital age has opened up a plethora of opportunities for individuals to explore their interests and generate income simultaneously. In 2017, before the pandemic only 19 percent of Americans reported having two or three jobs, now in 2024, this number has risen to 36 percent. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the possibilities for side hustles, making it a dynamic and ever-changing field.

Why Do Americans Pursue Side Gigs?

There are several reasons why Americans engage in side hustles. According to a 2023 survey by Pinger, 80 percent of side hustle business owners did it to increase their income quoting rising maintenance costs and high inflation. Moreover, 70 percent of the side hustlers declared that they would either keep up their side businesses as a safety net income or continue their side projects due to increased business opportunities in the post-pandemic economy. Altogether 41 percent of side hustlers need the extra money to make ends meet.

The growing inflation affects predominantly the young generation depriving them of the feeling of agency, hope, and natural inclination towards optimism. Almost 48 percent of Gen Z, followed by millennials (44 percent), Generation X (33 percent), and baby boomers (23 percent) report having side hustles. In the present reality, so much feels out of control because of climate change, politics, war, and the economy that the young generation is grappling at straws looking for extra income sources to mitigate their fear of the unknown, fill the gaps or simply get by.

Beyond financial reasons, side hustles provide an avenue for personal growth and development. Side hustles offer an opportunity to gain experience in areas people are passionate about but may lack the chance to explore in their full-time jobs. For example, someone working in finance might have a side hustle as a photographer, allowing him or her to express their creativity and develop their skills in a different field. 40 percent wanted to learn a new skill, and 30 percent aimed to eventually be their own boss.

Side gigs also offer a sense of autonomy and control over one’s career. In a traditional job, employees often have limited control over their work and career prospects. However, with a side hustle, individuals can set their own goals, work at their own pace, and make decisions that directly affect their success. This sense of empowerment and independence is a significant motivator for many people to pursue side hustles.

Popular Side Hustles

The types of side hustles Americans pursue vary widely. Some of the most popular side hustles include:

Freelance Work: Many Americans take on freelance work in writing, graphic design, and programming. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to find freelance gigs. If you want to balance a side hustle with a full-time job, freelancing is an appealing choice due to its flexibility in terms of working hours and location.
Reselling or flipping items: Itis a common side hustle that involves selling items on platforms like eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace. People purchase items at a low price, renovate them if necessary, and sell them for a profit. To make informed buying and selling decisions for this side job, you’ll need a keen eye for valuable items and knowledge of the market.
Rideshare and Delivery Services: Driving for companies like Uber, Lyft, or delivering food for services like DoorDash and Uber Eats is another popular option. This gig is for you if you live in a huge urban area with a high demand for rideshare and delivery services and you want flexible working hours with a lucrative income.
Online Tutoring: Many people offer tutoring services in subjects they are proficient at, using platforms like Chegg or Wyzant. Online tutoring allows you to share your knowledge and expertise while also earning extra money. This side hustle is particularly popular among educators and college students.
Content Creation: Monetizing social media accounts, starting a YouTube channel, or blogging can also be lucrative side hustles. If you are a content creator, you can earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. However, to generate income through this side hustle, you must be creative and consistent, and have a large group of followers.
Handmade Crafts and Art: Selling handmade crafts and art on platforms like Etsy allows you to turn your hobbies into profitable ventures. This side hustle is ideal for those with a knack for creating unique and personalized items, such as jewelry, home decor, and artwork.
Fitness and Wellness Coaching. How about a side hustle as a fitness trainer, yoga instructor, or wellness coach? Offering classes or one-on-one sessions, either in-person or virtually, allows you to share your expertise and help others achieve their health goals.

Statistics on Side Hustles

Side hustles in the United States are a hot trend. According to a 2024 report by DollarSprout, 69.6% of Americans claim to have a side hustle. This translates to approximately 115.9 million people.

The income from side jobs varies, with 68% of side hustlers earning less than $500 monthly. However, 12% report earning $1,000 or more per month. Men and women take side hustles at similar rates, with 72.4% of men and 66.8% of women pursuing side gigs. Moreover, the greater availability of opportunities in cities means that people in urban areas are more likely to engage in side hustles than those in rural areas.

The Impact of Side Hustles

Side hustles have a significant impact on the lives of those who pursue them. For many, it provides a sense of personal freedom and the opportunity to explore new interests. It also helps build additional income streams, which can be crucial in economic uncertainty.

Side hustles have the potential to lead to career advancements and new opportunities. Many people use their side hustles as a means to transition into a new career or launch their own business. For example, a freelance writer might eventually start their own content marketing agency, or a part-time fitness coach might open their own gym.

In addition, side hustles contribute to the overall economy by producing more income and creating new employment. As more people engage in side hustles, the gig economy continues to grow, providing more opportunities for individuals to find flexible and diverse ways to earn money.

On the other hand, it’s difficult to disregard the negative impact of side hustles on employer-employee relationships, family and social life, and personal health. How is the employee supposed to focus on his job when he is constantly running from one gig to another? When are the side hustlers supposed to find time for their family duties or socializing with friends? Last but not least, when are they supposed to rest and take care of their health? These and other questions need to be addressed before we start applauding the development of the gig economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, side hustles have become an integral part of the modern American workforce. They provide financial stability, personal growth, and opportunities for career advancement. The future of work in the United States will likely be shaped by side hustles as the gig economy continues to grow. Therefore, it is increasingly urgent to address questions related to labor organization, labor costs, and work-life balance.

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Present-Day Side Hustles: What Do Americans Do Alongside Their Full-Time Jobs?