Image Credit - Bloomberg
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As the cost of living continues to rise sharply across the U.S., many Americans are finding that a traditional full-time job is no longer enough to meet their financial needs. Even professionals in well-paying industries such as tech and real estate are seeking additional income through side hustles.
According to Kira Caban, Head of Communications at Instawork, a platform that connects businesses with temporary and permanent workers, this shift toward flexible, supplemental work is becoming more widespread, especially among younger adults.
“We’re seeing a notable increase in people turning to side gigs as a way to stay financially afloat in these uncertain economic times,” said Caban in a statement to FOX Business.
Instawork’s own data reflects this trend: just two years ago, around 20% of new users were between the ages of 18 and 24. That number has doubled in recent weeks, with younger generations embracing side hustles as a practical solution to rising everyday expenses.
“Flexible work is helping many people manage the increased costs of basic necessities while still enjoying life, like going on a vacation, without having to dip into their long-term savings,” Caban added.
A recent LendingTree survey shows that nearly 40% of Americans have a side hustle, and of those, 61% say their lives would be unaffordable without it.
“The sad truth is, life in 2025 has become incredibly expensive, and for a lot of people, their main job simply isn’t cutting it anymore,” said Matt Schultz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree.
For many, these side ventures aren’t just for extra spending money; they’re necessary to pay bills, buy groceries, and cover emergency expenses. One-third of respondents cited the rising cost of living as their primary reason for starting a side hustle. Others mentioned needing the extra income to pay off bills or simply maintain a decent quality of life.
Schultz emphasised that, beyond just short-term relief, side hustles can be a way to build financial security over time. They can help people save for retirement, pay off debt, and create emergency funds, while also offering a financial cushion if their primary job is lost.
Jenny Turley, a real estate agent in Chattanooga, Tennessee, turned to quilting not just as a passion project, but as a financial lifeline. After her husband suffered a stroke in 2021, Turley found herself under immense emotional and financial stress.
“Everything changed overnight. I was suddenly responsible for everything, emotionally, physically, and financially,” she shared. Quilting became her coping mechanism and, eventually, her side business. What began as a hobby to manage stress transformed into a small business when she started selling her handmade quilts through word-of-mouth and platforms like Nextdoor.
Dani Maczynski, a full-time tech professional in New Jersey, also turned to side work, but with pets. In addition to her demanding day job, she walks dogs, offers pet-sitting services, and even boards pets overnight.
“At first, it was just about covering a few extra expenses,” Maczynski said. “But over time, it became part of a broader financial strategy. Now, I look at every dollar I earn as a step toward long-term stability.”
While the growing trend of side hustles highlights the resilience and creativity of American workers, financial experts caution that they’re not without challenges. Starting a side gig often requires time, energy, and in some cases, upfront financial investment, and success is never guaranteed.
“Side hustles can be a great tool, but people should go in with realistic expectations,” Schultz noted. “They’re not a quick fix. They require commitment and planning.”
Still, for millions of Americans, taking on additional work is less about chasing dreams and more about navigating the harsh realities of today’s economy, one extra job at a time.