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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing a notable increase in people turning to side gigs as a way to stay financially afloat in these uncertain economic times,\u201d said Caban in a statement to FOX Business.<\/p>\n
Instawork\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlexible 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,\u201d Caban added.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sad truth is, life in 2025 has become incredibly expensive, and for a lot of people, their main job simply isn\u2019t cutting it anymore,\u201d said Matt Schultz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree.<\/p>\n
For many, these side ventures aren\u2019t just for extra spending money; they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything changed overnight. I was suddenly responsible for everything, emotionally, physically, and financially,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt first, it was just about covering a few extra expenses,\u201d Maczynski said. \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the growing trend of side hustles highlights the resilience and creativity of American workers, financial experts caution that they\u2019re not without challenges. Starting a side gig often requires time, energy, and in some cases, upfront financial investment, and success is never guaranteed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSide hustles can be a great tool, but people should go in with realistic expectations,\u201d Schultz noted. \u201cThey\u2019re not a quick fix. They require commitment and planning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, for millions of Americans, taking on additional work is less about chasing dreams and more about navigating the harsh realities of today\u2019s economy, one extra job at a time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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