Category Earning

As wages remain stagnant and the cost of living continues to rise, more young people are turning to side hustles to make ends meet and build financial security. According to the Global Talent Trends 2025 report, about 43% of young professionals are earning extra income through freelance work, small businesses, or other side jobs. The trend is especially strong in parts of Africa, where nearly half of young workers have side gigs. Many are doing this not just for money, but also for more flexibility and control over their careers. With inflation and uncertain job markets, side hustles are becoming a smart way for the younger generation to stay financially stable and explore new opportunities.

Over the past few years, the U.S. has seen a major rise in small business creation, with a record 5.5 million new businesses launched in 2023. This growth is happening even as the economy faces challenges like inflation and supply chain issues. Many people are starting small businesses or side hustles to take control of their income, especially as traditional jobs feel less secure. While inflation is starting to even out in 2025, another problem has popped up—finding workers. Around 40% of small businesses are now trying to hire, but with unemployment staying low near 3%, there aren’t enough job seekers to fill open roles. This shift shows how entrepreneurship is becoming a key part of the changing American workforce.

As inflation remains high and the economy feels uncertain heading into the 2026 elections, many Americans are turning to holiday side hustles to earn extra cash. Popular seasonal gigs like yard cleanup, holiday decorating, and working at haunted houses or light shows are growing in demand. Some people earn between $500 and $1,000 per house decorating homes with holiday lights, while others are hired by companies that pay over $15 an hour. These jobs offer flexible hours and quick payouts, making them attractive to anyone trying to keep up with rising prices. Overall, more people are taking on extra work outside of their main jobs to deal with inflation and an unpredictable job market.

In 2025, new workplace terms like *"bare minimum Mondays," "job hugging,"* and *"coffee badging"* are becoming popular as workers deal with an uncertain economy and changes in how they view their jobs. These buzzwords show that many employees are feeling burned out and are looking for better balance between work and personal life. For example, *"bare minimum Mondays"* describes a trend where people start the week by doing only what's necessary to ease into their workload, helping reduce stress. *"Job hugging"* refers to staying in a job mainly for security, even if it's not fulfilling, while *"coffee badging"* describes employees showing up at the office just long enough to be seen before working elsewhere. These trends reflect how workers are adapting to economic pressure and pushing back on outdated work expectations.

As the U.S. economy weakens and fears of a recession grow, many Americans are turning to side hustles and extra income streams to make ends meet. Traditional job-heavy industries like technology, finance, and manufacturing are shrinking, while only a few fields like healthcare and hospitality are still growing. Facing rising living costs and fewer steady job opportunities, people in states like California and New York are especially feeling the pressure. To stay financially secure, more workers are picking up part-time gigs, freelancing, and launching small businesses on the side. This shift shows how Americans are adapting to economic uncertainty by diversifying how they earn money.

As the economy faces challenges like high inflation, rising interest rates, and job uncertainty, more Americans are turning to side hustles to make ends meet. A side hustle is a way to earn extra money outside of your regular job. Many people are using this extra income to pay off debt, manage higher living expenses, or save for emergencies. Seasonal side gigs—such as hanging holiday lights, helping with Halloween decorations, or working special events—are especially popular this time of year. These jobs usually don’t require long-term commitment and offer quick cash, making them a smart option for those needing financial flexibility.