Category Earning

In 2025, more Americans than ever are turning to side hustles to cope with rising living costs and uncertain job markets. A recent survey of over 3,500 U.S. workers found that 72% either already have a side hustle or are thinking about starting one. People are taking on extra work to save money, meet financial goals, or simply cover their everyday expenses. Many younger workers, especially from Gen Z, are turning to content creation or social media as a way to earn money and explore new career paths. This shift shows how traditional jobs may no longer be enough for many people, leading them to look for more flexible, creative, or profitable options on the side.

In 2025, with inflation high and wages not keeping up, many millennials are feeling the financial squeeze. Buying a home or saving for retirement has become harder, so people are getting creative to earn extra money. Four popular side gigs have emerged: writing paid newsletters on platforms like Substack, teaching quick online mini-classes on specific skills, helping companies with translation services, and designing AI prompt packs that help digital creators work faster. These side hustles are flexible, can be done from home, and allow millennials to make extra money without the need for a second full-time job.

Generation Z, people born roughly between 1997 and 2012, are changing how they think about work and money. Instead of trying to climb the traditional career ladder like older generations, many Gen Zers are choosing "career minimalism." This means they look for stable, lower-stress jobs that pay the bills, while also pursuing side hustles they enjoy—like freelancing, content creation, or running small businesses online. With high inflation, uncertain job markets, and the rising cost of living, this approach helps them balance financial security with personal freedom. Technology and the demand for remote work are making it easier for Gen Z to shape careers that fit their lives, not the other way around.

In 2025, many Americans are turning to side hustles to make extra money as wages stay mostly the same and the cost of living keeps rising. With inflation and ongoing debates about fair pay, people are finding creative ways to earn about $2,000 more each month. A recent article shared 24 realistic side jobs, like coaching sports, selling rare plants, working short-term election jobs, or even donating plasma. Some people combine a few of these gigs—like growing microgreens or doing freelance work—to meet their income goals. These side hustles are helping people stay financially secure in unpredictable times.

In 2025, more people than ever are turning to online side hustles to earn money and feel more financially secure. This big shift is happening because many are dealing with rising costs of living, slow wage growth, and less reliable full-time jobs. According to Whop’s Online Earnings Report, nearly half of Gen Alpha (those born after 2010) are already running their own online side hustles, and many Gen Z workers are planning to leave traditional jobs to work for themselves online. Popular ways to make money include freelance work, posting content on social media, and selling products or services through websites and apps. This trend shows how digital entrepreneurship is becoming an important way for people to take control of their income in uncertain times.

Following a major speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in August 2025, many Americans are rethinking how they earn money. Powell signaled that the Fed may soon cut interest rates to help the economy deal with inflation, trade tensions, and rising prices. These ongoing financial challenges have made it harder for people to rely on just one job. As a result, more workers are starting side hustles—like freelance writing, online consulting, and other gigs they can do from home. These flexible jobs not only help people earn extra cash but also provide some security in an unpredictable economy.