Why Side Hustles Are Booming for Americans Everywhere
If you’re juggling a side hustle, rest assured you’re in good company: a staggering 72% of U.S. workers either currently maintain one or are actively contemplating starting one, as revealed by SurveyMonkey’s comprehensive 2025 study on evolving workplace culture and emerging trends.
Why side hustles are the new normal
Escalating living expenses stand out as the primary catalyst propelling individuals toward side hustles. This is particularly true for those who haven’t yet reached their peak earning potential, where supplemental income proves invaluable for managing daily living costs while facilitating early contributions to savings and investment portfolios.
Even older adults stand to gain significantly from engaging in part-time side gigs during this era of inflation. Although the majority of Americans anticipate depending on Social Security as their cornerstone retirement income source, side hustles rank prominently among the leading anticipated income streams across all generations—39% for Gen Z, 41% for millennials, 42% for Gen X, and 38% for baby boomers—according to insights from a detailed survey conducted by Western & Southern Financial Group.
Side hustles in retirement
Pursuing a side hustle extends far beyond merely generating additional revenue. For many retirees, it serves as a vital avenue to rediscover purpose and structure following the transition away from full-time employment. The inherent flexibility in scheduling is a key attraction, enabling some to embrace a semi-retired lifestyle through selective part-time roles. Suitable low-stress opportunities for retirees might encompass tutoring sessions, guiding tours or museum visits, proofreading documents, or taking on roles such as school crossing guards, bus monitors, or drivers.
Furthermore, numerous retirees discover ways to monetize their personal interests and hobbies, transforming leisure activities into income sources. Examples include crafting and selling handmade goods or offering pet-sitting services to fellow community members.
How to find a side hustle
Not all side hustles yield the same financial returns, and it’s crucial to avoid committing to ventures that feel draining or mismatched, particularly for retirees savoring newfound freedom from demanding full-time obligations. A smart starting point involves compiling a list of your professional skills that lend themselves to monetization on a limited schedule, such as five to ten hours weekly. From there, explore side hustle options that closely align with those competencies.
This strategic method empowers you to focus on gigs that leverage your specialized knowledge, streamlining the process of commanding higher rates as you build experience and reputation over time.
Platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit serve as excellent marketplaces to discover gigs tailored to your abilities. Additionally, don’t overlook community-driven resources like local neighborhood Facebook groups or Nextdoor, where you can gauge local demand, connect with potential clients, and promote your services directly to those in your vicinity.
Recent trips to the grocery store underscore the urgency of this trend, with soaring prices making extra income not just desirable but often essential for financial stability. Survey participants highlighted two core motivations: building savings toward concrete goals and securing the additional funds necessary to make ends meet amid economic pressures. As living costs continue to climb, it’s clear why side hustles have surged in popularity across demographics, offering a practical pathway to bolster household budgets without overhauling one’s primary career.
