Why It Feels Like Everyone Suddenly Has a ‘Side Hustle’

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Why It Feels Like Everyone Suddenly Has a 'Side Hustle' By: Marc Guberti Marc Guberti Marc Guberti is a personal finance writer who hosts Breakthrough Success, a podcast where he teaches listeners how to grow their businesses and achieve personal transformations. Has also written: Still Unsure About Retirement Savings? Suze Orman’s Playbook for Catching Up Without Panicking Are You Money-Shy? 5 Signs You May Avoid Wealth Without Realizing It Gold Price Outlook 2026 How Do Republican Presidents Affect the Price of Gold?

How Do Democrat Presidents Affect the Price of Gold? See full bio Published: Feb 25, 2026 4 min read Getty Images If you have a side hustle, you’re not alone: 72% of workers in the U.S. have a side hustle or are considering pursuing one, according to SurveyMonkey’s 2025 study on workplace culture and trends. Survey respondents listed saving for a specific goal and needing the extra income to survive as main drivers for finding a side gig. If you’ve headed to the grocery store recently, you’ve likely felt the sting of high prices — and probably see why extra income would be appealing. Read on why more people are turning to side hustles, and how to start your search for one. Must ReadExperts are Bullish on Gold — Here's How to Get InRetirees: How a Small Gold Allocation Can Soften Losses When the Stock Market WobblesWarren Buffett on Market Volatility — and 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage Why side hustles are the new normal Rising living costs are a main driver for people finding side hustles. Especially for people not yet in their peak earning years, the extra money can help cover living costs, and allow for early saving and investing. But older adults can also benefit from part-time side gigs amid rising costs. While most Americans plan to rely on Social Security as their main source of retirement income, side hustles are also among the top three expected sources of income across generations (39% for Gen Z, 41% for millennials, 42% for Gen X and 38% for baby boomers), according to a survey from Western & Southern Financial Group.

Gold Investor Kit Offer: Sign up with American Hartford Gold today and get a free investor kit, plus receive up to $20,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases Side hustles in retirement Getting a side hustle isn’t just about making some extra cash. It can also provide a sense of purpose for retirees after they walk away from full-time work. Side hustles tend to offer flexible hours, which is why some retirees opt for semi-retirement in the form of part-time work. Low-stress part-time jobs for retirees to pursue could include tutoring, tour or museum guiding, proofreading or serving as a school crossing guard, bus monitor or driver. Some retirees can also earn money via their hobbies, like by selling their crafts or petsitting. Pet Protection: See How Spot Pet Insurance Can Help Your Dog or Cat How to find a side hustle Some side hustles are more profitable than others, and you don’t want to get stuck with an unenjoyable side gig, especially if you are a retiree finally free of your full-time work. That’s why you should start by listing professional skills that you can monetize for just five to 10 hours per week. Then, you can research side hustle opportunities that align with your skillset. This approach allows you to work on side gigs that match up with your area of expertise, which will make it easier to raise your prices over time. Extra Money: Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund a new active SoFi invest account Websites like Upwork, Fiverr and TaskRabbit can help you find jobs, depending on your skillsets. But you can also check local neighborhood Facebook groups and platforms like Nextdoor to see what people in your area are seeking and advertise your offerings. Must ReadExperts are Bullish on Gold — Here's How to Get InRetirees: How a Small Gold Allocation Can Soften Losses When the Stock Market WobblesWarren Buffett on Market Volatility — and 3 Ways You Can Take Advantage