Why It Feels Like Everyone Suddenly Has a ‘Side Hustle’
If you have a side hustle, you’re not alone: 72% of US workers are busy or considering pursuing one, according to SurveyMonkey’s 2025 study on workplace culture and trends.
Survey respondents listed saving for a specific goal and needing extra money to survive as the main drivers for getting a side gig. If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you’ve probably heard the higher prices — and maybe you’ve seen why the extra income can be attractive. Learn why so many people turn to side hustles, and how to start your search.
Why side hustles are common
The rising cost of living is a major driver of people finding side hustles. Especially for people who have not yet reached their retirement age, extra income can help cover living expenses, and allow for early savings and investments.
But older adults can also benefit from part-time side gigs amid rising costs. While the majority of Americans plan to rely on Social Security as their primary source of retirement income, pensions are also among the top three expected sources of income among all generations (39% of Gen Z, 41% of millennials, 42% of Gen X and 38% of baby boomers), according to research from Western & Southern Financial Group.
Save Smartly: Manage your money with Rocket Money’s budgeting app, one of Money’s favorites
The side hustles during retirement
Getting a hustle isn’t just about making more money. It can also provide a sense of purpose to retirees after leaving full-time employment. Side hustles often offer flexible hours, which is why some retirees choose to retire slowly with a part-time job. Low-stress part-time jobs that retirees can pursue may include teaching, touring or guiding at a museum, proofreading or working as a school crossing guard, bus guard or driver.
Some retirees can earn money from hobbies, such as selling their crafts or being pampered.
Gold Offer: Sign up with American Hartford Gold today and get a free investor kit, plus get up to $20,000 in free silver on qualifying purchases.
How to get a side hustle
Some side hustles are more profitable than others, and you don’t want to be stuck with an unpleasant side gig, especially when you’re finally free from your full-time job. That’s why you should start by listing professional skills that you can make money with in five to 10 hours a week. After that, you can research side hustle opportunities that match your skill set.
This method allows you to work on side gigs that are similar to your area of expertise, which will make it easier to increase your rates over time.
More Money: See how you can get up to $1,000 in stocks when you fund a new SoFi investment account
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr and TaskRabbit can help you find jobs, depending on your skills. But you can also check out local Facebook groups and forums like Nextdoor to see what people in your area are looking for and advertise your offerings.
