You’ve probably heard people say “side hustle” like it’s just a trendy buzzword. But for today’s young adults, especially those in their late teens and twenties, these extra gigs are anything but optional. They’re becoming a core part of their income, identity and future plans.

The New Reality

In 2025, young people aren’t waiting for the perfect job to land — they’re creating a second income stream, or even several. In the U.S., more than half of Gen Zers and Millennials say they have a side hustle. (LendingTree) Among those, side income is no longer pocket change — for many Gen Zers it represents more than half of their total earnings. (PYMNTS) In the U.K., research found that 68% of 16-34-year-olds now juggle multiple income streams. (Sage) Meanwhile, in Nigeria and other African countries, young people facing high youth unemployment are turning hobbies, social-media brands, reselling and digital services into serious income sources. (The Guardian Nigeria)

Why It’s Happening

There are a few big reasons this trend is growing:

• The traditional job market is unstable. Entry-level wages are low, job security weak, and inflation high. Young people feel they must take control of their income.

• Technology makes it possible. From social-media selling to freelancing platforms and digital creation tools, anyone with a skill can monetise it.

• Mindsets have shifted. Instead of “I’ll wait for a full-time job then build a life,” many are thinking “I’ll build income now, learn, pivot, and stay adaptable.”

What It Means for Youth Income

When your income comes from more than one place, things change. For many youth:

• Income becomes more flexible, but also more fragmented. You might have a “main” job and one or two side gigs.

• You gain skills that the traditional job might not teach — entrepreneurship, digital literacy, brand-building.

• You face new risks: inconsistent earnings, lack of traditional benefits (health insurance, retirement), more self-management.

• You open up options. Some young people are turning side hustles into full-time businesses because they see the potential.

What You Can Do (If You’re Young and Side-Hustling)

• Identify your skill or interest you can monetise — it could be graphic design, reselling, content creation, tutoring, dropshipping, even digital services.

• Dedicate time. Even if it’s just a few hours each week, consistent effort adds up.

• Track your money. Know how much you’re making, what costs are involved, and whether your side hustle is actually profitable or just time-draining.

• Keep your “main” income safe. If you have a regular job or are studying, make sure you’re not burning both out.

• Think long term. Could your side hustle scale? Could it become a full-time business? Or could the skills you gain help you in your career?

The Hope: Your Income, Your Terms

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait for someone else to decide your worth or income. Side hustles give you a chance to shape your future on your terms. Whether you’re earning extra cash to support yourself, building a business, or simply gaining experience — every small step counts.

Your generation isn’t just surviving — it’s adapting. In a world where one job might not be enough, you’re creating multiple pathways. You’re defining success not by job titles alone, but by resilience, resourcefulness and freedom.

So, if you’ve been thinking about starting something on the side, stop waiting. Pick one thing, start today, stay consistent and let your growth begin. Your income might change. Your mindset definitely will.