Key Takeaways:
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- The share of Americans holding multiple jobs has risen to 5.3%-5.5% in 2025, the highest since the 2008 recession.
- Millennials and Gen Z are leading the trend, with 40% working side jobs, driven by financial necessity rather than passion.
- Side hustles range from practical ventures like cleaning businesses to flexible gigs like nannying or DJing, reflecting a shift toward survival-focused work.
- Economic unease and fears of a potential recession are pushing workers to diversify income streams as a safety net.
What Happened?
Amid rising economic uncertainty, more Americans are taking on side hustles to supplement their primary income. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the percentage of workers holding multiple jobs has reached levels not seen since the 2008 recession.
Unlike past trends where side hustles were often passion-driven, today’s second jobs are largely about financial necessity. Workers are bracing for potential layoffs or reduced earnings by diversifying their income streams. For example, Marie Incontrera, a PR agency owner in New York, launched a cleaning business to hedge against potential downturns in her main business.
The trend is particularly pronounced among millennials and Gen Z, who have been shaped by two recessions and are less likely to view a single job as sufficient for financial stability. Deloitte research shows that 40% of these generations are working side jobs, with many choosing practical or flexible options like nannying, gig work, or small-scale entrepreneurship.
Why It Matters?
The rise in side hustles highlights growing economic anxiety, even as official recession indicators remain absent. Workers are proactively seeking financial security, reflecting a shift in how Americans approach employment and income generation.
This trend also underscores the changing nature of work, where holding multiple jobs is becoming normalized, especially for younger generations. Colleges and career advisors are increasingly preparing students for a future where side hustles may be a necessity rather than a choice.
For businesses, the prevalence of side hustles could signal a need to rethink employee compensation and benefits to retain talent. Meanwhile, policymakers may need to address the broader economic pressures driving this trend, such as inflation and job market volatility.
What’s Next?
As economic uncertainty persists, the side hustle trend is likely to grow, with more workers seeking flexible and practical ways to supplement their income. Employers may face challenges in retaining employees who prioritize financial security over traditional career paths.
The normalization of side hustles could also reshape the labor market, with gig platforms and small-scale entrepreneurial ventures playing a larger role in the economy. Policymakers and businesses will need to adapt to this evolving landscape, addressing the root causes of financial insecurity while supporting workers in their pursuit of multiple income streams.
