The Side Hustle Phenomenon: A Closer Look at Vivian Ezugwu and the American Workforce

In the bustling heart of Manhattan, nurse Vivian Ezugwu epitomizes the modern American worker. Having lived in New York City her entire life, she knows all too well that the cost of living in the Big Apple is steep. To navigate this financial landscape, Ezugwu has taken on extra shifts as a school nurse in addition to her regular night shifts at the hospital. “It’s great to have an extra income,” she shares. “It gives you a sense of comfortability.”

Ezugwu’s experience is not unique; she is part of a growing trend among American adults who are embracing side hustles. According to Bankrate’s latest Side Hustle Survey, over one in four (27 percent) American adults are juggling side jobs alongside their full-time occupations.

The Rise of Side Hustles

The motivations behind side hustling have evolved. While many once turned to extra work out of necessity, a significant portion of today’s side hustlers are doing so to fund discretionary expenses. In fact, 41 percent of side hustlers use their additional income for voluntary purchases, surpassing those who rely on it for living expenses, debt repayment, or savings. This shift reflects a broader trend: fewer Americans are side hustling overall, with participation dropping from 36 percent in 2024 to 27 percent in 2025.

Economic Factors at Play

Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate, attributes this decline to a strong job market and a cooling inflation rate. However, he warns that these conditions may not last. “Employment trends are weakening, and price growth might pick up due to tariffs, so there’s a good chance side hustling will be back on the rise next year,” he notes.

Generational Trends: Gen Z Leads the Charge

Among the various demographics, Gen Z stands out as the most active group in the side hustle arena. With over one in three (34 percent) Gen Zers taking on extra jobs, they outpace millennials (31 percent), Gen Xers (23 percent), and baby boomers (22 percent). This trend is particularly significant given the unique financial challenges faced by younger generations.

A staggering 34 percent of Gen Zers report having no emergency savings, making side hustles a vital tool for financial stability. The need for additional income is underscored by the fact that more than one in three Americans tapped into their emergency savings in the past year.

The Psychological Impact of Financial Security

The mental health implications of financial insecurity are profound. With 46 percent of Gen Zers stating that money negatively impacts their mental health, side hustles can serve as a buffer against economic uncertainty. For Ezugwu, her role as a school nurse not only provides financial relief but also offers a refreshing change from the high-stress environment of the hospital. “It’s a breath of fresh air,” she explains. “Seeing little kids be joyous and jovial is better for my mental health.”

Side Hustle Income: Trends and Insights

Despite the benefits of side hustling, average earnings from these endeavors have seen a decline. Median side hustle income has dropped to $200 per month, down from $250 in 2024. However, the average monthly income for side hustlers remains relatively stable at $885, compared to $891 in the previous year. Interestingly, a significant portion of side hustlers (28 percent) earn between $1 and $50 per month, highlighting the diverse range of income levels within this group.

Gender Disparities in Earnings

The gender pay gap persists even in the realm of side hustles. Men earn an average of $1,195 per month, while women earn only $611. The median monthly earnings reflect this disparity, with men earning $247 compared to $148 for women.

The Most Popular Side Hustles

Flexibility is a key factor driving the popularity of certain side hustles. E-commerce and professional services, such as freelance writing and consulting, are the most common avenues for side hustlers, with 15 percent and 14 percent participation, respectively. Other popular categories include food delivery, pet care, and teaching/tutoring.

Interestingly, Gen Z side hustlers are more inclined to pursue professional services compared to their millennial counterparts, who predominantly engage in online sales.

The Shift Towards Discretionary Spending

A notable trend is the increasing number of side hustlers using their income for discretionary expenses. In 2025, 41 percent of side hustlers reported using their earnings for fun, a rise from 37 percent in 2024. This shift indicates a growing desire among side hustlers to enhance their quality of life rather than merely making ends meet.

The Future of Side Hustling

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, the motivations and experiences of side hustlers like Ezugwu and de Anda highlight the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon. For many, side hustles are not just about financial necessity; they represent a pathway to greater flexibility, personal fulfillment, and even mental well-being.

Ezugwu’s perspective encapsulates this sentiment: “We thought it was just us being go-getters, but we’ve seen a lot. We lived through two recessions under the age of 25. I saw how it was devastating for other people, and it really was a wake-up call for me that I cannot have this happen in my life.”

As we look ahead, the side hustle trend is likely to persist, adapting to the changing economic landscape and the evolving needs of the workforce. Whether driven by necessity or the desire for a more fulfilling life, side hustles are here to stay, shaping the future of work in America.