As a member of Gen Z, you face some unique situations and challenges that other generations don’t. You may be in high school, college, or even in the early years of your career. If you’re already working, you’re probably earning less than your colleagues. And with the cost of living rising, a side hustle may seem essential to get a head start on your finances.
The good news is that there are some side hustles particularly well-suited for Gen Z, thanks to their flexibility, online nature, or ability to start making money quickly. And no matter your existing skill set, how much time you can devote, and whether you’re trying to build a business for the long haul or just make a bit of extra money, there are options for you.
Let’s take a look at some of the best side hustles for Gen Z.
Popular side hustles for Gen Z
Become an influencer
Who it’s best for: As a Gen-Zer, you’re part of the first generation that grew up with influencers, so it’s no surprise that so many people of your generation aspire to become one. Becoming an influencer might be right for you if you enjoy making online content and being in the spotlight.
How to start: Choose a niche, create content for social media platforms, and explore ways to monetize your content through brand partnerships, affiliate links, and more.
Start a YouTube channel
Who it’s best for: Starting a YouTube channel might be a good option if you like making longer-form videos than you would on a social media site. Consider this side hustle if you have a flair for making entertaining content that encourages people to follow you.
How to start: Sign up for an account on YouTube, create videos, and explore monetization options through the YouTube Partner Program, affiliates, and sponsors.
Start a podcast
Who it’s best for: Creating interesting audio content through a podcast can be a way to earn money as a side gig. This could be a good option if the type of content you want to create lends itself better to audio than video.
How to start: Choose a niche, get the right equipment, and consider working with a podcast network for monetization opportunities.
Offer freelance services
Who it’s best for: If you have a particular skill set and want to make a bit of extra money from it outside of your full-time job or schooling, consider offering freelance services.
How to start: Decide on the type of services you’ll offer, market your services to businesses, and consider platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to find clients.
Start a photography business
Who it’s best for: Starting a photography business may be a good option for anyone who enjoys taking pictures and wants to sell stock photos or offer photography services.
How to start: Invest in a good camera, consider selling stock photos or offering photography services for events, and explore platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.
Become a rideshare driver
Who it’s best for: If you have a vehicle in good condition and want to start making money fast, becoming a rideshare driver on Uber or Lyft could be a good option.
How to start: Download the app, meet age and vehicle requirements, pass a background check, and start accepting rides on your schedule.
Take up food delivery
Who it’s best for: If you’re not interested in driving people around, you might be able to get a side hustle bringing them food. It means less interaction with customers and allows you to start earning money right away.
How to start: Download a food delivery app like Instacart, Uber Eats, or DoorDash, review company requirements, and start making money quickly.
Offer pet-sitting services
Who it’s best for: If you’re an animal lover, offering pet-sitting services can be a great way to make extra money, especially if you want the opportunity to start making money right away.
How to start: Sign up for an app like Rover, create a profile, and offer services like dog walking or pet-sitting at the owner’s house.
Become a house sitter
Who it’s best for: House sitting could be a good option if you’re willing to stay at other people’s homes but aren’t necessarily an animal person. It’s a flexible side hustle that can also help reduce lodging costs while traveling.
How to start: Download an app like TrustedHousesitters, fill out required information, and begin accepting house-sitting gigs.
Become an online reseller
Who it’s best for: If you’re good at finding deals, you can resell items you originally bought for cheap. This option could be right for you if you don’t mind spending time hunting for bargains.
How to start: Figure out what you want to sell, source products, decide where to sell (e.g., Amazon, eBay), and handle inventory, storage, and shipping.
Sell your handmade goods
Who it’s best for: If you’re talented in a particular handmade craft, such as knitting or carpentry, you could set up an online storefront to sell your goods.
How to start: Decide what handmade goods to create, choose where to sell (e.g., Etsy, your own website), and market your products to potential customers.
How to choose the best side hustle for Gen Z
When choosing the best side hustle as a Gen Zer, consider your existing skill sets, how much time you have, and how much money you want to earn. It’s important to choose a side hustle that fits your schedule, circumstances, and financial goals.
Your existing skill sets: Consider building a side hustle around something you’re already good at to start earning money more quickly. If you’re early in your career, think about skills you want to continue building.
How much time you have: Evaluate how much time you can devote to your side hustle each week and whether you need to start earning money immediately or can invest time in building a business for higher earning potential later on.
How much money you want to earn: Determine how much money you want to earn from your side hustle and choose an option that aligns with your financial goals, whether it’s a gig side hustle for quick earnings or a business opportunity for unlimited income potential.
As a Gen Zer, you have the advantage of time to build a successful side hustle and potentially earn more money than you do in your current job. Explore different side hustle options, consider your skills and availability, and choose the best fit for your financial goals and lifestyle.
FAQs
How much of Gen Z has a side hustle?
A 2023 EY Gen Z Segmentation Study found that nearly 40% of Gen Zers say they have a side hustle in addition to another job, indicating a significant number of young adults are engaging in side gigs.
How can you make money online?
There are many ways to make money online, including monetizing content, selling items, offering freelance services, and using apps to perform tasks for payment. Online side hustles provide a variety of opportunities to earn extra income.
What’s the best side hustle for Gen Z?
The best side hustle for Gen Z is one that fits your schedule, skill set, and financial goals. Consider options that offer flexibility, potential for growth, and align with your interests and abilities.
In conclusion, a side hustle can be a great way for Gen Zers to earn extra income, build valuable skills, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. With a range of side hustle options available, from influencer marketing to freelance services, there’s something for everyone. Consider your existing skill sets, time availability, and financial goals when choosing the best side hustle for you. And remember, the key to success is finding a side hustle that aligns with your interests and offers the flexibility you need to balance it with your other commitments.
