In today’s economy, many Americans are feeling the financial strain and are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. While the gig economy has been on the rise, with people relying on apps for their main source of income, a side hustle is different in that it involves individuals with full-time jobs seeking additional work to make ends meet.
Tricia Mills, a Northeast Ohio resident, shared her experience with juggling a full-time job and multiple side hustles to boost her income. According to a recent survey by Marketwatch Guides, 54% of working Americans have taken on side hustles in the past year to earn extra money. Mills emphasized the necessity of having a second job in today’s economy, stating that one income is no longer sufficient to cover expenses like bills and vacations.
Apps like Poplin have become popular among individuals looking to earn extra cash through gig work. Mills mentioned that she uses six different apps and can easily bring in $5,000 a month. However, as more people enter the gig economy, competition has increased, making it essential to be quick in grabbing opportunities as they arise.
The survey by Marketwatch Guides revealed that half of the respondents consider themselves broke, and 66% are living paycheck-to-paycheck. This financial strain has led many to seek additional sources of income through side hustles. Mills highlighted the challenges of balancing a 9-to-5 job with a side hustle, emphasizing the importance of motivation, organization, and a willingness to work non-traditional hours.
Shannon Denton, co-founder of Wripple, a platform connecting freelancers with companies, noted the growing trend of independent workers in the U.S. workforce. He mentioned that enterprise companies are increasingly turning to side hustlers and freelancers for their services. Denton advised individuals considering a side hustle to plan their time effectively to avoid damaging their personal reputation.
Despite the challenges, Mills emphasized that putting in the time and effort into a side hustle can pay off. She shared that even with just one app like Poplin, she can earn between $500 and $700 in a week. With the demand for freelancers and side hustlers expected to continue rising, now may be the opportune time for individuals to explore additional sources of income to improve their financial stability.
