Picture this: You find yourself in a job where the pay doesn’t measure up. Undervalued, undercompensated, and frustrated, you crave more income, yet taking on another job is out of the question.
Maybe you don’t have to imagine this scenario. Millions of individuals are trapped in dead-end jobs that squander their time, energy, and skills. Meanwhile, others grapple with jobs they genuinely like (or somewhat like), which, unfortunately, don’t pay the bills or promise real growth prospects.
This predicament is particularly prevalent among young people. For many millennials and Gen Z members, the once-promised “American dream” of a single career providing enough to survive, raise a family, and retire has faded into the 20th century. Others have always viewed it as nothing more than a dream. We’ve inherited a flawed economic system—one that demands more from workers while offering diminishing returns.
No wonder side hustles have become so popular.
Side Hustling 101: What Is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle encompasses any endeavor through which someone earns money independently, outside their main job or primary line of work.
While this definition might seem broad, side hustles, by nature, come in various forms and sizes. To understand what a side hustle is, it may be easier to clarify what it is not.
- A side hustle isn’t a part-time job. It is an independent trade, entirely controlled by the individual earning money—no supervisors, middle managers, or intermediaries. Engaging in a side hustle makes you the boss, allowing you to set your hours, manage tasks, and decide when, where, and how often you work, with your only responsibility being to yourself.
- A side hustle isn’t a hobby or pastime. Unlike a leisure activity or recreational pursuit, which typically generates little to no income, a side hustle is driven by financial gain. While you may enjoy it and align it with personal interests, the primary motivation is monetary.
- A side hustle isn’t necessarily a startup or small business, though it may evolve into one. While launching a company often aims for growth and return on investment, a side hustle doesn’t require growth. It can consistently deliver income without expanding. You may choose to invest money in your side hustle, and if growth potential exists, you might turn it into a full-fledged business. However, this is not obligatory; your side hustle just needs to work for you.
- A side hustle isn’t a guaranteed path to instant wealth. Achieving financial success likely requires effort and dedication. The term “hustle” in “side hustle” emphasizes the involved effort, emphasizing that success may not come without work.
Origins of the Phrase “Side Hustle”
The term “hustle” has roots dating back to the 17th century, borrowed from the Dutch language, referring to shaking or tossing coins, possibly in a game. Over time, “hustle” evolved to describe quick, vigorous movement, including elbowing through a crowd. It later took on meanings related to obtaining money rapidly through aggressive salesmanship or even criminal activity. The word “side” was introduced around the 1950s, with “side hustle” gaining popularity in predominantly Black publications, signifying both a scam and a legitimate job. It entered the general lexicon around 2000.
Examples of Side Hustles
As the concept of “side hustle” has broadened, its popularity has surged, with various examples showcasing the diversity of these income-generating activities:
- Driving for a rideshare service
- Freelance graphic design
- Selling goods on eBay
- Flipping phones, cars, or real estate
- Cleaning houses
- Tutoring
- Food delivery
- Landscaping
- Babysitting
- Self-publishing
These examples merely scratch the surface of the myriad ways individuals generate income beyond traditional employment.
Side Hustling Resources
Given the prominence of side hustling, numerous resources and insights are available. On TurboTips, a plethora of articles cover various aspects of side hustling, offering guidance and inspiration:
- How I became a serial entrepreneur
- An expert’s guide to side hustling
- 20 of the best side hustle apps for making extra money
- Retail arbitrage: turn shopping into your side hustle
- 12 Side gigs you can do from almost anywhere
- How I am side hustling my way to financial independence
- How to be an entrepreneur: achieve FI/RE by being your own boss
- Using Etsy to generate passive income
Is Side Hustling Right for You?
Contrary to common misconceptions, side hustling is not limited to entrepreneurs, extroverts, or go-getters with business degrees. It is a viable option for anyone with an idea, some time in their schedule, and the willingness to persevere.
Reviewing the diverse list of side hustle examples reveals that these activities have minimal prerequisites, allowing people of any background, age, identity, and experience level to engage in side hustling. The common trait among successful side hustlers is determination, as they persist in their efforts even when returns are modest or when they are still mastering the craft.
The magic of side hustling lies in the ability to progress at one’s own pace, allowing individuals to refine their skills over time. Side hustling provides the opportunity to learn, practice, and eventually earn the income needed for financial independence. The key is to start early, seize the chance to grow, and not settle for less than deserved income or let a job delay the pursuit of dreams any longer.
