If you are considering a side hustle, you are joining a growing trend: 72% of workers in the U.S. currently have a side hustle or are contemplating starting one, according to SurveyMonkey’s 2025 study on workplace culture and trends. This statistic reflects a significant shift in how people view traditional employment, as many seek additional income opportunities.
Survey participants indicated that saving for a specific goal and the necessity of extra income to meet daily expenses are the primary motivators for pursuing a side gig. If you’ve visited a grocery store recently, you’ve likely felt the strain of soaring prices, highlighting the appeal of earning supplemental income. Read on to discover why more individuals are gravitating toward side hustles and how to effectively embark on your own search for one.
Understanding the Rise of Side Hustles in Today’s Economy
Escalating living costs are a significant factor driving individuals to seek side hustles. For those who have not yet reached their peak earning years, the additional income can alleviate financial burdens, enabling early savings and investments. This financial cushion is invaluable in navigating the increasing costs associated with everyday living.
However, older adults are also discovering the advantages of engaging in part-time side gigs as living expenses continue to rise. Many Americans anticipate relying on Social Security as their primary income source during retirement, yet surveys from Western & Southern Financial Group reveal that side hustles rank among the top three expected income sources across all age groups (39% for Gen Z, 41% for millennials, 42% for Gen X, and 38% for baby boomers). This trend underscores the growing importance of diversifying income streams.
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Exploring the Benefits of Side Hustles for Retirees
Engaging in a side hustle goes beyond merely generating extra income. It can provide retirees with a renewed sense of purpose after leaving full-time employment. Many side hustles offer flexible hours, which is why numerous retirees choose to enter a state of semi-retirement through part-time work. Low-stress part-time jobs for retirees could encompass roles such as tutoring, guiding tours or museums, proofreading, or serving as a school crossing guard, bus monitor, or driver.
Additionally, retirees can channel their hobbies into income by selling handmade crafts or offering services like pet sitting. This allows them to enjoy their passions while also supplementing their retirement income.
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What Steps Should You Take to Find Your Ideal Side Hustle?
Not all side hustles are equally lucrative, and you certainly do not want to find yourself stuck in an unenjoyable gig, especially after transitioning from full-time employment. Therefore, it is beneficial to begin by listing your professional skills that you can monetize for five to ten hours each week. From there, you can conduct thorough research on side hustle opportunities that align with your unique skill set.
This method enables you to engage in side gigs that resonate with your expertise, making it progressively easier to increase your rates over time as you build experience and reputation.
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Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit can assist you in discovering jobs tailored to your skill sets. Additionally, consider exploring local neighborhood Facebook groups and platforms like Nextdoor to identify what services people in your area are seeking and to promote your offerings effectively.
Madeline Everett is a passionate writer and contributor to Oxford Wise Finance, where she explores a wide range of general topics related to personal finance and financial literacy. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of economic principles, she aims to empower her readers with practical advice and insights. Madeline’s engaging writing style makes complex financial concepts accessible, helping her audience navigate the often daunting world of finance. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring the latest trends in the financial sector and sharing her knowledge with others.
