Referee. Data entry clerk. Housecleaner. Freelance writer. More Americans are trying to bridge the gap between their incomes and rising costs. To do so, they’re taking on side jobs, also known as side hustles. For many, these hustles have become an essential part of life.
The term “side hustles” is trending on Google Trends. The research website shows that folks all over the United States are exploring the idea of taking on more work. They’re asking what they can pursue as a second job, which gigs pay best, and in what careers AI might help them out. Side hustle queries on Google Trends highlight a nationwide interest in second jobs.
Forbes magazine writer Caroline Castrillon calls side hustles the “new normal” for many Americans. She says that while some people hustle to make ends meet, many have other reasons for taking on more work. Castrillon lists common motives for side gigs. They include extra income, new skills, a risk-free tryout of a new career, and social contact.
Newsweek mapped Google Trends data compiled by a company called Hostinger. The study shows the country’s most popular side hustles:
Virtual Assistant: scheduling, email, remote data entry
Delivery Driver: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Amazon Prime
E-commerce: Etsy, Amazon selling
Creative Writing: blogging, copywriting
Animal Care: dog walking, pet sitting
Tutoring: online or in person
Rideshare driver: Uber, Lyft
Car/home rentals: Turo, Airbnb
Writer Jenn Adams tells BuzzFeed readers that writing resumés, IT consulting, and photography are popular side jobs too.
The Newsweek study revealed several trends. For example, favorite side hustles vary from state to state. The differences highlight how geography and local economies shape Americans’ side hustle choices: Suburban areas gravitate toward community-oriented roles (tutoring and animal care); rural states favor transportation gigs (rideshare); and urban centers choose tech openings (online surveys).
As technology expands and the U.S. economy changes, experts project demand for side hustles will increase. For lawmakers and industry leaders, this represents a chance to support the side gig economy. Some propose better training, resources, and worker protections.
Developing skills and looking for creative outlets are traits of good workers. But these should never come at the cost of integrity, stress, or distraction in the first job. Still, for helping workers tackle rising costs, control finances, and develop new skills, a side hustle might be a good idea.
What might your “side hustle” be?
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might. — Ecclesiastes 9:10
Why? People are made for working well, and taking an extra gig may help avoid debt. But remember: The love of money can lead some to work too hard or too much. When work disrupts relationships, health, or integrity, it may be time to step back.
