Despite having a main job and regular salary, members of Generation Z seek to earn more by engaging in additional activities. There is a trend toward combining a main job with freelancing, content creation, online work, or starting a small business; this phenomenon is called 'side hustle.'
However, the driving force behind this phenomenon is not only the desire to increase income but also significant financial pressure.
According to the Deloitte study 'Gen Z and Millennials 2026,' one of the main reasons for this mindset among Generation Z is financial problems. In India, 54% of Gen Z members postpone important life decisions due to monetary difficulties. Furthermore, 20% of young people struggle to cover daily expenses.
The problem goes beyond purchasing expensive clothes, traveling, or online shopping; for young people, serious concerns have become buying housing, saving money, and ensuring future financial stability.
Against this financial pressure, the opportunity to earn more becomes an attractive option for young people. Side hustles give them a chance to increase their income by serving as a source of revenue in addition to their main job.
The Deloitte World 2026 report shows that about 30% of Generation Z members work part-time or full-time in additional jobs. The report also notes that financial necessity is one of the main reasons. Nevertheless, more than a third of those engaged in side hustles claim that it helps them acquire new skills and build social connections.
For Generation Z, a side hustle is not just a way to earn more money. It is also a method to try out work that aligns with personal preferences. By engaging in activities outside of their main job, Generation Z members can master new competencies and potentially turn it into a main career in the future.
Thus, the approach of Generation Z is simple: they gain experience and stability from their main job but are not limited to a single source of income. Against the backdrop of rising expenses and financial uncertainty, the side hustle becomes not just a hobby, but a way for many members of Generation Z to increase their earnings.

