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Ah, the glorious side hustle! Students today are practically drowning in them, almost doubling the number compared to the studious scholars of the 1980s. A mind-blowing survey suggests that 65% of those currently wrangling assignments are also juggling side gigs, compared to just 38% of those poor souls back in the ’80s who likely spent more time perfecting their hair than earning cash.
Let’s not forget that while slinging lattes in retail and hospitality has stood the test of time, today’s students are stepping up the game, crafting content like wordsmith wizards, offering online tutoring, or even playing the role of an Uber driver. Who knew that the journey from classroom to cash could feel like an episode of “Survivor”? Pop quiz: how well can you handle a frantic parent asking for help with algebra?
And here’s the kicker: around 30% of students between 2020 and 2025 are now taking the entrepreneurial route by running online shops. Yes, Etsy is now a common appendage to every college application.
Some of the more… *unique* side hustles reported recently include dressing up as a football mascot (for all the glory of getting trampled by toddlers), queue-standing for others (yes, this is a thing), and painting film backdrops (because someone has to make those low-budget indie films look… presentable?).
While many students are motivated by sheer financial necessity (because college tuition doesn’t pay itself, does it?), some are actually aiming to develop skills or even monetize their hobbies. What an amazing concept, turning procrastination into profit! Nearly a third of students are clocking in 11 hours or more per week on their side hustles—down from a whopping 44% in the 1990s. Clearly, quality of life is still a priority!
Alistair McQueen, the head of savings and retirement at Aviva, weighs in: “The pandemic has redefined work engagement for many, including our esteemed students. Greater flexibility has birthed new ventures while financial pressures have made extra income a hot commodity. Watch out world, these students are not just balancing books; they’re orchestrating a financial symphony!”
As these aspiring adults juggle academic commitments along with income-generating side gigs, one thing is clear: for many, a side hustle is no longer an afterthought; it’s the cornerstone of financial health. Who knew?”
