Side Hustles and the Hollow Promise of Prosperity
When you scroll through tiktok, you will see countless Gen Z’ers and Millennials touting how they are defying Corporate America by engaging in side hustles. These videos range from mindless jobs that earn a few cents for each task to more skilled freelance opportunities. These videos glorify side hustles as a pathway to financial freedom and personal fulfillment. However, beneath the surface lies a narrative that often goes unexplored — the detrimental impact of side hustles on society as a whole. While they may offer short-term benefits to individuals, the broader consequences are far-reaching and concerning.
Why are they engaging in side Hustles?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after 2013, there has been an uptick in the number of people juggling multiple full-time jobs. Among them, it is the younger workers that has embraced the concept side hustles with open arms, with about 50% of Gen Z’ers engaging in another job.
The surge in side hustle participation isn’t surprsising when we scrutize the financial landscape faced by this generation. For many Gen Z’ers and young Millennials, the harsh reality of soaring living costs looms large. Struggling to make ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck has become an all-too-common narrative. It’s a bleak reality for a generation thrust into a world marred…