The piece looks at how rising living costs and stubborn inflation are pushing more Americans to rely on side hustles, turning what used to be extra cash into an essential second shift.
Side hustles have become mainstream: surveys cited in the story show roughly 40% of Americans now have a side gig, and many say they couldn’t afford their current lifestyle without that extra income.
Typical side hustlers earn around 1,200 dollars a month on average and often put in at least 10 hours a week, but experts warn the added workload can lead to burnout, strain relationships, and limit time for advancement in a primary job.
Caroline Bruckner notes that inflation and wages that haven’t fully caught up are key drivers, while technology platforms have made it easier than ever to pick up flexible work—offering autonomy and passion projects, but also reflecting how many workers feel forced into multiple jobs.
“I think inflation is real. The cost of living has gotten more expensive and people are recognizing that and responding to that,” said Caroline Bruckner
Read the article.