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62% of Side Hustlers Use Gig Income To Cover Essentials, Not Dreams

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Groceries cost more. Rent’s up. And somehow, your paycheck isn’t stretching as far as it used to. If you’ve picked up a side hustle just to keep up, you’re not alone.

We surveyed nearly 1,000 people with side gigs to see how rising costs are changing the way they hustle. Turns out, a lot of people aren’t doing it for extra spending money—they’re doing it just to get by.

Key Takeaways

  • The No. 1 reason people side hustle is to afford groceries and household essentials.
  • 62% of gig workers spend at least half of their side hustle income on basic needs.
  • 32% of side hustlers have skipped paying for essentials in the past 12 months despite working multiple jobs.
  • 2 in 3 side hustlers now juggle multiple gigs. Nearly half plan to take on more this year.
  • More than a third of side hustlers managing multiple income streams feel overwhelmed or burned out.

01. For many workers, side hustling has become essential income

Infographic titled “The Rise of Side Hustles as a Financial Necessity” showing reasons people start and continue side hustles, and how they spend that income. Financial stress (59%) and desire for flexible income (55%) are top motivators; 62% of gig workers use most of their earnings for basic needs.

  • 59% of respondents started side hustling due to financial stress or cost-of-living increases. The top reason they continue to do it is to afford food and other household essentials.
  • 62% of gig workers spend at least half of their side hustle income on basic needs.
  • 35% hustle to cover rent or mortgage payments, while 1 in 10 do so to afford health care or insurance.
  • Among side hustlers earning $40,000 or less, 75% rely on side gigs for groceries and other essentials, compared to 60% or less among higher earners.
  • Gen X side hustlers are the most financially strapped, with 45% saying most of their gig work income goes toward basic needs.
  • Despite juggling multiple jobs, 32% of all respondents—and nearly half of those earning under $40,000—have skipped paying for essentials in the past 12 months.

02. What was once extra income is turning into a second shift

Infographic titled “How Much Time Side Gigs Really Take” displaying how many hours side hustlers work weekly, with 2 in 3 juggling multiple gigs. Most report working more hours than a year ago, and 27% spend 6–10 hours per week on side hustles.

  • 2 in 3 side hustlers now juggle multiple gigs.
  • Nearly half plan to take on more hustles this year.
  • About 2 in 3 side hustlers spend 15 hours or less per week on their hustles.
  • Side hustlers with 3 or more gigs spend upwards of 30 hours per week on their hustles.
  • Those with 4 or more were most likely to work full-time hours weekly (40+).

03. The emotional costs of hustling are real, but so are the rewards

Infographic titled “Side Hustle Burnout: Short-Term Fix or Long-Term Strategy?” showing that 70% of side hustlers plan to continue indefinitely and many feel overwhelmed (36%) or burned out (35%). Despite this, 69% say side hustling improved their quality of life.

  • 7 in 10 side hustlers say they will keep side hustling for the foreseeable future.
  • 69% of side hustlers say hustling has improved their quality of life.
  • More than a third managing multiple income streams feel overwhelmed (36%), burned out/exhausted (35%), and stressed/anxious (34%). Another 1 in 5 hustlers struggle with feeling guilty about not having enough time for family, friends, or hobbies.
  • However, 35% feel proud of their ability to earn extra income, and nearly 30% feel more in control of their finances because of side hustling.

04. Methodology

We surveyed 974 Americans who currently have a side hustle to explore why people are side hustling, how many hours they work, how they balance multiple gigs, and how side hustling is affecting their financial stability, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

The average age of respondents was 40; 51% were women, 47% were men, and 2% were nonbinary. Generationally, 26% were Gen X, 51% were millennials, and 18% were Gen Z. Due to the low sample size, baby boomers and members of the silent generation were excluded from the analysis. The data was collected in June 2025.

05. About SideHustles.com

SideHustles.com is your go-to resource for navigating the modern gig economy. Whether you’re looking for flexible work, passive income ideas, or ways to make ends meet, we break down side hustle options that fit your lifestyle and financial goals.

06. Fair Use Statement

Feel free to share this data for noncommercial purposes with proper attribution. Please include a link to SideHustles.com if you reference this article.

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