Why Everyone Has a Side Hustle Now

Level: Intermediate • Date: April 12, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Side Hustle growth Around the World

More people than ever are starting side hustles—small jobs or businesses they do outside of their main job. Whether it’s selling products online, teaching lessons, freelancing, or running a YouTube channel, side hustle growth is booming around the world.

Why Side Hustles Are So Popular

Why are so many people starting side hustles today? There are a few big reasons. First, people want extra income to deal with rising prices and economic uncertainty. Many families are finding that their full-time salary doesn’t go as far as it used to. Second, more people want freedom and flexibility in their work—something a side hustle can offer. Third, technology has made it easier than ever to start something new from home. With just a laptop or smartphone, anyone can launch a service, sell products, or share their knowledge with the world.

A Growing Global Trend

According to a 2024 global survey, 43% of working adults have some kind of side hustle. In the U.S., the number is even higher. And it’s not just young people driving this change—many professionals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are joining the trend. These workers are often balancing family life, full-time jobs, and their side gigs all at once.

Some use their side hustle to explore a passion or hobby they’ve always loved. Others want to build something they can eventually turn into a full-time business. Either way, a side hustle is now seen as a smart and modern way to learn new skills, grow your network, and take more control of your future.

The Reality Behind the Trend

Still, building a successful side hustle takes time, planning, and real effort. It’s not just about posting on social media or starting a website—it’s about solving a problem, offering something of value, and staying consistent. Not every side hustle becomes a success overnight. But with the right mindset, tools, and community support, more people are showing that success is absolutely possible.

Vocabulary and Conversation Practice

Vocabulary

Side hustle (noun) – extra work done outside your main job. She started a side hustle selling art online.
Freelance (verb) – to work for different people without being a full-time employee. He freelances as a graphic designer.
Trend (noun) – a general direction or pattern. Side hustles are a growing trend.
Flexibility (noun) – the ability to change or adjust easily. Remote jobs offer more flexibility.
Income (noun) – money earned from work. She wanted to increase her income.
Explore (verb) – to try or learn about something new. He started a podcast to explore his interests.
Passion (noun) – something you love doing. Her passion is photography.
Effort (noun) – physical or mental energy used to do something. Building a side hustle takes effort.
Overnight (adverb) – very quickly or suddenly. Success doesn’t happen overnight.
Mindset (noun) – the way you think about things. A positive mindset helps you stay motivated.

Discussion Questions About the Article

What is a side hustle?
Why are more people starting side hustles?
What are some examples of side hustles?
How can a side hustle help your future?
What challenges might come with having a side hustle?

Discussion Questions About the Topic

Do you have a side hustle or want to start one?
What kind of side hustle would interest you?
What skills are useful for starting a side hustle?
How can you manage time between a job and a side hustle?
What advice would you give someone starting out?

Suggested Phrase: “Take the leap”

Meaning: To try something new even if it feels risky.
How it applies: Starting a side hustle means taking the leap toward greater freedom and opportunity.

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