Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Gen Z's Side Hustles for Financial Freedom
Many young people, like Stephen and Mikhail, work regular jobs during the day but also have side jobs at night or on weekends.
These side jobs, or 'side hustles,' help them make extra money and feel more secure about their future.
For example, Stephen works as a computer engineer during the day and as a sound engineer for a band at night.
Mikhail works as a writer but also plays the bass guitar in a band.
They use the extra money to save, invest, and enjoy life.
However, they must be careful to follow tax rules and not spend all their extra money on expensive things.
Experts advise saving a big portion of the side hustle income to build a financial safety net.
Gen Z professionals are increasingly taking up side hustles to build wealth and financial stability.
Side hustles provide extra income and mental satisfaction, helping to hedge against economic uncertainty.
Many side hustles, like music gigs, can be planned well in advance and provide regular income.
Professionals should be transparent about their side hustles and ensure they do not conflict with their primary jobs.
All side income is taxable, and professionals must comply with tax regulations and build a financial safety net.
- Who
- Gen Z professionals with side hustles
- What
- Building wealth through side hustles
- When
- After office hours and on weekends
- Where
- Primarily in cities like Mumbai
- Why
- To achieve financial stability, outrun inflation, and gain mental satisfaction
- Primary Job
- DevOps engineer
- Side Hustle
- Sound engineer for a band
- Financial Stress
- 48% of Gen Z and 45% of millennials
- Side Hustle Preference
- 43% of Gen Z
- Income Allocation
- Main income for house expenses, side income for leisure
- Tax Compliance
- All side income is taxable
- Safety Net
- 6 to 12 months of living expenses
- Savings Rule
- 70-80% of side hustle income saved