All around Plant, we see people working on what they feel is best for them. Some of them feel the need to earn money, while others are driven by their passion for a particular subject. Many students want to earn money while they are in high school, regardless of the reason. There are only two options: either a job or a side hustle. Whether that side hustle is a business, a project or some revolutionary invention, it brings joy and some supplemental income to help with students’ expenses.
Many adults also feel the need to pursue side hustles. The Uber services students use are technically considered a side hustle. However, many students also want to have something to do while they are trying to work their way up the social ladder.
According to Bank of America, “70% of Gen Z has a side hustle.” As rent prices increase and wages remain stagnant, many young people are forced to seek alternative means of earning an income. Students in school also participate in this, already trying to save up or help their families. “Gen Z is one of the most financially stable generations.”
“One of the side hustles that I like to do is selling different clothes on Depop,” Brenna Wickham (11) said. “I get a lot of extra money from selling old clothes and accessories that I don’t use anymore; it actually helps a lot for things like gas or going out.” Online reselling is one of the more popular ways high school students nowadays earn some extra money.
These types of side hustles help many students achieve their goal of financial freedom faster, whether in college or simply starting as an adult with some money to spend on crucial expenses like living fees.
“I have earned over 7 thousand dollars in the past year and a half doing babysitting and tutoring services.” Danielle Nissim (10) said. “I think it’s a very efficient and easy way to earn money. I started by posting on Facebook and making flyers. A lot of people I know started working by doing something similar because it’s more challenging to get generic jobs like Publix or Chick-fil-a.”
In the current job market, there is competition among job seekers. This is especially true for minimum-wage, non-high school diploma jobs, as it may be challenging for some students to secure a position at a typical employer at this time. As AI increasingly replaces jobs, students will have fewer and fewer options, and side hustles may often become the only viable choice.
“I love painting, and so I decided to open a little painting business where people will pay me to make them a piece of art, either one that resembles them or just a fun little thing.” Ella Seigel (10) said. “I do this more for fun and am just glad I’m able to make some money from what I really like to do. I’m trying to save up to buy a car, so this extra money coming in is really helping me continue my passion while also allowing me to be able to buy what I want.”
Students start with side hustles because they have found something they enjoy and later on realize that they are able to capitalize on it. To students, that means the world as producing something you enjoy doing and at the same time making money for essential things like a car is what may help students stay afloat in high school.