Over one-third (36%) of Gen Z are having a hard time finding corporate jobs, leading 31% to explore opportunities in social media.

Almost half (45%) of Gen Z consider themselves digital side workers, which has positively impacted their finances.

More than one in ten (13%) Gen Zers are making money through social media.

Side jobs aren’t new, but in true Gen Z style, this generation is redefining how to earn extra income, and it’s paying off.

A recent study by Qualtrics for Intuit Credit Karma reveals that 45% of Gen Z identify as digital side workers. These workers earn extra money online outside their main jobs. This includes activities like creating branded content on social media, selling goods on platforms like Etsy and eBay, and building paid audiences on sites such as Substack and OnlyFans.

This move toward online income comes at a time when many young people are struggling to find work. In fact, over one-third (36%) of Gen Z report having difficulty securing corporate jobs, causing many educated and debt-laden job seekers to share their experiences online. Consequently, many in Gen Z are looking for alternative work, with some eyeing careers in social media. The study shows that 31% of Gen Z are either pursuing or considering a career in social media due to challenges in finding corporate jobs.

For some in Gen Z, their social media careers have already begun. More than one in ten (13%) are currently earning income through social media, including content creation (53%), TikTok Shop (41%), and brand partnerships (33%). Among those earning money through social media, over a quarter (26%) do so as a full-time job, while more than half (56%) do it alongside their full-time job. For many, this is a profitable way to make money.

The study found that 47% of Gen Z who earn money on social media make more from content creation than from a traditional 9-to-5 job. This is understandable, considering that 61% of Gen Z feel their pay hasn’t kept up with the cost of living.

So, how much are these digital side workers making? Over one in ten (13%) who identify as digital side workers say their side hustle has helped them earn six figures. Others have used their side income to save money (59%), build an emergency fund (24%), pay off debt, or travel (23%). Some have even invested in their futures, such as by investing (21%), buying a home, or saving for retirement (17%).

“Even with a strong job market, many young people are finding it hard to secure work, which could hinder them from reaching their financial goals, like renting their first apartment or paying off student loans,” said Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma. “As a result, Gen Z is finding creative ways to make money, with many turning to social media and online platforms to earn extra cash. Digital side jobs can be an excellent way for young people to take control of their finances and start working toward their financial goals. Whether your digital job is your main source of income or extra money on top of another job, make a plan for your money. As with any paycheck, it’s important to allocate a portion of your income towards essentials like housing costs and groceries, and put the rest towards savings, paying off debt, and enjoying life.”