With the growing popularity of online platforms and an increase in freelance, contract, and “gig” work, starting a side hustle alongside a full-time job is now easier than ever. Currently, nearly 44 million U.S. workers have side hustles, engaging in various activities such as driving for ride-sharing services, renting out properties, or selling handmade goods online.
One key reason behind the growth in side hustles is the simplicity of getting started. For instance, signing up to take surveys on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk only requires a quick application, while becoming a Lyft driver simply requires a valid driver’s license, a reliable car, a clean driving record, and a short online application. More specialized side hustles, such as freelance graphic design or web development, can be launched within a day or two by creating a profile on Upwork or similar platforms.
Managing a side hustle, however, comes with its own set of challenges. We conducted studies with over 1,000 people who juggle full-time jobs with various side hustles—such as an HR coordinator who creates jewelry, a data analyst delivering food for Postmates, a nurse completing surveys, and a graphic designer doing freelance writing. These participants spent an average of 13 hours per week on their side hustles, spread over four days, with median annual earnings of about $5,000. Almost half had more than one side hustle. While full-time gig workers often struggle with job insecurity and lack of identity, those with side hustles enjoy the independence of gig work alongside the security of a primary job. Our research shows that side hustles can provide a sense of control, which increases emotional and cognitive engagement. However, in some cases, side hustles can also distract from full-time work.
Choosing the Right Side Hustle
There are many options for side hustles. While earning potential is important, we found that the nature of the work and the reasons for pursuing it strongly affect how rewarding and engaging the side hustle experience is.
Characteristics of the Work. Five key characteristics can make side work more fulfilling. First, side hustles that provide autonomy—giving workers the freedom to set their schedules, make decisions, and control how they complete tasks—are more enriching. Side hustles that allow workers to see a task through from start to finish also tend to be better experiences. Many side hustles naturally offer such independence due to the nature of gig work, making them relatively easy to find.
Other essential characteristics to consider when selecting a side hustle are feedback, significance, and skill variety. Feedback from clients or users enhances the experience, as seen with the real-time ratings and tips that Lyft and Uber drivers receive. Significance, or the sense that the work impacts others, is also beneficial. Babysitting, for instance, might feel more meaningful than selling items online. Lastly, a side hustle involving various skills adds to the experience. For example, performing different jobs on TaskRabbit might be more engaging than a job that relies on a single skill, such as driving for a ride-share service. In summary, finding a side hustle that offers autonomy, clear tasks, feedback, significance, and skill variety will make the experience more enriching and empowering.
Motivations for a Side Hustle. People start side hustles for many reasons, and we found that having diverse motivations increases the likelihood of feeling empowered and engaged. While 45% of respondents reported that extra income was their top motivation, others cited variety and autonomy (34%), social interactions and helping others (7%), and job security (14%). These motivations encourage people to actively shape their side hustle, increasing their engagement and sense of control.
Importantly, a side hustle is most fulfilling when its nature aligns with the worker’s motivations. For instance, someone who values social interaction may prefer bartending over completing surveys. When choosing a side hustle, it’s essential to consider how well it matches your personal goals and motivations.
Doing Similar vs. Different Work. For some, a side hustle related to their full-time job (like an accountant doing tax work) can simplify skill transfer and make the transition between roles easier. However, our research suggests that a side hustle closely related to a full-time job may extend work stress into non-working hours. Choosing a side hustle different from your primary job can provide a welcome mental break and promote recovery from your main role.
Building Your Side Hustle
Once you’ve chosen a side hustle, there are a few essential steps to build and maintain it. These include pacing the workload, keeping the side hustle from overtaking your main job, and considering if and how to share it with your employer.
Pacing Your Side Hustle. Some side hustles, like driving or delivering, can be easily adjusted based on your schedule. Others, like tutoring or babysitting, may involve longer-term commitments, which require a sustainable approach. Freelance work, such as web design, often comes with unpredictable deadlines, making it harder to balance with other responsibilities. Choosing the right type of side hustle can help avoid burnout and overcommitment.
Deciding Whether to Go Full-Time. In our study, 17% of participants expressed interest in eventually turning their side hustle into a full-time job. Those with this goal typically had side hustles that aligned with personal passions but didn’t yet provide enough income. For anyone with long-term aspirations to grow a side hustle into a full-time role, it’s essential to select one that is both personally fulfilling and financially viable.
Disclosing Your Side Hustle. Many companies view outside work as a potential conflict of interest. Before starting a side hustle, review your company’s policies. If disclosure is necessary, consider discussing how your side hustle could benefit your full-time role by building transferable skills or enhancing your overall job satisfaction.
Balancing Full-Time Work and a Side Hustle
There are several strategies to keep side hustles from overwhelming your main job or personal life.
Managing Your Energy. Many people work on their side hustles in the evenings or on weekends. It’s essential to schedule downtime between your primary job and side hustle. Taking short breaks during each can help, as well as making sure these breaks allow you to disconnect. Use this time to appreciate the joy or meaning your work brings, or simply relax.
Leveraging the Positive Aspects of Side Hustles. Despite the challenges, side hustles often bring positive energy into people’s lives. Many participants reported feeling more enthusiastic and motivated in their main job after working on a side hustle. Additionally, engaging in a side hustle can alleviate negative feelings that arise from full-time work.
In Conclusion
We strongly support the idea of side hustles—they offer the independence and fulfillment of gig work without the instability of full-time freelance work. Side hustles can also empower individuals by allowing them to shape their work and environment. However, balance is essential, as too much focus on a side hustle can lead to burnout. Finding a healthy balance between a full-time job and side hustle is the key to long-term success and satisfaction.
