Need a side gig?
You’re not alone – even air traffic controllers have side hustles as DoorDash workers.
And many people who don’t work as air traffic controllers have a second job, too. According to a 2025 survey from Deloitte, “financial concerns continue to drive many Gen Zs and millennials to take on side jobs.” The report found that one third of Gen Z and millennials have a side job in order to supplement their income, develop skills and relationships, and make a positive impact on their community or society.
Let’s dive into why so many people are taking on side hustles, how to find the right type of gig work, and a few inspirational success stories.
Why people are taking on contract work
In the not so distant past, having one job at one company for your entire life was not all that strange. But with the advent of the internet and the increase in remote work, having one job and adding one (or two or three) side hustles is easier than ever. In fact, many contractors are combining a few side hustles and making that their full-time career. An Upwork study notes that “53% of Gen Z freelancers work full-time hours on freelance projects.”
With costs increasing on everything from apparel to furnishing, it’s always nice to have extra income. And as health insurance premiums increase, freelancers need to be ready financially. Taking on an additional side hustle can be lucrative. According to a survey recently released from Omnisend, sixty-two percent of a sample of 1,200 Americans revealed they “earn up to $500 per month after taxes, while one-in-five (20%) make even more than $1,000 – amounting to a combined $83.1 billion in additional monthly income.”
What type of gig work is right for you?
If you’re wondering where to even start when it comes to finding a side hustle, we get it. It can be overwhelming! There are thousands of jobs listed in different marketplaces, and they all pay widely varying rates. That’s why it might be helpful to browse the options at Upwork, which provides a handy chart of the jobs they say are the best gig economy jobs.
While some of the most common gig work a decade ago usually meant that you drove for a ride-sharing company, the breadth of options in 2025 are far wider. Did you know that there’s a need for online tutors, and that they pay $26 per hour on average? If you want to get in on the ground floor of the future of technology, companies are also hiring AI prompt engineers and paying around $54 per hour! If you love animals, maybe becoming a pet sitter or dog walker ($16 per hour) is a good fit for you.
The bottom line is that the type of gig work available is constantly changing. It’s unlikely too many people thought that “AI-powered virtual assistant” was a valid side hustle 10 years ago. Take some time to think about what you’re passionate about and try to find a job that lines up with your interests.
Freelancing can be rewarding and help you earn a living
No job is perfect. But beyond the money you can make, freelancing offers some potentially unexpected benefits you might not be considering. We’ve spoken to a whole lot of contractors for an interview series on our Wingspan blog, and here’s what they told us they love about freelancing:
Being able to choose your projects
“I love the freedom and flexibility to choose my projects and work on my own sc hedule. It’s really motivating to be directly responsible for how much money you make. And I’m forever inspired by the founders and creatives that I get to work with.” – Carolyn Bothwell, brand strategist
Having the sole responsibility for sinking or swimming
“While it's always a good feeling to get a new project, as a freelancer, the feeling is all the more exaggerated because you are responsible for everything that made it happen.” – Lizzie Bildner, branding and marketing consultant
“The hardest thing for me was being creative for other people and then not getting any credit for it. For the first time, not only do I get to make stuff that I approve of, and I don't have to get someone else's approval [for], but at the same time, I get credit for my work.” – Sarah Hussaini, founder, Not Work Related
The endless sources of inspiration
“All the new, inspiring people I get to meet at each new job. I am always learning from them and becoming a better artist through the diverse variety of people I get to collaborate with.” – Rachael Krutchkoff, makeup artist
One downside of freelancing can be that payments don’t always arrive bi-weekly like a full-time job for a company. But freelancers who get paid through Wingspan have access to their cash instantly! Wingspan’s Instant Payouts eliminate the waiting game by giving you the option to access your earnings 24/7/365, making it easy to smooth out your cash flow, pay bills on time, and take full control of your income.
This information is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax or legal advice. Wingspan is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Deposits are FDIC-insured through Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The Wingspan Visa® Debit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc.Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank.; Member FDIC.
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