"Although the precise definition of this term is still in a bit of flux, it appears to be centering on 'work performed for income supplementary to one's primary job."" "In a bit of flux" is right. As you'll see on the following pages, having a side hustle means many things to many people. Some rely on the extra cash to pay their bills, others want a fun hobby that makes a little money, and still others want to build an entirely new business or career. A 2023 Bankrate survey found that nearly 2 in 5 of all American adults now have side hustles, and more than half of all Gen Zers and millennials. Among these younger side-hustlers, 1 in 5 Gen Zers and 1 in 4 millennials hope to one day make their side gig their full-time job.
Factors like the normalization of remote work and a general sense of economic instability have surely fueled this trend, but one thing is clear: It's not slowing down. As one side-hustler, Justin Cambra, told us: "In today's world, stability is from multiple sources of income. I'm trying to generate as many revenue streams as possible." Hopefully, the stories here will help you do just that.
15 Side Hustles You Never Knew Existed
When people talk about side hustles, they usually think of gig work for the likes of Uber or DoorDash, or starting a company in their off-hours and growing it into a full-blown business. But we found people making thousands of dollars on all sorts of weird, wonderful side hustles that fall somewhere in the middle. Peruse their ventures, and get inspired!
Breed bugs.
Just like this dad who makes $30,000 a year If you don't get squirmy around creepy crawlies, try breeding insects! Crickets, Dubia roaches, and mealworms are all easy to cultivate, and lizard-owners never stop needing to feed their reptiles.
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The $20 Bill That Became Priceless
As I built my snack-food brand, Sun & Swell Foods, I kept hearing the same advice: Hustle for your customers. Never turn down business. Obsessively focus on ROI. So that's what I did-and although my company grew, it wasn't profitable. This began affecting me emotionally. I love my brand and care deeply about its success. Its challenges started to feel like my own.
THE BEST MARKETING DOLLARS I'VE EVER SPENT
Great marketing doesn't require huge budgets. We asked franchisees and franchisors to share their best marketing ROI-and their stories (on the following pages) will inspire you.
READ THIS BEFORE MEETING A FRANCHISOR
Thinking about buying a franchise? You should meet the franchisor-and you should know exactly how to approach that meeting-to ensure you're making the right decision.
THE BOLDEST NEW IDEAS IN FRANCHISING
These eight innovative businesses are now franchising-and maybe in a few years, they'll be climbing the Franchise 500 list too.
5 BRANDS GROWING IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS
Want to know how to rocket up in the Franchise 500 rankings? These brands all jumped over 150 spots since last year-and they're sharing the strategies behind their growth.
FRANCHISE 500 TOP 10
Meet the Leaders of the Franchise 500
TAX STRATEGIES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2025
Your taxes won't go up this year. But you can still find new ways to decrease your burden.
HOW TO CLOSE THE SALE (EVEN WHEN THEY SAY NO)
I'm the world's leading door-to-door sales expert. I've heard “no” endlessly. Here's how I close sales anyway-and how you can too.
'The Sword We Refuse to Die On'
Some people tell Chip and Joanna Gaines to play it safe, and to keep doing what made them famous in the first place. But they're ready to take more risks-because that's the entrepreneurial way.
Are You Feeling the Squeeze?
Many companies are struggling with rising costs and tighter margins. We asked six business leaders to share their solutions.