How to Build a Side Hustle That Works For You

If you've been hearing a lot about side hustles lately, you're not alone. The term has slipped into our common consciousness in recent years-so much so that Merriam-Webster added it to its dictionary in 2022. "Side-hustle is a word on the move," the entry says.

- FRANCES DODDS and AMANDA BREEN

"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.