Business
‘Side Hustle Generation’: Over 50% Of US Gen Z Opting For Extra Gigs Amid Economic Uncertainty
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At least 57% of Gen Z in the US now have side gigs, from retail to gig work, amid economic uncertainty and concerns over the impact of AI on jobs.
Gen-Z is the first generation for whom a 9-to-5 job isn’t essential for achieving financial success. (AI-Generated Image)
Amid widespread economic uncertainty, more than half of the Gen Z population in the United States is opting for side gigs to navigate the job market and for extra cash.
At least 57% of Gen Z in the US now have side gigs, compared to 21% of boomers and older, according to The Harris Poll, which dubbed them “America’s first true ‘side hustle’ generation.”
Most of them are picking up side hustles, from retail to gig work, for extra cash. Younger people “want to work [and] find success, but many of them just feel disillusioned with the opportunities to get there through the traditional career ladder,” Glassdoor chief economist Daniel Zhao told Axios.
Role Of AI
In an August report, Glassdoor researchers said that some of the youths are chasing creative or entrepreneurial goals. Moreover, AI and other technological advances have made it easier for professionals to monetise their skills and passions.
“We’re witnessing a true side hustle generation where work identity lives outside of traditional employment. Additional commentary and research also shows that there’s a growing number of Employee+ workers who diversify income streams without abandoning job security,” Glassdoor said.
“For Gen Z, the day job funds the passion project. Work pays the bills, but identity and fulfilment can come from entrepreneurial pursuits, creative endeavours, or social causes they care about,” it added.
Why Are Gen-Z Opting For Side Gigs?
One of the main reasons for this shift is job anxiety. Recent graduates are struggling to secure jobs, while those with them aren’t seeing the career growth they expect, according to Zhao.
Data shows that the financial optimism for college students has fallen to their lowest level since 2018, mostly due to concerns over unemployment and ‘AI-induced layoffs’. The advent of AI remains the most pressing concern among young workers.
As per The Harris Poll, Gen Z is the first generation for whom a 9-to-5 job isn’t essential for achieving financial success. Side hustles are not merely distractions or fallback options; they are central to Gen Z’s identity, offering creative, entrepreneurial, or activist outlets that main jobs cannot supply.
“It definitely makes me feel more financially secure,” Katie Arce, who works full-time in e-commerce and picks up shifts at a vintage clothing store in Austin, Texas, told Axios.
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United States of America (USA)
January 11, 2026, 17:08 IST
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RBI has summoned senior officials of Yes Bank following a major data breach involving the Yes Bank–BookMyForex multi-currency forex card
Reserve Bank of India headquarters in Mumbai.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has summoned senior officials of Yes Bank following a major data breach involving the Yes Bank–BookMyForex multi-currency forex card, two people aware of the development told The Economic Times (ET).
According to the report, card details and CVV numbers of several users were allegedly compromised. The central bank has sought a detailed explanation from the bank on how its systems may have been breached and the sequence of events that led to the exposure of sensitive customer data.
“The RBI has sought a comprehensive briefing from Yes Bank’s senior management on the root cause of the breach, the timeline of events, and the adequacy of the bank’s cybersecurity framework,” one of the persons cited by ET said. “The regulator wants clarity on how sensitive card data, including CVV numbers, may have been exposed and what immediate containment measures have been implemented.”
Yes Bank declined to comment on the RBI’s queries but said an internal investigation had identified fraudulent transactions involving 15 merchants in a Latin American country on February 24. Transactions worth Rs 2.54 crore were approved across 5,000 customers, while 688 unauthorised attempts amounting to around Rs 90 lakh were blocked. The bank said it is working with the card network to initiate chargebacks and ensure that affected customers do not face financial losses.
Separately, BookMyForex said it does not store customers’ sensitive card information and that its systems were neither breached nor compromised during the period in question.
The RBI has also sought details on how sensitive card data—particularly CVVs—was stored and protected, whether encryption and prescribed security protocols were followed, and why existing cyber controls failed to prevent the breach. In addition, the regulator is reviewing the timeline of detection and reporting, the robustness of third-party risk management and oversight, the number of customers impacted, and the steps taken to block cards, prevent misuse and mitigate losses. It has also asked for clarity on internal accountability, supervisory lapses and remedial measures to prevent a recurrence, ET reported.
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February 26, 2026, 07:53 IST
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