As the cost of living continues to climb, more people are looking for ways to bring in extra money. From gig work to digital content creation, side hustles are becoming a key strategy for households trying to keep up with rising expenses.
Economist Mark Rosa says the trend isn’t new but it has accelerated in recent years.
“The gig economy really ramped up during COVID,” Rosa said. “Delivery driving and similar jobs offered little to no barriers to entry, and that model still exists today.”
However, he notes that rising fuel costs can affect whether those jobs are still worth it.
“As gas prices go up, people have to ask whether their earnings are worth the cost of fuel,” he said.
Beyond traditional gig work, many are turning to online platforms in hopes of earning income as content creators.
“Just about everyone has access to a smartphone, laptop, or tablet,” Rosa said. “And while the influencer space is saturated, it’s not impossible to break through. With a few thousand followers, you can begin monetizing content and earning income directly.”
For those looking for more consistent or familiar options, Rosa says some long-standing side jobs remain reliable.
“Babysitting, dog walking, and even running errands like picking up prescriptions or groceries can be monetized,” he said. “Services like lawn care or power washing are also in demand.”
He also points to a resurgence in remote work opportunities, particularly in customer service.
