Gen Z dropouts drive global side hustle surge in 2025: Resume Genius
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — A growing number of Gen Z workers are shaking up traditional career paths by forgoing college degrees and building their own businesses, according to new research from Resume Genius.
Nearly 58% of Gen Z workers now have a side hustle outside their main job, with those without degrees leading this trend.
The data reveals that the likelihood of having a side gig actually drops as formal education increases: 70% of Gen Z workers who started college but didn’t finish report running their own side business, compared to just 55% of those with bachelor’s or higher degrees.
Young men are also 8% more likely than women to be moonlighting as self-employed bosses.
Startup success: Gen Z inspires modern side hustles
This entrepreneurial spirit is not just a fantasy. Some of today’s most recognized companies, like Apple, Airbnb, and Instagram, began as side hustles by young innovators working full-time jobs.
The tradition continues with Gen Z: Chase Gallagher, who started mowing lawns at 12, now runs CMG Landscaping, a business that posted more than $1.5 million in revenue last year and employs 10 people.
Similarly, Ed Fuller transformed his side project for Amex into a $27 million-a-year marketing firm, and House of CB was launched on eBay before becoming a global fashion brand with millions of followers.
According to LinkedIn, “founder” is the second-fastest-growing job title among Gen Z, while a separate survey found that half of 18- to 35-year-olds with a side hustle or plans for one cite the desire to “be their own boss” as their main driver.
Side hustle economy: Earning more, working less
A Quicken survey has uncovered a surprising trend in the American workforce: nearly half (43%) of those with side hustles are making more money while working fewer hours compared to traditional single-salary positions.
This shift is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 50% of Gen Z and 48% of millennials reporting this outcome.
Among the popular side hustles, personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%) are leading choices, with 21% of the respondents running their own businesses like online stores or catering services.
“This new data highlights a group of Americans who are turning to contract work and side hustles to creatively supplement their income,” said Quicken CEO Eric Dunn.
“This is allowing them to address other elements of their financial situation, including paying down debts, saving for major purchases, and more.”
