How Side Hustles Are Reshaping Work In 2025

Forbes

a day ago

By Rieva Lesonsky
In today's economy, side hustles are no longer just a means to make ends meet; they represent a transformative shift in our working lives. Side gigs are evolving into substantial, often passion-driven businesses. What once began as weekend freelancing or after-hours crafting now stands as a path to personal freedom, creative fulfillment, and in many cases, long-term financial independence.
This shift isn't just about money, but identity and agency as well. People are redefining success on their own terms, choosing gigs that align with their values and lifestyles. From selling handmade goods online to offering niche consulting services, individuals are creating microenterprises that reflect who they are and what they care about. Sites like Etsy, Substack, and Patreon aren't just tech platforms—they're entrepreneurial ecosystems where creativity meets commerce and side hustlers can take root and thrive.
Starting and sustaining a side hustle isn't simple. You have to balance the demands of a primary job, personal life, and a growing side business. The dream of turning a side gig into a full-time business is real, but so are the challenges. Still, for many, the ability to build something of their own is worth all the late nights and early mornings.
Side hustles aren't a trend. They're the new face of work. A survey from Intuit QuickBooks reveals that 54% of respondents plan to start a business in 2025. But for many, money is the biggest barrier to entrepreneurship—48% say they'd start a business if they had more money.
Interestingly, while many side hustles start as passion projects, money seems to be a powerful motivator for those surveyed. Earning more money would make 61% of the respondents 'more satisfied.' And one way they plan to build personal wealth is by starting a side hustle. Even 43% of current business owners plan to start a side hustle to increase their income.
To learn more about getting a side hustle off the ground, I talked to Joe Black, director of product management, commerce at Intuit QuickBooks.
Rieva Lesonsky: Starting a side hustle has long been a great way to earn extra income, meet savings goals, or pay down debt. What's changed?
Joe Black: The side business concept has evolved into a much bigger opportunity. Today, these jobs represent an alternative career path, offering a new outlook on how we work—and, more importantly, how we pursue our passions. According to recent data, rideshare drivers, bloggers, photographers, and virtual assistants are set to be popular side hustles, presenting an exciting opportunity for those with an entrepreneurial mindset to build something of their own while maintaining financial security.
And as we navigate through the current economic uncertainty, building financial security through side hustles that can bring in extra income is something that is perhaps more top of mind than ever for many.
Lesonsky: Often, entrepreneurs like to jump first and look later. What's the first step to getting started?
Black: It can be tempting to jump right into a new side business when inspiration strikes, but you need a clear strategy with any new venture. Begin by defining your goals. Who are you trying to serve? How will you make money? What's your long-term vision? If you're not sure where to start, think about the skills you already have. Whether freelancing, selling a product, or offering a service, choose something that plays to your strengths. The best side gigs are the ones that feel more like a passion project than work.
Lesonsky: Do you need a business plan for a side hustle?
Black: Yes, it's essential to build a business plan. Outlining the details gives you a tangible road map to follow. Keep in mind that a business plan isn't set in stone—it can be as flexible as you need it to be. The key isn't sticking to a rigid plan but staying committed and adaptable as you grow. After all, it's the day-to-day work and adjustments that keep you moving forward.
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Lesonsky: As I've already noted, juggling a full-time job and a side hustle is a serious time commitment. The survey shows that 33% of people planning to start a business this year also intend to keep their full-time jobs. How do they do that?
Black: If that's your goal, you'll need to know how much time you realistically have and how to manage it effectively. This could mean working evenings, weekends, and the moments between your day job. Organize yourself with time blocking, using tools like Google Calendar or Trello when you need to schedule time for meetings, research, or content creation.
But don't forget to pencil in breaks, too. Overworking is a surefire way to burn out. Building rest into your schedule is just as important as the hustle itself. Managing your time effectively means knowing when to step back and recharge so you can keep moving forward.
Lesonsky: Once people start working a job and running a side hustle, are there any 'must-do' rules that help the business grow and keep them sane?
Black: Yes, I have two. First, keep your business finances separate from your personal finances. Side hustles allow you to be your own boss and work at your own pace while simultaneously benefiting from earning a regular income from your full-time job. The survey shows that this is why 71% of side hustlers surveyed kept their day jobs.
And now that you're running a business, you must track the money coming in and out of your business. If your personal and business finances are combined, it's much harder to gauge how your business performs. There are financial tools that automatically separate your business and personal transactions for easy review and organization. With clear financial separation, you'll have an easier time budgeting, preparing for taxes, and understanding where your business stands financially.
Lesonsky: And the second?
Black: Outsource support where you can. You don't have to do everything yourself, especially as your side hustle grows. Outsourcing is about knowing when to ask for help and identifying areas where you can delegate tasks to free up your time. Whether you need a graphic designer for your website or an accountant to help you maintain your books, platforms like Fiverr and Upwork offer affordable, skilled freelancers who can help with various aspects of your hustle.
Lesonsky: Anything else you'd like to add?
Black: The potential for a successful side hustle is limitless when fueled by passion and the skills you bring to the table. With the right mindset, now is a perfect time to turn your idea into something more. I'm thinking 2025 is "The Year of the Side Hustle.'