Latest news with #jobflexibility
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Unusual Side Hustles Take Over Familiar Ones, Hauling In More Money
In an era of economic uncertainty and rising living costs, Americans are doing whatever it takes for job flexibility and extra income, and side hustles have become the new normal, with 27% of U.S. adults juggling side gigs. As the side gig market gets more competitive and saturated, the old rules no longer apply. Unusual side hustles are gaining traction as hustlers, thinking outside the box, take them to extremes to stand out and make more money in a crowded market. Unusual Side Hustles Are Giving A Facelift To Stand Out At a time when the economy is in every headline, money issues are living rent-free in our heads, according to Empower. Americans are spending nearly four hours a day thinking about debt, inflation and rising prices, keeping one-third of the workforce up at night. No wonder workers are walking away from traditional jobs in favor of the flexibility of more flexible careers. Annie Rosencrans, director of people and culture at HiBob, told me that the American workforce is realizing their full-time jobs are not the only way to make money, and while finances are a factor, the shift runs deeper. "Having a side hustle doesn't mean someone is less committed," Rosencrans explains, adding that in many cases, it's the opposite. 'These employees are motivated and energized because they're doing something they care about. But it does point to a bigger shift in how people see work, security and what success really means—and that's something HR can't afford to overlook.' As the number of side hustles skyrocket, Jamie Wall, personal finance strategist at Gamblizard, explains what's driving the hype. Wall says more traditional hustles, like copy writing or selling handmade goods, are declining. And oversaturated markets and high competition are making it harder for side gigs to stand out. So side hustlers are raising the bar, elevating side hustle standards to the business equivalent of career startups. Andy Kurtzig, CEO of told me that Gen Z side hustlers are taking the same tools corporations use to eliminate jobs and flipping the script to create opportunities for themselves. "What used to take funding, mentorship and institutional access, they're now doing with a laptop and a chatbot.' America's Top 5 Unusual Side Hustles How far are side hustlers willing to go to stand out? A recent survey finds that 13% of Americans say they're willing to publicly embarrass themselves for $5,000 or less, while 46% would enter 'Squid Game' for a shot at $33 million (yes, the fictional one with a 99.8% death rate). Wall and the team at Gamblizard analyzed Google search data to explore bizarre-but-lucrative gig trends from the past quarter. Here are some of the weirdest but most lucrative side hustles. Pet monetization is exploding, according to Wall. Searches like 'make money on a pet' are up 131% in just the last month. People are looking for ways to turn pet expenses into something closer to an investment, and viral pet accounts can pull in anywhere from $250 to $2,000 per sponsored post. 'It seems fun, and yes, sometimes profitable," Wall says. 'However, turning your funny pup into an influencer isn't any simpler than building any other kind of content brand. You'll need a clear niche, a plan and at least some baseline marketing know-how if you want to stand out." Wall suggests that you not aim for 'Jiffpom-level fame' but that a smaller, well-positioned audience can still lead to commercial gigs, photo shoots or local sponsorship. According to Wall, one of the oldest side hustles is seeing new life, thanks to TikTok testimonials and Reddit threads about 'getting paid to shop.' He points out that brands hire independent contractors paid to evaluate businesses' customer service, cleanliness and other aspects of their operations. Typically, he states they earn $10–$25 per task, with freebies (meals and products) and that higher-end gigs like hotel stays pay more. 'It's a good fit for detail-oriented people. But the space has scams," Wall cautions. 'Stick with MSPA-certified companies. Before signing up, search the company name plus 'review' or 'scan' to see what others say. Never agree to deposit a check to buy gift cards and send the numbers back. To make a gig more profitable, combine it with cashback apps or receipt scanning for layered passive income.' What used to be a TikTok punchline is now a serious income stream for some side hustlers. He says platforms make it easy to start, and anonymity lowers the barrier. And some report $100–$500/month, equal to as much as $6,000 per year. 'Is it legit?" he asks, answering that it is, but a lot of people don't realize this kind of income is taxable. 'If you're getting paid through platforms or direct transfers, you're basically running a small business, and the IRS expects you to report it,' he points out. "There's also the risk of scams, charge backs or not getting paid at all. And if you're under 18 or using someone else's identity, you could run into legal trouble. So if you go this route, treat it like a real business: protect yourself, know the tax rules and think long-term, not just quick cash.' Wall says there's growing demand for paid companionship through services like RentAFriend or local apps where people book plus-ones for events, social outings even just conversation. And rates range from $30 to $100 per hour, depending on the request. 'If you're naturally social, good at conversation and firm about boundaries, it can be a worthwhile gig. Just treat it like any freelance job: screen your clients, clarify expectations early and don't be afraid to say no," he insists. "To make it safe, stick with the platforms that screen users and offer clear terms, start with public meetups and trust your gut. If anything feels off, it probably is.' If you're already skilled at growing an audience, Wall believes you can build a niche page (travel, memes or fitness) and sell it once it hits a solid follower count. He mentions that some creators flip accounts for anywhere from $100 to over $10,000. 'However, these transactions sit in a grey area of Instagram's Terms of Service, which technically prohibit buying and selling accounts," he warns. "Scams are also common: fake buyers, charge backs or payments that vanish.' He recommends a better path: offer account-building as a service. He suggests that you use those same skills to grow pages for small businesses, influencers and nonprofits. "If your page format is distinct (curated memes, a signature carousel style or a specific tone), you can also license that structure and sell templates, posting schedule and strategy. It's lower risk. And potentially more scalable.' Unusual side hustles are gaining traction because they seem simple, but the simplicity of low barrier to entry and no formal skills required can be misleading, Wall emphasizes, adding that behind 'easy' unusual side hustles is work you don't see or a risk you don't expect. 'So, don't confuse accessibility with sustainability. And keep in mind—there's no such thing as free money,' he concludes. 'You're either putting in time and effort, or you're taking on risk, whether you realize it or not.'
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Job Seekers And Organizations Handle Personalized Work Experience
Years ago, I interviewed Dr. Olin Oedekoven, CEO of Peregrine, who told me he would hire great people first, then build jobs around them based on what they were good at and what they liked doing. At the time, that sounded very idealistic. Most companies hired to fill a list of tasks. But now, more organizations are starting to think differently. People want more say in their job responsibilities. I've talked to many CHROs who told me job candidates are walking in with a list of requests before they even get an offer. That is a big change in the hiring process and sounds gutsy coming from the way things used to be. I get it, though, from both sides. I would have loved to shape my past roles around what energized me. But I also know it's not simple. Companies have budgets and responsibilities to meet. They can't say yes to everything. That's why job seekers and companies both need to be clear and realistic about what personalized work looks like and how to make it possible. Some companies are already using technology to make it easier to shape roles around people instead of forcing people into roles. What Do Employees Expect When It Comes To Personalized Work? Today's job candidates are asking more questions. They want to know if the company offers flexibility, how much technology is used, and whether the job can grow with them. Some even ask if their role can shift as their skills develop. That doesn't mean people expect a perfect job. Most understand they'll have tasks that are routine or not exciting. But they still want to use their best skills and feel like their work matters. That might mean changing responsibilities or getting involved with different teams. The old days of one-size-fits-all job descriptions are fading. Are Companies Offering Personalized Work Or Just Repackaging Old Jobs? Some companies say they're offering personalization, but what they're really doing is offering remote work or flexible hours. That's helpful, but it's not the same as shaping a role around a person's strengths. Some companies are getting creative. It can be something as simple as allowing employees to spend 10% of their week exploring new functions or using AI to suggest project-based roles that match skills and career interests. Still, there are limits. If a company has hundreds or thousands of employees, full customization isn't always possible. Some roles have strict rules for safety, legal, or operational reasons. But these conversations are happening earlier. Employees are asking for flexibility up front, and smart companies are listening before people burn out or leave. How Is Technology Enabling Personalized Work Experiences? Technology is helping, especially AI tools that focus on outcomes instead of how much time someone spends at a desk. Managers are starting to care more about results, which opens up new ways of working. There are multiple ways organizations tackle this challenge. Walmart uses a tool called Ask Sam. It's a voice assistant that helps employees get answers to work questions quickly. Workday uses software that suggests training based on what someone has done and what they might want to do next. Salesforce built an internal system that helps employees explore new paths within the company. It looks at strengths and interests to suggest possible career moves. Other tools like Gloat and Eightfold help companies match employees to internal projects or jobs based on their skills. These tools make it easier to personalize work, but they don't replace conversations. Just because a system says someone is a good match for a project doesn't mean they want it. Managers still need to ask and listen. What Should Job Seekers Know About Personalized Work? If you're asking for a personalized work experience, start by being clear about what you need. What kind of work energizes you? Do you prefer structure or flexibility? What kind of feedback helps you grow? It's common to hear people ask for autonomy, but then feel lost without guidance. Or they ask for variety, but end up craving consistency. That's why it's important to really know what helps you do your best work. The more specific you are, the easier it is for a manager to support you. You can also ask the right questions in an interview. Ask how often people move into different roles, or how managers support development. Look for signs that the company is open to people growing in new directions. If you're already in a role that doesn't fit, speak up before walking away. I've seen people create new roles just by sharing what they were interested in and how they wanted to grow. What's Most Important For Personalized Work? More people want personalized work that fits their desires. More companies are open to that idea. But it still takes work on both sides. Companies that wait to offer flexibility may lose people to organizations that offer it sooner. And employees who want jobs shaped around them need to bring clear ideas and be willing to adjust along the way. Personalizing work doesn't mean rewriting every job. Sometimes it means giving people more say in how they spend their time or what they work toward next. When both sides are open and honest, it becomes easier to build roles that make both sides happy.
