Remember when having a single job was considered secure? Those days are long gone.
Between rising living costs, inflation, and constant uncertainty about the job market, it’s no surprise that professionals across all generations are diversifying their income.
According to Glassdoor’s 2025 Workplace Trends Report, 57% of Gen Z employees are pursuing at least one side hustle. But it’s not just the younger workforce — more than 8.9 million people in the U.S. now hold multiple jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The trend has even earned its own name: “Side stacking” — the practice of building multiple income streams alongside a main role.
Think copywriting for a brand after work, creating UGC content on weekends, ghostwriting for professionals on LinkedIn, or monetising a passion project. For many, this isn’t about greed — it’s about stability, creativity, and freedom.
“We’ve traded the rigid career ladder for the career lily pad — a path where we can jump to whatever opportunity fits best at the moment,” says Morgan Sanner, Glassdoor’s Gen Z career expert. “In the long run, that kind of flexibility is more sustainable and realistic.”
Why It’s Smart (and Sometimes Necessary)
Diversifying income can:
- Reduce financial anxiety during economic uncertainty
- Build transferable skills and networks outside a 9–5
- Create a sense of autonomy and future security
In today’s volatile market, relying on one employer or income stream is riskier than ever.
But Here’s the Catch…
Not every company embraces this new model.
Many still hold policies that restrict employees from having side projects, citing “conflict of interest” or “productivity concerns.”
In 2023, for instance, Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke discouraged employees from running side hustles, arguing that it divided focus. But for employees facing stagnant wages and rising bills, the idea of banning side gigs feels out of touch.
If employees are delivering quality work, should it really matter how they spend their personal time?
Allowing flexibility and trust not only boosts morale — it keeps talent engaged and loyal. And if companies want to curb the need for side hustles, the solution is simple: pay people fairly and offer better benefits.
A Future Built on Flexibility
The future of work isn’t about one linear career. It’s about adaptability, autonomy, and multiple pathways to success.
So, maybe the question isn’t “why do you have so many jobs?”
Maybe it’s “why should anyone have to rely on just one?”
Ready to future-proof your career?
Explore practical ways to build sustainable side income streams, optimise your LinkedIn profile, and design a work-life that works for you.
👉 Book a Power Hour https://calendar.app.google/FiuoPo1TSZi2CTj99 or explore resources at www.lhcvsolutions.com
