How Gen-Z is Earning Money: The Side Hustle
We polled our teen followers on Instagram to find out found how they earned money back in October. More than half (57%) receive an allowance from their parents. For those who aren’t receiving an allowance, more than half (53%) are making money from their own side projects, while 47% have jobs.
No longer content with low-paying jobs in service sector, more teens are finding ways to earn money on their own terms. Current teen cardholders are earning money in a dizzying variety of ways.
Artists and Designers — Among our #CurrentHustle challenge participants, Instagram user (@parkerpenley.art) paints portraits of other people’s pets for a fee. Aside from painting, other ways to make some spare cash include designing flyers and posters, or creating graphic designs for small businesses and entrepreneurs. If your teen has a creative streak, they could be turning that into a money-making business
Gaming — Yes, there are some teens who actually make money playing video games. Some schools even offer eSports scholarships. But as with other pro sports, very few make it to prime time. However, there are other ways to make money with video games. Many teens are earning money with how-to video on YouTube and Twitch, or writing game reviews and guidebooks.
Some creative teens are even use video games as software, like the teen who builds architectural renderings for businesses using Roblox.
Candy Making and Baking
Current user, Kaylie (@rockinroseslollipops), participated in our #CurrentHustle challenge and told us about that as a side hustle, she hand makes hard candy lollipops. Kaylie started by selling candy to her friends and family, and then expanded to taking orders over Instagram.
Photography and Video — We’re not talking about selfies here, notwithstanding Gen-Zs proclivity for the self-portrait. With the low cost of high-quality cameras and desktop editing software, many teens are earning money behind the lens. One of our teen cardholders is earning money building showcase reels for high school athletes.
And plenty of teens are making money in front of the camera as well, streaming, acting, and producing podcasts.
Fashion and Accessories — among the ranks of Current teens are some young fashion designers, teens making hair accessories and handbags, and many making money buying and selling vintage clothing, including sneakers and sports jerseys.
To find out more about Current, and what our teen cardholders are doing, check us out online: website// instagram // facebook
