It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling to get ahead financially. You follow the supposed rules, work hard at your job, and try to save, but the goalposts seem to keep moving further away. If this sounds familiar, a recent global report confirms you are far from alone. The Deloitte Global 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey recently uncovered a startling statistic: nearly half of young people are feeling the squeeze.
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According to the report, 48% of Gen Zers and 46% of millennials say they do not feel financially secure. This number represents a massive jump from just the year before, when the figures were around 30% and 32% respectively. This isn’t a small uptick; it’s a seismic shift in confidence that reveals a deep and growing anxiety among two generations that now make up a significant portion of the workforce. The data shows that for the fourth consecutive year, the cost of living remains their top concern, and for good reason. More than half of both generations report living paycheck to paycheck.
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| Slide 29 from Deloitte's 2025 Survey |
This financial pressure is reshaping how young people think about work, stability, and their futures. The traditional promise of a single nine to five job providing a clear path to financial independence feels increasingly out of reach. When day to day finances and long term stability are constant sources of stress, people naturally look for ways to regain a sense of control. This has led to a powerful and proactive response: the rise of the side hustle.
The same Deloitte report found that around one third of all Gen Zers and millennials currently have a side job in addition to their primary employment. For most, the motivation is clear. The need for a secondary source of income was the main driver. This isn't about getting rich quick; it's about building a buffer, paying down debt, and creating a little breathing room in a tight budget.
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I have a friend, a talented graphic designer, who is a perfect example of this. He enjoys his full time agency job, but after rent, student loan payments, and the ever rising cost of groceries, there was very little left over at the end of the month. He started taking on a few freelance projects for local businesses in his spare time. At first, it was just a way to make an extra few hundred dollars a month to put into savings.
Over time, however, something interesting happened. The side work became more than just a financial tool. It gave him a creative outlet to work on projects he was passionate about, projects that his day job didn't always offer. He developed new skills, built a network of local clients, and created a portfolio that was entirely his own. His side hustle not only eased his financial stress but also enriched his professional life in ways he hadn’t expected.
His story reflects a broader truth captured in the data. While money is the main catalyst, many people find other benefits in their side jobs. The report notes that about 30% of respondents said their side hustle helps them develop important skills and relationships, and for many, it’s also a hobby they enjoy. This transforms the narrative from one of pure necessity to one of empowerment and personal growth. It’s a way to invest in yourself, both financially and professionally.
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This movement is about more than just earning extra cash. It signals a fundamental change in the relationship between young people and the concept of work. The survey reveals that only 6% of Gen Zers see reaching a senior leadership position as their primary career goal. This isn't a lack of ambition. It's a reevaluation of what a successful career and a happy life look like. Instead of climbing a corporate ladder that seems increasingly unstable, many are choosing to build their own safety net through diversified income streams.
A side hustle can be anything from leveraging a professional skill to turning a hobby into a small business. People are selling handmade crafts online, offering social media management to small companies, providing tutoring services, or even just pet sitting for neighbors. The key is finding something that fits into your life without leading to burnout. It's about working smarter, not just harder, and finding opportunities that align with your existing talents and interests.
The financial landscape is undeniably challenging right now. The sharp rise in insecurity is a real and valid concern for millions of people. But this challenge is also fueling an incredible wave of ingenuity and self reliance. Younger generations are not passively waiting for the system to fix itself. They are actively creating their own opportunities, building more resilient financial futures one side project at a time. The old model of relying on a single employer for your livelihood is fading, and in its place, a more flexible, independent, and diversified approach to work is taking hold.
All statistics cited are from the Deloitte Global 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey.