People who work in IT, software development, and advertising appear to be the most anxious.
Mass layoffs in the tech industry have made headlines nearly every week since late 2022. Combine that constant barrage with the rise of AI and uncertainty over the global economy and you have the perfect recipe for increasing anxiety across the American workforce when it comes to fears about job security.
Now a new survey out from online marketing firm Authority Hacker put some concrete numbers on just how many of the currently employed are worried about their job security in the years ahead. In a survey of 1,200 workers, Authority Hacker found that:
54.58% of full-time workers have increased concerns about their job security.
Men (62.87%) are more likely than women (47.53%) to fear for their job security, which Authority Hacker says may reflect the 3:1 gender ratio of male to female employees in tech firms.
The more a person makes, the more likely they are to worry about their job security. Those making $150,000 or more worry the most about their job security (72.48%), while those making $50,000 or less worry the least (50.26%).
The younger an employee, the more likely they are to worry about their job security, with 62.2% of 25 to 44 year-olds worried versus less than 50% of those over the age of 45 worried.
C-suite execs are the most worried about their job security at 79.31%.
But just 46.82% and 45.80% of non management staff and admin staff, respectively, are worried about their job security.
The larger the company is, the more likely employees are to worry about their job security. Authority Hacker found that 74.33% of those at companies that employ between 500 and 1,000 workers worry about their job security, while only 45.38% of workers at companies with 25 or fewer employees worry about their job security.
And when it comes to concerns by profession, workers most likely to fear for their jobs happen to be those whose industries are most at risk of being impacted by AI. Those professions are:
IT – Services & Data: 89.66%
Software development: 74.42%
Advertising: 70.00%
Finance and Insurance: 67.56%
Human Resources: 64.29%
To arrive at its findings, Authority Hacker surveyed 1,200 full-time workers in the United States aged 25 and above.
Michael Grothaus is a novelist and author. He has written for Fast Company since 2013, where he’s interviewed some of the tech industry’s most prominent leaders and writes about everything from Apple and artificial intelligence to the effects of technology on individuals and society. Michael’s current tech-focused areas of interest include AI, quantum computing, and the ways tech can improve the quality of life for the elderly and individuals with disabilitiesMore
In today’s world, job security isn’t what it used to be. That’s where the gig economy comes in—it’s flexible and empowering, and it allows you to make extra cash.
There are many opportunities with income potential if you’re willing to think outside the box. But let’s be honest—juggling a side hustle with your full-time job or main gig is no walk in the park. You need the passion, discipline, and guts to pull it off. It’s not easy, but you can make that extra cash with hard work.
The Rise of the Gig Economy
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A rapidly growing phenomenon, the gig economy is changing how we think about work. It’s a fresh approach that lets you be your boss, work on your own terms, and sometimes even make money online from your home. And the best part is that there are so many ways to make a side income!
Whether you’re a freelancer, part-timer, or independent contractor, the gig economy allows you to choose the type of work you want to do, when you feel like doing it, and how much you want to earn or if you are looking to make some extra money on the side. This way of working lets you take charge of your career and have a better work–life balance.
Below we’ve listed 30 easy side hustles, or gigs, that can provide you with passive income each month. Read on to find out how to start!
1. Freelancing in the Digital Age
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Are you creative? The digital realm is a fertile ground for freelancers to earn some extra money online. With skills ranging from writing to coding, the internet is your oyster. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are gateways to a world where you can have the perfect side hustle.
Once you reach a certain number of clients, it’ll give you the extra cash that can become the beginning of your own business online.
2. Blogging: A Creative Outlet That Pays
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Putting thoughts down on a blog isn’t the only thing a blogger does. Blogging is a journey to build up an audience, engage with them, and monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links. It can be difficult at first to feel like you’re earning anything from this side hustle, but eventually, you’ll have extra money every month to grow.
3. Earning through Affiliate Marketing
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The concept of affiliate marketing involves promoting other people’s products for a commission. It’s about finding a niche you’re passionate about and leveraging that passion to guide your audience to products they’ll love.
This side hustle can grow from night to day if you have gained a good following and audience. You can start creating content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Creating tutorials and reviews for global brands on your YouTube channel can help you gain potential income on a monthly basis.
4. Crafting an Online Course
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Are you an expert in something? Why not create an online course to teach others more about it? Platforms like Udemy or Teachable make it easy to share your knowledge and get paid for it.
5. The World of Virtual Assistance
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As a virtual assistant, you’re the unseen hero for whatever business employs you. With this side hustle, you might manage emails, schedule appointments, or even handle social media—and you can do it all from the comfort of your home.
6. Social Media Management: A Lucrative Niche
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In a world where social media is king, businesses need savvy individuals to manage their online presence. If you have a talent for crafting compelling content and growing a following, this could be an opportunity for you to strike gold.
7. Graphic Design: Turning Art into Income
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For the artistically inclined, graphic design offers many paths for monetizing your creativity. From logos to website layouts, your art could be the face of brands. You can start earning money on freelance websites like Fiverr or Upwork by creating your profile, adding your portfolio, and offering your services to multiple clients.
8. Web Development: The Backbone of the Internet
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Websites are the digital storefronts of today. Creating a website is the first step to starting a business. It’s a technical but gratifying way to make money. Platforms like Dribbble and Behance allow you to create specialized portfolio websites to share with potential freelance clients worldwide.
9. SEO Expertise: Helping Websites Shine
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SEO, or search engine optimization, experts are the wizards of the web. They know how to make websites visible and desirable to search engines. It’s a skill in high demand that can really pay off. You can share your services with clients around the world on various freelance sites.
10. Pet Sitting: Caring for Furry Friends
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For animal lovers, pet sitting is a dream come true. It’s a chance to bond with pets and get paid for it. Plus, it’s incredibly heartwarming.
11. House Sitting: Your Trustworthy Presence
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House sitting is perfect for those who can be trusted to look after someone’s home while they’re away. It’s a responsibility that pays both in cash and tranquility.
12. Lawn Care and Gardening Services
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Got a green thumb? Lawn care and gardening can be surprisingly profitable. It’s not just about mowing lawns; it’s about creating outdoor sanctuaries. Make sure you share your services with residents and neighbors in your community.
13. Handyman Services: Fixing the Odds and Ends
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If you’re handy with tools, handyperson services can be lucrative. From fixing leaky faucets to assembling furniture, your skills can be in high demand. Handyperson services can be advertised on Facebook as well as other similar sites, like Taskrabbit.
Knowing your target demographic and what you think people will be most interested in will help. Video footage, customer testimonials, or special offers can be used to attract customers.
14. Tutoring: Sharing Knowledge for Cash
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Tutoring is all about sharing your knowledge with others. Whether it’s academics, music, or a foreign language, your expertise can light the path for someone else’s learning journey. For example, TutorMe offers a one-on-one lesson space where you can share your knowledge with people worldwide.
15. Personal Fitness Training
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Personal training is one of the best ways for fitness enthusiasts to share their passion and to keep others (and themselves) motivated and healthy at the same time. You can create a profile on Instagram or TikTok and start sharing your workout routines, or start growing your clientele by inviting your neighbors for free sessions.
16. Event Planning: Making Special Occasions Memorable
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Event planning is for those who love organizing and creating memorable experiences. From weddings to corporate events, your knack for detail can turn special occasions into unforgettable moments.
17. Photography: Capturing Life’s Moments
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Life’s fleeting moments can be captured through photography—your lens can tell stories about weddings, portraits, or landscapes that can’t be expressed in words. Consider turning this passion into extra income!
18. Handmade Crafts: The Appeal of the Personal Touch
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The essence of handmade crafts is about being able to put a piece of yourself into the work you make. No matter what you make, whether knitting, jewellery making, or pottery, there’s a market for that personal touch.
19. Selling on Etsy: A Platform for Creatives
Etsy is the perfect haven for creatives looking to sell their work. From handmade jewellery to vintage finds, the site is a marketplace that celebrates uniqueness. If you have a hobby you do in your free time that involves making things, consider opening up a digital storefront to sell your products!
20. Flipping Items: The Thrill of the Hunt
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Flipping is to buy items cheaply and sell them for a profit. An excellent way to spot potential is to watch for it and enjoy the thrill of finding it. Through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, you can connect with potential buyers both locally and worldwide, make the sale, and receive payment all through Facebook.
21. Baking and Cooking: From Kitchen to Market
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Why not monetize your culinary expertise if you’re a wizard in the kitchen? There is no limit to what you can create in your kitchen, from home-cooked meals to baked goods.
22. Custom T-Shirt Designing
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Fashion and creativity go hand in hand when it comes to designing t-shirts. No matter what you create—whether it’s with witty quotes or custom graphics—sell it! Your designs can dress the world in style.
23. Rideshare Driving: The Road to Earnings
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For those with a car and some spare time, rideshare drivers can easily earn extra cash. You’re not just driving; you’re providing a service. The most popular platforms for doing this are Uber and Lyft.
24. Food Delivery Services: The Hunger Saviors
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Food delivery brings joy (and food) to people’s doorsteps. It’s a simple, flexible way to earn, and who doesn’t love a food hero? Platforms like Uber, Grubhub, and DoorDash always invite new members to join their teams.
25. Courier Services: Delivering with a Smile
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As a courier, you are responsible for delivering packages or groceries safely and with a smile on your face. As a driver, you can combine your driving and customer service skills. You can become a courier driver with Senpex and earn up to $23 per hour. Work when and how you want, all while making good money.
26. Taking Surveys: Your Opinion Pays
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Your opinion matters, whether you believe it or not. Taking surveys is an excellent option if you are looking for an easy way to earn extra cash. However, they are only sometimes lucrative. Users on survey sites like InboxDollars and Swagbucks can earn gift cards for completing tasks and withdraw funds once they have reached $30.
27. Testing Websites and Apps
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Tech companies need to test websites and apps for user experience, and being one of their testers is a great way to earn money while making a difference in the digital landscape. Users at UserTesting get paid to test programs online. A website tester needs to know the content inventory, have experience testing, and know Java.
28. Stock Photography: Turning Snaps into Cash
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Do you have a good eye for photography? There is always a need for new images on stock photography websites. Your snapshots could become a steady source of online income for you in the future.
29. Online Market Trading: A Calculated Risk
If you do your research, online trading can be rewarding as well as risky. It is essential to understand the markets in order to make informed decisions. Making extra money this way can be risky, but it will pay off if you’re patient and prudent.
30. Playing Online Games: Fun and Profitable
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You can undoubtedly make money by playing online games, whether you believe it or not. Gaming can become more than a hobby through multiple avenues: competitions, streamed matches or just playing games for fun.
Balancing a Side Hustle with Full-Time Commitments
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Balancing your side hustle and your personal life is super important. You don’t want to overwork yourself and lose the joy in your life. Remember, the idea is to make extra money, not work until you drop. So, try to find a rhythm that works for you and makes you happy—and gets you some extra cash!
Cultivating Your Side Hustle Garden
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Embarking on a side hustle journey is like planting a garden. The process requires patience, care, and a bit of sunshine. Not every seed will sprout into a flourishing plant, but with persistence and dedication, your garden will grow.
Remember, the beauty of a side hustle lies in its flexibility and the personal fulfilment it brings. Enjoy the journey—the results will come, especially the extra cash you desire. Good luck!
Luana Cantuarias is a seasoned finance writer with a wealth of experience spanning over a decade in the dynamic fields of Blockchain, B2B, and SaaS. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives that demystify complex financial concepts and empower readers to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance and technology.
