5 Surprising Facts About Side Hustles

Think side hustles are just a trendy millennial thing? Think again. The solopreneur economy is exploding, and the numbers tell a fascinating story about how people are redefining work in America. Here are five facts that surprised us here at Widgli:

1. Gen Z is Leading the Charge: A remarkable 66% of Gen Z have a side hustle, making them the most entrepreneurial generation yet. They're not waiting for traditional career paths—they're creating their own opportunities while still in school or early in their careers.

2. Side Hustles Often Out-Earn Main Jo

bs: Nearly 45% of side hustlers report making more money from their side gig than their primary job. What starts as "extra income" frequently becomes the main income, yet many people continue calling it a side hustle out of habit or caution.

3. It's Not Just About the Money: While 70% of Americans say they need their side hustle income to cover basic expenses, 50% also cite fulfillment and passion as primary motivators. Side hustles allow people to pursue meaningful work that their day jobs don't provide.

4. The Average Side Hustler Juggles 2-3 Gigs: Solopreneurs rarely put all their eggs in one basket. The typical side hustler manages multiple income streams simultaneously, requiring serious organizational skills and effective time management to keep everything running smoothly.

5. Most Fail Due to Poor Systems, Not Bad Ideas: Research shows that 20% of small businesses fail within the first year, but the primary reason isn't lack of demand—it's operational chaos. Side hustlers who implement proper business systems for invoicing, client management, and scheduling are significantly more likely to succeed and scale.

These statistics reveal that side hustles aren't a fad—they're reshaping how we think about work and income. Whether you're part of that 66% of Gen Z or someone looking to diversify your income, treating your side hustle like a real business from day one dramatically improves your chances of long-term success.

The solopreneurs who thrive aren't necessarily the ones with the best ideas—they're the ones with the best systems. Simple tools like Widgli help you manage the business side of your hustle so you can focus on doing what you love and serving your clients well.

Ready to join the solopreneur revolution? Start by getting organized, tracking your income properly, and treating your side hustle with the professionalism it deserves. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.