Today's workforce is redefining what it means to “climb the corporate ladder” and gain financial security. In Glassdoor's recent Worklife Trends Midyear Check-in report, we found that the number of workers with multiple jobs increased from 5.3% in the second half of 2024 to 5.4% in the first half of 2025 — that's approximately 186,000 more people juggling multiple income streams.
But here's what's interesting: while side hustle interest is exploding (new users joining our Side Gigs Community bowl grew 150% year-over-year), applications for new businesses remain essentially flat. Workers aren't abandoning their day jobs to become full-time entrepreneurs. Instead, they're becoming "Employee+" workers, professionals who are diversifying their income streams without ditching their primary employment entirely.
What does that look like? It’s the tax preparer who left public accounting but still handles returns for select clients, or the UX strategist pulling in an extra $15K annually through freelance design work. These professionals represent a fundamental shift in how we think about career growth strategies and financial stability.
Side hustle trends 2025: The motivation behind the shift
While entrepreneurship has risen since the pandemic, the economic slowdown of 2025 has shifted how workers approach supplemental income. When we asked Glassdoor Community members about their primary motivation for picking up a side hustle, the results were crystal clear: 67% said they'd do it to boost income. Career pivot came in a distant second at 18%, followed by passion projects (10%), and skill building (5%).
The shift toward joining the gig economy over full entrepreneurship becomes clearer when you look at the broader economic picture. While workers are increasingly seeking ways to boost income through side hustles, new business applications aren’t budging, averaging 435,440 per month in the second half of 2024 and 433,982 per month in the first half of 2025.
As Intuit research shows, we're witnessing the emergence of a true side hustle generation where supplemental income takes precedence over complete career pivots.
What Employee+ workers are actually doing in the gig economy
In a separate Glassdoor Community poll, more than a quarter of respondents (27%) said they have a side hustle. When asked, they shared exactly what's driving their side hustle decisions:
"I need to be able to build my side hustle enough to be able to quit my main job. My main job is turning toxic quite quickly after new executive leadership took over. My sanity depends on it." - Project Manager 1
"I do social media stuff on the side for small businesses in my area. It's a neat way to make a little bit of extra money on the weekend from a skill set that I already have." - Social Media Manager 1
"I have a full-time job, but continue to do freelance UX design work on the side for a small digital agency I used to work for. It's about an extra $12 to $15k a year." - Dentsu 1
"I always have a side hustle for emergencies. Join Lyft, Uber, Spark, etc. You just never know when you'll need a backup plan ASAP." - Appointment Setter 1
The safety net factor
The number of Employee+ workers view their side hustles as insurance policies rather than stepping stones to full entrepreneurship. While they want the financial security of a steady paycheck, they also want to explore ways to boost income through side hustle opportunities.
"I freelance write for different entities on the side. I always toy with going fully freelance, but right now I like having a solid, consistent paycheck." - Relationship Manager 1
This response reflects a practical approach to job market uncertainties, showing the economy's effect on side hustles. Rather than leaping into full business ownership, professionals are creating diversified employment portfolios that provide both stability and growth potential, a key finding highlighted in our Worklife Trends report.
The smart money approach
The Employee+ model offers several advantages over traditional entrepreneurship:
- Reduced financial risk by maintaining primary income while building supplemental streams
- Skill development opportunities that complement existing expertise
- Networking expansion through diverse professional relationships
- Career flexibility that allows for pivots without complete career disruption
As Forbes notes, younger Gen Z workers are particularly skilled at turning side hustles into substantial income generators, sometimes even reaching six-figure potential.
The future of work isn't necessarily about choosing between employment and entrepreneurship. For many professionals, it's about creating a hybrid approach that maximizes both security and opportunity in the face of job market uncertainty.
Building your side hustle strategy
If you're considering joining the Employee+ workforce, start by identifying skills you already possess that could generate additional income. Whether it's building an online personal brand or exploring traditional side job opportunities, the key is finding something that complements rather than competes with your primary role.
Join our Side Gigs Community bowl for advice, opportunities, and insights from fellow Employee+ workers who are successfully navigating this new landscape. In addition, check out our complete Worklife Trends 2025 report and learn from entrepreneurs who've mastered the art of turning side hustles into success stories.