Gen Z Side Hustles: 5 Ways To Turn Them Into Six-Figure Salary Careers

Forbes

a day ago

The side hustle has been a vehicle for Gen Z to reclaim financial agency, but a new wave is turning ... More that hustle into long-term wealth through investing, in some cases into six-figure salaries.
Side hustles are becoming the new normal in 2025, allowing workers to make extra money to keep their heads above financial waters. A notable 71% of the workforce is searching for side hustles or second jobs with another employer. And nearly 40% of Gen Z employees maintain side gigs, not out of passion, but as a necessary means to pay their bills. And many are turning their Gen Z side hustles into six-figure salaries.
The Basics Of Gen Z Side Hustles and Long-Term Wealth
Saddled with student debt, rising rent, and the cost of everyday essentials, Gen Z feels the best way to stay financially afloat is a second or third job. And in so doing, they're raising the bar for successful side hustles. Andy Kurtzig, CEO of Pearl.com, calls it a generational pivot in real time.
These 'solopreneurs,' as he calls them, are taking the same tools corporations use to eliminate jobs and flipping the script to create opportunities for themselves. 'They're using AI to re-imagine career paths, build brands and monetize skills that traditional workplaces often overlook," Kurtzig explains. "What used to take funding, mentorship and institutional access, they're now doing with a laptop and a chatbot.'
Alinea Invest co-founders and co-CEOs, Eve Halimi and Anam Lakhani (Gen Z'ers themselves and Forbes 30U30), want their generation to understand that investing is the side hustle they've been looking for, and it's the way to build real wealth, not just extra pocket money. They built their business so that it checks all three of these boxes:
Halimi and Lakhani told me by email that they believe the Gen Z side hustle era has been about reclaiming financial agency. But they envision the next wave as turning that hustle into long-term wealth through investing. The co-creators insist that the goal is about smarter money, not more hours worked. They announce that they're building a future where financial freedom doesn't require a side gig but simply access and a little support.
Tips To Turn Gen Z Side Hustles Into Long-Term Wealth
The duo shared five actionable steps you can take to turn an investment-focused side hustle into a six-figure opportunity:
1. Start with what you've got, even $5. "You don't need to be rich to start building wealth, you just need to start," the collaborators insist. 'With fractional investing, you can own a piece of Nike, Bumble, Amazon, Tesla or the companies shaping the future for less than the price of your coffee." They advise whether you're a student or just starting your first job, early investments gives your money time to grow, and that compound growth could mean retiring as a millionaire.
2. Use technology to personalize your portfolio. You don't need to spend hours researching which stock is best for you, according to Halimi and Lakhani. They contend that today's investment apps offer personalized portfolios based on your income, age and risk tolerance. Plus, they offer AI-powered recommendations, so your portfolio reflects not just what performs well but what matters to you, whether that's supporting sustainable companies or women-led businesses.
3. Automate your hustle. The twosome explains that side gigs require time, but investing doesn't have to. They say you can establish automated recurring deposits and let technology handle portfolio optimization and re-balancing. 'It's passive income with compound power. Instead of more hours worked, it's about smarter money moves,' They state. 'This strategy, called Dollar Cost Averaging, means you spend time in the market instead of timing the market. If you invest $160 monthly, you could have over $1M in the next 40 years, based on past performance of the S&P 500.'
4. Make sure your money matches your values. The co-founders point out that Gen Z is a values-driven generation, choosing to work and invest their time, money and energy into what matters to them. 'Whether it's climate action, racial justice or women-led innovation, your investments should fit your priorities,' they note. 'When your portfolio reflects your passions, you're more likely to stick with it, stay engaged and grow it consistently over time.'
5. Invest socially, not solo. Health-building doesn't have to be lonely. In fact, they argue, it shouldn't be. 'Learning and growing together is a game-changer. Look for investment communities where you can share strategies, learn from others' experiences and stay motivated,' they advise. 'Many platforms, like Alinea, now offer social features like shareable portfolios, educational workshops and communities where members celebrate wins together. When investing becomes social, rather than solitary, you're more likely to stay consistent and reach your goal of turning your Gen Z side hustle into a profitable full-time business.'
A Final Wrap On Gen Z Side Hustles
Adam Nasli, head analyst from brokerage and forex broker at BrokerChooser shares ten points to keep from making investment mistakes. He advises that you:
1. Do your research. Build a foundation that helps you make smarter choices if you focus on trusted sources and use tools that compare brokers and investment products.
2. Set clear investment goals. Set realistic goals as a foundation of successful investing.
3. Pay attention to fees and costs. Prioritize low-cost brokers and funds to keep more gains.
4. Diversify your portfolio. Refrain from putting all your eggs in one basket to manage risk.
5. Pick the right time. Avoid trying to predict market moves, the biggest mistake you can make."Time in the market beats timing the market every time,' he points out.
6. Avoid over trading and excessive activity. Set a clear investment plan instead of constantly tinkering and review your portfolio at regular intervals, making changes only when necessary.
7. Understand investment products. Avoid complex financial instruments that carry hidden risks and stick to simpler investments until you gain experience.
8. Don't neglect tax implications. Plan with tax in mind and learn local tax rules so you don't lose money unnecessarily.
9. Refrain from letting emotions drive decisions. Use discipline and planning and avoid emotional investing or knee-jerk reactions.
10. Use the Right Broker. Pick the right broker to make investing easier and more enjoyable, especially if you're a beginner.
Those who follow these guidelines could turn their Gen Z side hustles into a six-figure salary and even potentially make you a millionaire, according to the experts.