How is Gen Z redefining ‘work hustle’ in 2022?

Almost two-thirds of young people have their sights set on launching a business, and just under half have multiple side projects and freelance opportunities, according to Microsoft. It’s a result of stagnant wages and harder living conditions as goods become more expensive.

If you’ve spent any reasonable amount of time on TikTok, you’ll probably have stumbled on at least a few millennial ‘hustle’ or ‘money making’ videos that promote long working hours, freelancing, and lifting heavy weights at the gym.

As Gen Z becomes a larger portion of the population’s work force they bring new ideas and attitudes to established employment models. Such is the case with ‘hustle’ culture. Where once it was seen as an envious flex of productivity and career-focused determination, it has since become a basic necessity in order for young people to survive in a tough economic environment.

Rent, bills, food prices, and cost of goods are all rising exponentially. For many Gen Zers (including this one), almost half of their salaries are used for living expenses — making freelance and extra projects a must rather than a luxury of having your life together.