Sat, July 25, 2026 at 1:15 PM UTC
Lately, it may fell like life has been handing you more than a few financial lemons, and though you try to squeeze your budgetto make lemonade, the cost of living doesn’t seem like it will be going down or even regulating anytime soon. That means you need multiple active and passive income streams.
A GoDaddy study reported 72% of Gen Z is already running a side hustle, which is higher than any other generation. If you’re a Gen Zer who’s home-based, between jobs or just looking to stack extra cash on top of your day-to-day, here are a handful of easy side gigs you can start from your living room or even your parent’s couch.
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1. Virtual Assistant
Average hourly pay:$25.68 (per Indeed)
The money and investmentexperts at Acorn contend that one of the most consistent remote side hustles is being a virtual assistant. Essentially, this entails handling computer-based tasks for others. For example, you might get hired by a blogger to research ideas for posts, a CEO looking to outoking to make their life easier
2. Online English Teacher
If you have a knack for teaching others, starting an online English course could help you increase your income while giving a student the helping hand they need. This consistent money earner requires no startup costs and can be done entirely from home. Platforms like Tutor.com, Wyzant and Chegg make it easy to match with students and set your own schedule.
3. Content Creator
User-generated content creation is one of Gen Z’s most natural side hustles, as working within social media platforms or online in general is like the mothership calling you home. UGC gigs are fun, creative and, best of all, among the highest-paying. However, keep in mind it might take significant time and effort before you begin to see the financial fruits of your labor.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves earning a commission by promoting products from a company. Generally, you’ll share affiliate marketing links with an audience you build on social media or a blog. To get started, consider Amazon or ShareASale as your first stop.
5. Selling Digital Products
Pay potential:$0 to $10,000 or more per month (per CNBC)
Some digital product sellers are earning thousands of dollars each month from this side hustle e-books, presets, Notion dashboards and printables can earn $200 to $10,000 a month depending on marketing and demand, with the major advantage that you create them once and sell them repeatedly. Etsy, Gumroad, and Whop are the top platforms for Gen Z digital sellers
6. Search Engine Evaluator
This side hustle is criminally underrated. Basically, search engine evaluators rate the accuracy and relevance of search results for companies like Google and Microsoft. It’s flexible, fully remote and requires no special skills beyond attention to detail. Companies like Lionbridge and TELUS International hire regularly.
7. Selling Crafts or Handmade Goods
When financial times get tough, you should craft about it. Say, if you have a special skill like painting, sewing, candle-making, ceramics or just something quirky and cute, selling handmade goods on Etsy or at local markets is a genuinely enjoyable side gig with serious upside depending on your niche and demand. It also builds a real brand from home.
Sarah Sharkey contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article was provided byMoneyLion.comfor informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
