- A secondary job or business venture undertaken in addition to one's main employment, typically for supplemental income or to pursue a passion.
Explanation
Origin
- The term hustle has long meant to work energetically or aggressively.
- Side hustle gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly with the rise of the internet and gig economy, which made it easier to find small jobs or start online businesses.
- It implies work done 'on the side' of a primary focus (usually a main job).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Gig (Often refers to a single piece of short-term work, but can describe the overall hustle)
- Grind (Refers more to the hard work aspect)
- Something on the side
More Formal/Business-oriented:
- Secondary income stream
- Part-time venture
- Supplemental employment
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common in informal and semi-formal conversations.
- Generally acceptable in most professional contexts, though part-time venture or freelance work might sound slightly more formal.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure the distinction between a side hustle (secondary) and a main job or full-time business.
- It doesn't necessarily imply anything illegal or shady, unlike some older uses of something on the side.
Examples
- She drives for Uber as a side hustle on weekends.
- My side hustle selling handmade jewelry on Etsy is starting to take off.
- He started a blog as a side hustle, and now it's his main source of income.
Dialogue
Mark: You seem busy lately.
Lisa: Yeah, I picked up a side hustle doing freelance writing in the evenings.
Mark: Really? On top of your full-time job?
Lisa: Yep, trying to save up for a down payment on a house. It's tiring, but the extra cash helps.
Social Media Examples
- Finally launched my side hustle! Check out my handmade candles on Etsy! #sidehustle #etsyshop #smallbusiness
- Weekend vibes = working on my side hustle. The grind never stops! #entrepreneur #motivation
- Anyone else juggling a 9-to-5 and a side hustle? Need coffee and tips! #worklife #hustle
Response Patterns
- Oh, cool! What do you do?
- How do you find the time?
- Is it making good money?
- That's smart.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone mentions their side hustle:
- Ask for details: What kind of [work/products]?, How did you get into that?.
- Ask about time/money: How much time does it take up?, Is it profitable?.
- Express interest or support: That sounds interesting!, Can I see your [website/products]?.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, can be a conversation starter, especially in informal settings or discussions about work and finance. Do you have any interesting side hustles?
Intonation
- Emphasis often falls on Side. SIDE hustle.
Generation Differences
- Extremely common concept and term among Millennials and Gen Z, often seen as a necessity or a way to pursue passions.
- Older generations might refer to it simply as a second job or part-time work.
Regional Variations
- Widely used and understood, particularly in the US, but increasingly common in other English-speaking countries.