10 side hustles Gen Z would rather do than sit at a desk all day

For years, the standard career advice was simple: get a stable job, climb the ladder, and stay loyal to your employer.

But Gen Z isn’t buying it. They’ve seen the burnout of older generations, the fragility of “job security,” and the rise of flexible digital work.

The result? A generation that values independence, creativity, and side hustles more than the nine-to-five grind.

That doesn’t mean they’re lazy or unmotivated. Quite the opposite—Gen Z is hustling harder than ever, but they’re doing it on their own terms.

They want work that feels meaningful, flexible, and aligned with their values. And if that means juggling multiple gigs or building income streams outside the cubicle, so be it.

Here are ten side hustles Gen Z would rather do than sit at a desk all day—ones that show how resourceful, adaptable, and entrepreneurial this generation really is.

1. Freelance content creation

Social media has turned storytelling into a career path, and Gen Z knows it better than anyone.

Freelance content creation—whether that’s writing blog posts, producing TikTok videos, or managing brand accounts—has become a go-to side hustle. The skills are self-taught, the work is flexible, and the audience is global.

Unlike traditional writing jobs, content creation can be done from anywhere. A student can draft Instagram captions on the bus or film product reviews in their bedroom.

And with businesses desperate to connect with younger consumers, there’s no shortage of clients who want Gen Z’s voice and perspective.

I once worked with a young freelancer who balanced college classes with running three small brand TikTok accounts. She told me it wasn’t glamorous, but it gave her the freedom to pay her bills without clocking into an office.

That sense of control is what makes content creation such a powerful draw.

2. Reselling and flipping items

Have you noticed how Gen Z treats thrifting like a sport? Many have turned that passion into profit through reselling and flipping.

Platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and eBay make it easy to buy secondhand clothes, sneakers, or collectibles and resell them for a markup.

This side hustle appeals because it mixes style, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. It also rewards knowledge: knowing which vintage Levi’s will move fast, or which sneakers are about to spike in value.

The thrill of the hunt adds to the appeal, making it feel more like a game than a grind.

The environmental angle matters too. Reselling fits into Gen Z’s values around reusing and reducing waste. It’s a hustle that feels financially smart and ethically satisfying—a rare combination.

3. Virtual tutoring

What’s one thing Gen Z has that older generations didn’t? An education shaped by technology.

Many grew up with online learning, making them natural tutors for students navigating the same tools. Platforms like Wyzant or even independent Zoom sessions allow them to teach math, languages, or test prep from anywhere.

Tutoring is a side hustle with staying power. It pays well, requires no inventory, and builds transferable skills like communication and patience. For college students, it’s also a way to reinforce their own knowledge while earning money.

And because demand for online learning has exploded, tutors can specialize in niches—from coding bootcamps to ESL classes. It’s work that’s flexible, meaningful, and far from the rigidity of a desk job.

4. Pet sitting and dog walking

I remember when a young friend of mine signed up for a pet-sitting app “just to make extra money.” Within weeks, it turned into her favorite gig.

She spent afternoons hanging out with cats and weekends walking neighborhood dogs. The joy of animal companionship made the work feel less like labor and more like therapy.

That’s the appeal of pet care as a side hustle. It offers exercise, companionship, and flexible scheduling, all while paying decently. Apps like Rover and Wag make it easy to connect with clients, but many Gen Zers also build word-of-mouth businesses in their communities.

For a generation that craves connection and balance, pet sitting checks both boxes. You get fresh air, wagging tails, and money in your pocket—without fluorescent lights or office politics.

5. Selling handmade or digital products

Etsy and other platforms have opened the door for Gen Z to sell everything from handmade jewelry to digital downloads like planners or design templates. This hustle taps into their creativity while giving them the satisfaction of building something from scratch.

The beauty of digital products is scalability. A single template or ebook can be sold hundreds of times with no extra effort, turning creative work into passive income. For those who enjoy crafting, handmade items allow them to blend artistry with entrepreneurship.

This side hustle stands out because it’s deeply personal. Every product reflects the creator’s taste, skills, and perspective. For Gen Z, that sense of ownership is worth more than a cubicle paycheck.

6. Delivery and gig driving

What do you do when you want flexible hours, instant pay, and work you can start tomorrow? For many Gen Zers, the answer is food delivery or rideshare driving.

With platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Lyft, they have a straightforward way to earn without long-term commitments.

It’s not always glamorous, but it does provide freedom. Drivers can log in whenever they want, work around other commitments, and cash out quickly. For those balancing school, caregiving, or other hustles, that flexibility is priceless.

The flip side is that it can be unpredictable. But for Gen Z, unpredictability feels better than the predictability of sitting in the same chair from nine to five.

7. Influencer partnerships

The idea of becoming an “influencer” used to sound like a fantasy. Now, it’s a legitimate side hustle for thousands of Gen Z creators. Micro-influencers—those with smaller but highly engaged audiences—are especially attractive to brands.

This hustle works because it blends authenticity with marketing savvy. Gen Z doesn’t want to push products they don’t believe in, but when they genuinely like something, their followers listen. Brands see that trust as valuable.

The income can range from free products to substantial sponsorships. Either way, it’s proof that a strong online presence can turn into an income stream without ever touching a cubicle.

8. Gaming and streaming

For many Gen Zers, gaming isn’t just a pastime—it’s a platform. Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and even TikTok live streams allow players to build audiences and earn through subscriptions, donations, and brand partnerships.

Streaming appeals because it blends entertainment with community. Viewers tune in not just for gameplay, but for the streamer’s personality, humor, and interaction.

That social dimension makes it more engaging than solitary work.

The income potential is real, but so is the enjoyment. For someone who’d rather spend hours immersed in a virtual world than stuck in a spreadsheet, this side hustle feels less like work and more like play with benefits.

9. Photography and videography

I once met a 21-year-old who started taking photos for local bands “just for fun.” Within a year, he was booking weddings, headshots, and product shoots on weekends.

He told me what surprised him most was how word spread—one good shoot led to three more.

Photography and videography are natural fits for Gen Z, a generation raised on visuals. With smartphones and editing apps, the barrier to entry is lower than ever. Clients range from small businesses needing Instagram content to couples looking for affordable wedding photos.

It’s work that allows creativity, independence, and constant learning. And unlike many desk jobs, every project feels different—something Gen Z deeply values.

10. Fitness and wellness coaching

Gen Z has grown up in a culture obsessed with wellness, and many are turning that passion into income.

From teaching yoga classes to offering online fitness coaching, they’re finding ways to monetize what they already practice.

This hustle works because it combines personal interest with service. A 24-year-old who loves running can build training plans for beginners. A nutrition enthusiast can create meal-prep guides.

The internet makes it easy to connect with clients who want guidance from peers rather than experts in white coats.

The added bonus is fulfillment. Helping others feel healthier and stronger is rewarding in itself. It’s a far cry from staring at spreadsheets in a cubicle—and that’s exactly the point.

Final thoughts

Gen Z isn’t rejecting work—they’re rejecting the version of work that confines them to desks, bosses, and rigid schedules. Side hustles give them independence, variety, and a chance to align what they do with who they are.

These hustles reflect creativity, adaptability, and a hunger for freedom. They may not always provide a traditional career ladder or a stable income, but they offer something Gen Z values more: flexibility and agency.

And maybe that’s the bigger lesson. For a generation that grew up watching industries crumble and “job security” fade, building your own mix of income streams isn’t just practical—it’s empowering. It’s work reimagined for a world that’s moving too fast to stay chained to one desk.