The rise of the side hustle
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Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Whether it's the growing price of gasoline, your electric bill or a dozen eggs, inflation has people thinking of ways to make more money, our colleagues at Axios Cleveland report.
What's happening: According to a recent LendingTree survey, 44% of Americans say they have a side hustle in addition to full-time jobs — up 13% from 2020 — with inflation as the biggest motivating factor.
- 16% of employed Ohioans overall are doing freelance or contract jobs, the eighth most of any state, per ADP Research Institute.
Why it matters: The average cost of goods and services in the U.S. increased 6.5% in 2022, but Ohio residents' income grew just 4.6% during the year, according to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
By the numbers: On average, Americans with a side hustle earn an extra $473 a month, or nearly $5,700 a year, per LendingTree's survey of nearly 2,100 people.
Flashback: Last year, we featured side hustler and Columbus resident Jarrod Young, who earned $100 a day for 100 days by completing odd jobs all over town — and stayed busy enough to turn his side gigs into a full-time operation.
What they're saying: Readers tell us their local side hustles let them have a little fun while also making money.
- Christa Lopez, who lives in the Old North, recently launched an Etsy shop offering Ohio-themed glassware — including this epic Ope mug — to "let out some of my creativity and spread a little joy."
Meanwhile, Liz Webb is a food guide with Columbus Food Adventures in German Village. She usually gives about two tours a month from March through November.
- "The hourly pay and cash tips are great for extra spending money at bars and farmers markets, but I find the fun in sharing Columbus’ amazing food scene while walking around and telling stories about my neighborhood," Webb tells Axios. "It's awesome!"
📬 We want to know: Do you have a side hustle? Email [email protected] and tell us why it rocks.