The Top 10 Side Hustles for Gen Z in 2023

Does it feel like almost everyone you know has a side hustle right now? Whether you’re in the in-between stages of life — like the one after you graduate and before you learn how to fully “adult” — or are just bored and looking to pick up a hobby, a side hustle might be the way to go for you.

Not all side hustles are made the same though, and some side hustles are better suited to different interests and different stages in life — especially Gen Z. If you are a Gen-Zer like me — i.e., fresh out of college and looking for direction on where to go — there are actually plenty of unique, fun and fulfilling side hustles that play to our generation’s strengths and skills like creativity, digital literacy and communication.

Read on for our top picks for side hustles in Canada that Gen Z will thrive in right now.

A young woman with pink hair speaks into a microphone

Pexels

1 / 10

Start a podcast

What is more Gen-Z than podcasting?

You can podcast about practically anything in the world (research shows that listening to podcasts can also help satisfy our need for social connection, too, but that’s just a perk). From mental health to music to comedy to re-watching shows, if there's a will, there's a way.

Pick up a microphone and click record now and think about the rest later. Forbes offers five tips to get you started with a podcasting side hustle (and making money while doing it).

Pexels

2 / 10

Go for graphic design

If you like to draw, or paint or dabble in the arts in any way, graphic design might be the side hustle for you.

From working on an iPad and freelancing your art or taking it to the next level and making a career out of it, there is no better time than now to start.

Brush up on your art skills and take a chance — graphic design is an art that you can pick up and learn on social media, which makes it a great choice for Gen Z side hustlers to try.

A woman holding a camera in front of her face

Pexels

3 / 10

Put your photography skills to use

Owning a camera and knowing how to use one are two very different things, but, if you do own one, you’re already halfway there. Whether you take a class or teach yourself through tutorials and trial and error, photography as a side hustle can be a great place to start — plus who knows, you may fall in love with it and want to take it further.

Aside from finding freelance photography gigs (for example, photographing a special event or taking headshots), there are multiple ways to make your photography into a money-making side hustle — such as selling prints of your best work.

A young woman crossing the street while holding food delivery bags

Pexels

4 / 10

Rev up a classic side hustle like driving or delivery services

If you are someone who enjoys being in your car, what better way to make money than spending your time on the roads? From Uber to SkipTheDishes, there is a world of driving and delivery services that await your ambition.

While driving and food delivery are hard work — and your financial success often depends a lot on how much people are willing to tip — there are plenty of perks to this type of side hustle. There’s lots of flexibility (you can do it when you want) and freedom to listen to what you want to while you do it (most of the time).

When it comes to this type of side hustle, it’s a good idea to start slow and work your way up.

A woman posing in front of a smartphone while making a TikTok video

Pexels

5 / 10

Make the most of TikTok

Ah, the obvious option that you’ve probably tried already, but got too shy or embarrassed to actually commit to sticking with: TikTok.

Don’t run yet — while the app actually provides more options than just thirst traps and dancing videos (Wealth Awesome details some of the ways that Canadians can make money on TikTok here). Getting creative with your TikTok and turning it into a viable side hustle is possible — and often fits any lifestyle.

A woman working on a computer while in a coffee shop

Pexels

6 / 10

Try freelance writing

From writing articles to crafting ad copy or social media copy for other companies, strong writers have plenty of opportunity to make money from writing as a side hustle (Entrepreneur offers some tips for getting started here).

What is most appealing about freelance writing as a side hustle is the flexibility: you can do it pretty much anywhere and anytime. Sit in libraries or coffee shops and write all day, make your own schedule and work as early or late as you want… what more could you need in a side hustle?

There are many different doors you can open to go down the freelance-writing rabbit hole. Whether you write for a larger company, start small with a blog or self-publish your own book, freelance writing is definitely not a one-size-fits-all gig — take this side hustle and make it your own.

Pexels

7 / 10

Consider investing wisely

There is money to be made in the world of investing and if you’re willing and daring enough to take the risk, you might see the rewards — just be sure to always do your research for your individual situation before diving in.

Pexels

8 / 10

Try blogging

Similar to freelance writing, you can still sit in libraries and write on your own time, but blogging comes with a little more responsibility and a little less promise. A lot comes with making a blog from scratch, and not having a boss, or a schedule, puts the pressure on you to really commit to it. But with high risk comes high reward — here are a few ways that you can make money from blogging. Blogging is not only fun, but it can also be freeing — especially if you have a love for writing.

A young woman taking into a smartphone camera while making a video

Pexels

9 / 10

Create your own YouTube channel

As a true Gen Z, I am sure you have probably had your fair share of YouTube attempts from the early and rather hilarious cinnamon challenges or a day-in-my-life vlog to a full-on MUA makeup tutorial. Believe me, I've been there and done that.

But YouTube also has a lot more to offer — just don’t forget to monetize your YouTube channel so you can actually make money. Indeed offers some tips on how to monetize your YouTube videos here.

Pexels

10 / 10

Try Twitch

Do you play a video game, and have a fairly entertaining reaction while doing so? Grab a camera and try streaming it on Twitch. Seriously, it’s that simple… to start. The more you stream the further you can take it (think: investing in a cool setup, interacting with the chat, getting really good at a game and even overreacting a bit). But, if this isn’t your niche, there’s also a Twitch cooking world as well. Similar to most online side hustles, there are a few different ways to make money on Twitch. Some of the ways you may find the most success might be simply through a subscriber count or donations, though it could also come from ad revenue, brand sponsorships and even merchandise.