Side hustles are a relatively new concept, dating all the way back to the 1950s. A side hustle is a way for individuals to generate money in addition to their normal jobs. The word has exploded in popularity over the last decade as more people explore methods to earn some extra money. It's no accident that its popularity has coincided with the rise of the gig economy—with the arrival of firms like Uber and Airbnb, many people can now earn an additional income without making drastic lifestyle changes.

If you're interested in finding ways to earn money in your leisure time, this is the guide for you. Chapter one discusses the benefits of side hustles, chapter two discusses internet side hustles, and chapter three discusses offline side hustles. By the end of this book, you'll be able to identify the ideal side hustle for your schedule and needs.

According to research Princeton University conducted in 2017, over 44 million Americans have a side hustle, spanning practically every demographic. The following statistics shed light on who engages in side hustles and why they do so:

• Eighty-six percent of side hustlers do so on a monthly basis. This includes 96 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 26, and 83 percent of people beyond the age of 26.
• The quantity of money earned via side hustles varies significantly between generations.
• Thirty-six percent of side hustlers earn more than $500 every month.
• Fifty percent of baby boomers earn this amount of income, compared to just 19 percent of millennials, who earn an average of $200 each month.
• The majority of people in their 50s and 60s make more than $1,000 each month.
• Just over half of side hustlers use their earnings to pay required expenses, with only 46 percent viewing their earnings as disposable cash.
• The way in which side hustle earnings are spent varies by gender, with women more than twice as likely as men to use them to cover expenses.

The real question is why all of these individuals have side hustles. The reasons vary from pragmatic to personal, and it can be an excellent opportunity to experiment with something new if you're considering a career shift or simply want a new interest. 

As inflation continues to climb and wages remain stagnant, side hustles provide a measure of comfort to many individuals by demonstrating that they do not have to rely entirely on traditional job patterns for money. The concept of work has evolved significantly over the last few decades, and the growing popularity of side hustles is enabling an increasing number of individuals to combine work and play in ways that work for them.