Gen Z: Evolving careers, monetizing hobbies, and influencing industries with side hustles

70 percent of Gen Z fearlessly explores various career fields, adapting as needed. They embrace side hustles, showcasing their hobbies and skills on social media. Chaudhuri identifies two motives: passion pursuit and uncertainty about stable careers. Gen Z seeks fulfillment beyond traditional paths.​

By  Aashrey BaligaMay 31, 2023 11:58 AM
Gen Z: Evolving careers, monetizing hobbies, and influencing industries with side hustles
Social media is the biggest platform for them to build on their hobbies. It provides a platform for them to pursue their hobbies and passions, build a community for themselves, and earn good money from it. (Representational image via Unsplash)

Day three at the Goafest included a very interesting session on Gen Z and how their habits and thought process affect brands. The session was delivered by Utsav Chaudhuri, the head of marketing at YME, Viacom18. MTV Youth conducted a study that provided some very interesting and useful facts about Gen Z and how different they are from the generations that preceded them.

According to the study, 70 percent of Gen Z are not afraid to test out various career fields. If they realize that they haven't chosen the right field for themselves, they are open to trying something different and adapting as they go. A new term has been floated ever since Gen Z took over social media. Side hustles are small jobs that Gen Z does, which highlight their hobbies, skills, and interests. According to Chaudhuri, there are two main reasons behind Gen Z wanting to take up a side hustle. One, they want to do something that helps them follow and/or find their passion. Two, they don't really know what defines a stable career.

"Gen Z is not a generation of revolutionaries; they are a generation of evolutionaries," said Chaudhuri. According to the study, Gen Z believes that regular jobs are on the downhill. Passions, interests, and hobbies are moving uphill to eventually take center stage. While the previous generation, the millennials, used to do hobbies for recreation, Gen Z does it for monetization. Gen Z doesn't like to cultivate hobbies that don't provide any material gain. Corporate jobs are the real side jobs, whereas side hustles are the real deal until they make it big.

Social media is the biggest platform for them to build on their hobbies. It provides a platform for them to pursue their hobbies and passions, build a community for themselves, and earn good money from it. Money is of paramount importance. The study shows that post-pandemic, Gen Z has understood the value of money and how to actively save and invest it.

Educational institutions and academic achievements are no longer the only way to achieve success. You need to be street smart, put in hard work, and do it smartly. That's what Gen Z understands.

Overall, it is to be understood that Gen Z is very different from every generation that came before them. They think differently, they do differently, they hold the power to influence, and they don't act on anything until they believe in it. It will be interesting to see how various industries such as films, fashion, tech, F&B, and many more adapt to the Gen Z ways.

First Published on May 27, 2023 3:03 AM

More from Storyboard18

Brand Makers

The unexpected gainer of the bombshell Omnicom-IPG deal

The unexpected gainer of the bombshell Omnicom-IPG deal

How it Works

From free tomatoes to hidden fees: A sneak peek into the world of q-commerce manipulation

From free tomatoes to hidden fees: A sneak peek into the world of q-commerce manipulation

How it Works

RMG players sidelined by MIB for WAVES, seek equal treatment

RMG players sidelined by MIB for WAVES, seek equal treatment

How it Works

Global BEV sales rise 9% YoY in Q3 2024; Tesla, BYD lead the market

Global BEV sales rise 9% YoY in Q3 2024; Tesla, BYD lead the market

How it Works

Bharti Airtel flags 8 billion spam calls, 0.8 billion spam SMSes in 2.5 months

Bharti Airtel flags 8 billion spam calls, 0.8 billion spam SMSes in 2.5 months

How it Works

MIB addressed 73 complaints in three years over obscene ads: Govt informs Parliament

MIB addressed 73 complaints in three years over obscene ads: Govt informs Parliament

How it Works

Hiring 2.0: How India’s CEOs are leveraging social media and campus tours to attract talent

Hiring 2.0: How India’s CEOs are leveraging social media and campus tours to attract talent

How it Works

Pinterest's 2025 trend forecast: Bold aesthetics, surreal parties, and maximalist design

Pinterest's 2025 trend forecast: Bold aesthetics, surreal parties, and maximalist design