Behind the "Side Hustle" Trend, There Are Risks of "Burnout" and Uncertain Careers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The side hustle phenomenon, or taking on side jobs, is gaining strength among the younger generation and has become an integral part of a new work pattern that is difficult to separate from daily life.

Amid economic pressures and job uncertainty, many young workers choose to have more than one source of income as a form of adaptation and an effort to develop themselves.

For some Gen Z individuals, side hustles are no longer just an option but a strategy to maintain financial stability amid rising living costs and increasingly tight job competition.

However, behind the image of productivity and flexibility that is often portrayed, the reality does not always run smoothly. Side jobs often demand sacrifices in time, energy, and work-life balance.

Many young workers must divide their focus between their main job and additional projects, which ultimately triggers exhaustion leading to burnout. Nevertheless, some persist and view side hustles as a long-term investment.

He explained that the job market conditions, which have not fully absorbed the workforce, push some Gen Z to take on various jobs, including side ones.

“So what causes many Gen Z to work like that could be both: first, for survival because there are no jobs, they accept any work and do it as a side job; second, because there are job opportunities (there is a market for it),” said Tadjudin when contacted on Thursday (26/3/2026).

On the other hand, advancements in digital technology open up flexible work opportunities that allow individuals to work without being tied to one main job.

“The negative effect is that they cannot build their careers well because their jobs keep changing. If it’s a permanent job, they can start from the bottom and rise to a certain level,” he said.

He assessed that irregular and shifting work patterns can make it difficult for workers to build a clear career progression. Nevertheless, side hustles still have positive value as a means of exploring interests and self-development.

“That can be (exploring interests) – they have side work that can be done. They don’t consider the main job; it can add income, right? It could also develop their career,” he said.

According to Tadjudin, such conditions can impact health and work-life balance if not managed well.