27% Of Americans Side-Hustle
If you’re like most women solopreneurs over 40, the word “side hustle” probably stirs up mixed feelings.
And honestly, I am so over the hustle culture of the past decade. But, I digress.
For years, side hustles were the go-to answer for extra income, financial security, and even self-expression. But the latest Bankrate survey shows something striking: only 27% of Americans are actively side hustling in 2025, down from 36% just last year. That’s the lowest since 2017.
Why the drop? Are people finally getting the financial freedom we all crave? Or are side hustles burning out under the weight of expectations and exhaustion?
Spoiler: It’s more complicated than either.
The Side Hustle Slump: What’s Really Happening?
Bankrate’s research highlights some key reasons:
- Burnout is real. Many people tried juggling full-time jobs plus side gigs during and after the pandemic—now they’re running on empty.
- Wage stagnation doesn’t motivate extra hustle anymore. Why pour hours into a side project if your main job won’t even keep pace with inflation?
- Side hustles that feel like chores instead of purpose-driven projects are getting dropped fast.
If you’re coaching or running your own business, you probably see this firsthand. Side hustling for the sake of money alone is not sustainable—especially for women who are balancing caregiving, mental load, and burnout.
The Opportunity for Female Solopreneurs to Flip the Script
Here’s the kicker: this “side hustle slump” is actually a wake-up call. It’s an invitation to be smarter, not busier.
As a seasoned ecommerce pioneer and productivity coach, I’ve seen solopreneurs thrive when they ditch the frantic “grind” mentality and instead build purpose-driven micro-businesses.
This means:
- Creating side projects aligned with your values and skills—not just random gigs.
- Setting realistic income goals based on actual profit, not just revenue.
- Designing systems that don’t burn you out but amplify your impact and freedom.
3 Practical Steps to Break the Mold
- Treat your side hustle like a business, not a hobby.
Track your time, expenses, and income. Set clear goals. If it’s not moving the needle financially or strategically, pivot fast. - Test small, scale smart.
Borrow from Gen Z’s lean mindset: pilot ideas on a small scale, gather feedback, then invest where it counts. Avoid spreading yourself thin. - Leverage side income for growth, not just survival.
Too many solopreneurs use side hustle cash to cover bills or pay debt—which is fine short-term—but what about investing that money into marketing, automation, or outsourcing? Think longer term.
Why This Matters for Women Over 40
Many women I coach carry more responsibility and emotional labor than they admit. Side hustling on top of that isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a recipe for burnout. So instead of glorifying “grind culture,” let’s champion intentional, sustainable entrepreneurship.
Side hustles should:
- Support your lifestyle and values.
- Provide meaningful income.
- Grow with you, not against you.
If you are curious about a great side-hustle for women over 40 check out this list of 101 side-gig ideas.
The Takeaway
The side hustle landscape is shifting—and the “hustle more” mentality is losing steam. That’s a good thing. It means we’re ready for smarter, aligned, and sustainable micro-businesses.
For female solopreneurs over 40, the goal isn’t more hustle—it’s purpose-driven impact with freedom.
If you want to build side ventures that fuel your vision without draining your energy, let’s talk strategy. Because women changemakers don’t just survive—they thrive.
Resources:
Ready to ditch the burnout and build a side business that works for you? Join my free 90-minute Monday co-working session where we design your purpose-driven side hustle roadmap—step by step. Sign up for bi-weekly Monday Co-Working Sessions ↓
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