The Side Hustle Economy: Why Student-Athletes Are Turning to Extra Jobs for Financial Stability
The typical 9-to-5 job is no longer enough for many Americans, including student-athletes. As the cost of living continues to rise, even those in high-paying fields like tech and real estate are taking on side hustles to make ends meet. For many college athletes balancing their sports careers and academic commitments, side hustles are becoming a crucial source of income to support their daily needs and future goals.
A recent survey from LendingTree reveals that 61% of side hustlers say their life would be unaffordable without this extra income. For student-athletes, who already face time constraints with their training schedules, side gigs can provide financial breathing room, help cover everyday expenses, and allow for some personal flexibility.
According to Kira Caban, a flexible work expert, younger generations, including student-athletes, are leading this trend. “Many student-athletes are using side hustles to fill gaps in their budget while pursuing their athletic dreams. It’s a way to earn income while still dedicating time to their sport,” she said. The 18-24 age group, which includes many current student-athletes, has seen a huge surge in side hustle engagement in recent years.
Student-Athletes and the Need for Extra Income
The need for side hustles isn’t unique to student-athletes—it’s a widespread issue among younger workers. A March survey from LendingTree found that 40% of Americans are now juggling side gigs to stay financially afloat. For student-athletes, this is especially true as they balance the physical and mental demands of their sport with the financial realities of college life. Many student-athletes take on these side hustles to pay for essentials like groceries, transportation, and even emergency expenses, without tapping into student loans or savings.
As the economy becomes more uncertain, student-athletes are using side jobs to cover costs, save for the future, or enjoy life outside their sport—such as taking a vacation without worrying about their bank balance. This shift is part of a broader trend of young people seeking ways to balance work, school, and personal life without overburdening themselves financially.
How Side Hustles Impact Student-Athletes’ Lives
For many student-athletes, side hustles provide much-needed financial relief. Take the case of Dani Maczynski, a New Jersey-based student-athlete who works full-time in tech while running a pet care business. “Shifting my mindset to see every dollar as a tool for long-term growth has been really empowering,” Maczynski says. “What started as a short-term side hustle has become part of a bigger financial strategy, and that’s something I plan to keep building on.”
Similar to Maczynski, many student-athletes use their extra income from side hustles to build financial stability, while still prioritizing their education and athletic careers. For these athletes, the idea of a side hustle isn’t just about earning extra cash—it’s about creating a secure future, both during and after their sports careers.
Building Financial Stability and Future Goals
Student-athletes are also leveraging their side hustles to contribute to long-term goals, such as emergency savings and paying off any student loans or debts. While these side jobs aren’t a “miracle cure,” they offer a safety net, especially in uncertain times when the primary income source may be unpredictable.
However, it’s important for student-athletes to recognize that side hustles come with risks. As Matt Schultz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree, points out, side hustles can help people build savings or pay down debt, but they also require careful planning and commitment. For student-athletes, finding the right balance is crucial—choosing a hustle that complements their training schedules without overwhelming their academic or athletic performance.
The Big Picture: Preparing for the Future
For student-athletes, the ability to successfully juggle academics, sports, and side hustles can teach invaluable time management and financial skills—both essential for future career success. Whether it’s a part-time job related to their field of study, coaching, or freelance work, the experience gained from managing multiple roles can be beneficial after graduation, especially if their athletic careers don’t continue professionally.
With the increasing demand for side hustles and the rising cost of living, it’s clear that student-athletes are part of a broader workforce trend. By strategically managing their side hustles, they not only support themselves through school but also prepare for the future.