Gen Z Student Side Hustle: In today’s digital-first economy, it’s easier than ever for young people to find innovative and flexible ways to earn money. Gen Z student side hustles are not only gaining popularity—they’re becoming a lifestyle choice. Many teens and young adults are proving they can hustle smart, leverage technology, and earn big. One impressive case is Ruby Corbett, an 18-year-old university student from Melbourne, Australia, who successfully made $1,000 in just one week. Her journey serves as a powerful example of how determination, digital platforms, and a clear financial goal can lead to fast, tangible success.
Whether you’re a high schooler saving for college, a university student trying to afford travel, or a young professional navigating the gig economy, this in-depth guide explores Ruby’s strategy, shares actionable steps you can take, and provides valuable insight into the modern world of flexible income streams.
Gen Z Student Side Hustle
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Student | Ruby Corbett, 18 years old |
| Location | Melbourne, Australia |
| Goal | Save $1,000 in one week to fund a trip to Singapore |
| Platform Used | Airtasker, Supp, Facebook Marketplace |
| Tasks Completed | Selling items, hospitality shifts, delivery, flyer drops, even private investigation |
| Result | $1,000 earned in less than 7 days |
| Source | Yahoo Finance Australia |
Ruby Corbett’s inspiring journey is proof that you don’t need years of experience or a huge following to succeed. All you need is determination, the willingness to learn, and a plan. Earning $1,000 in a single week is completely doable, even as a full-time student. Side hustles teach more than just money management—they cultivate resilience, creativity, and self-worth.
Whether you want to save for travel, gain real-world experience, or explore entrepreneurship, now is the perfect time to start your own side hustle journey. Be smart, stay safe, and take that first step today.
What is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is any form of work that you do in addition to your primary activity—like attending school or working a full-time job—that brings in extra income. It’s flexible, usually chosen based on personal interests or skills, and allows people to take control of their financial future. For Gen Z, side hustles offer more than just pocket money—they’re gateways to real-world experience, career skills, and financial literacy.
According to a 2023 Zapier report, nearly 40% of Americans now have a side hustle. Gen Z leads the trend, with popular gigs ranging from freelance work and dropshipping to social media content creation, ride-sharing, and short-term contract jobs.
How Ruby Earned $1,000 in Just One Week
Let’s explore the steps and strategies Ruby followed, and how you can apply the same tactics to your own life.
1. Selling Old Items on Facebook Marketplace
Ruby’s hustle began by turning clutter into cash. She sold her old iPhone, even though it had a cracked screen, and made $150.
Pro Tip: Search your home for unused electronics, books, clothes, or furniture. These can be easily sold on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree, or Depop. Always include clear photos, honest descriptions, and bundle related items to maximize sales.
2. Taking On-Demand Shifts via Supp
Ruby signed up for Supp, a job-matching app focused on hospitality shifts, where she found short-term gigs like bartending and waitressing.
Pro Tip: Platforms such as Instawork, JobStack, and Shiftgig help connect workers with businesses needing extra help for a day or a few hours. These shifts often pay $20–$35 per hour, depending on location and experience.
3. Completing Task-Based Gigs on Airtasker
The bulk of Ruby’s earnings came from completing task-based gigs on Airtasker. Here’s what she did:
- Flyer distribution (letterbox drops): Paid $120 per job
- Bin duty: Moving garbage bins to and from the curb, $31
- Parcel delivery: Local package drop-offs near her gym, $35
- Private investigation gig: Creating a Tinder profile to confirm a woman’s suspicions about her boyfriend, $23
Pro Tip: Airtasker, TaskRabbit, and Thumbtack are great for low-barrier gigs. Focus on availability, punctuality, and earning positive reviews. More tasks and higher pay follow consistency and reliability.
4. Strategically Combining Gigs
Ruby’s biggest advantage was her ability to combine multiple small jobs throughout the day, ensuring no downtime. By day five, she had already earned $785, making her confident she’d hit and surpass her goal.
Pro Tip: Plan your gigs based on proximity and time slots. Use apps like Google Calendar or Trello to schedule tasks, manage deadlines, and avoid burnout.
Why Gen Z Thrives in the Side Hustle Economy
Comfortable with Digital Tools
Born in the internet age, Gen Z adapts quickly to new apps, tools, and platforms. They’re also skilled at using social media to promote services or products.
Seeking Autonomy and Flexibility
Gen Z often values freedom over structure. They want to work on their terms—choosing the when, where, and how of earning money.
Strong Entrepreneurial Spirit
From YouTube creators to Etsy shop owners, Gen Z views work through a lens of independence and innovation. The barriers to entry are lower than ever.
Gig Economy is Expanding
According to Statista, the U.S. gig economy is projected to reach 86 million workers by 2027. The same trend is mirrored globally, giving Gen Z a wide market to explore.
How You Can Start Your Own Side Hustle: A Practical Guide
Starting a side hustle may seem intimidating, but it’s easier when broken down into manageable steps.
Step 1: Assess Your Assets
- Skills: Are you good at writing, editing, graphic design, or tutoring?
- Time: Can you work during evenings, weekends, or holidays?
- Resources: Do you have a car, bike, computer, or smartphone?
Step 2: Select the Right Platform
Choose based on your skills and goals:
- Freelance platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer
- Product sales: Etsy, Shopify, eBay
- Gig apps: Airtasker, TaskRabbit, Rover
- Social platforms: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram (for content creators)
Step 3: Start Simple and Build Credibility
Start with basic, manageable jobs to build confidence and reputation. Deliver excellent results and ask for client reviews.
Step 4: Scale Up Strategically
Once you have momentum, scale your hustle. Increase your prices, take on larger projects, or manage multiple income streams.
Step 5: Track Everything
Use tools like QuickBooks, Wave, or a basic spreadsheet to record your income, expenses, and tax obligations. This makes managing your side hustle more professional.
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FAQs About Gen Z Student Side Hustle
Q1: Is it legal for students to run side hustles?
Yes, it is, but make sure to check local labor laws and tax regulations. International students should also verify their visa conditions.
Q2: How can I balance my studies and side hustle?
Create a realistic schedule that prioritizes your studies. Stick to jobs that are flexible and manageable alongside academic deadlines.
Q3: What’s the best side hustle for someone with no experience?
Start with tasks like dog walking, flyer distribution, or selling secondhand goods. These require minimal skills and are great for beginners.
Q4: How much can I expect to make each week?
It varies. Beginners may earn between $50 and $300 weekly, while experienced hustlers combining multiple platforms can exceed $1,000 per week.
