In today’s unpredictable economy, more professionals — especially Gen Z — are building multiple income streams to stay financially secure. This growing trend, known as side stacking, is redefining how people work, earn, and manage their careers. Instead of relying on one full-time job, workers are “stacking” several side hustles that align with their skills, passions, and schedules.

Searches for side stacking have surged in 2025 as people look for flexible ways to earn more money without burning out. But what exactly is side stacking, and why is it gaining so much traction among young professionals?

What Is Side Stacking?

Side stacking refers to building and managing multiple side hustles or income streams in addition to your primary job. It’s a strategic evolution of the classic “side hustle” — but with more structure, planning, and intentionality.

According to a recent Glassdoor report, 57% of Gen Z professionals now have at least one side hustle, and many are stacking two or three more to supplement their main income. Resume.ai’s analysis of TikTok data shows that Gen Z sees side stacking as a path to both financial independence and professional growth. By combining online consulting, freelance projects, or software-driven gigs with their nine-to-five jobs, they’re creating stability in an economy marked by hiring freezes and inflation.

As Amanda Augustine, career expert at Resume.ai, explains: “Instead of climbing one corporate ladder, Gen Z professionals are building multiple ladders — ensuring that no single job loss can take them down.”

Why Side Stacking Is Gaining Momentum

Side stacking isn’t just about earning more money — it’s about taking back control. After years of job insecurity, layoffs, and unpredictable hiring patterns, younger professionals are seeking financial resilience through diversification. Much like investment portfolios, their work lives now include multiple revenue streams designed to minimize risk.

Marium Lodhi, CMO at Software Finder, describes the approach as “diversifying work the same way we diversify investments.” Instead of betting on one employer, professionals are spreading their effort across consulting, remote freelancing, content creation, and digital entrepreneurship.

Unlike traditional side hustles, side stacking tends to be more organized — often supported by digital tools, automation software, and gig platforms. This allows professionals to optimize time management, balance priorities, and sustain long-term productivity.

The Future of Work: Stability Through Side Stacking

Side stacking reflects a broader cultural shift. For Gen Z and Millennials, success is no longer measured by how high you climb one corporate ladder — but by how well you design a life that’s both financially stable and creatively fulfilling.

This multi-stream approach isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s becoming a permanent feature of the future of work. As more companies embrace flexible employment models and technology opens up new earning opportunities, side stacking will continue to shape how the next generation defines security, purpose, and freedom.

In the end, side stacking is less about hustling harder — and more about working smarter, building autonomy, and creating a career that adapts to the modern world.