As economic uncertainty and hiring slowdowns persist, workers increasingly turn to a trend known as side stacking, the practice of building multiple income streams alongside a full-time job. Popularized by Gen Z, side stacking evolves from the side-hustle movement as employees pursue financial resilience, flexibility, and autonomy in response to what economists describe as “jobless growth.” Recent reports show that more than half of Gen Z workers hold at least one side hustle, often combining freelance work, consulting, platform-based gigs, or entrepreneurial projects to diversify income and reduce reliance on a single employer.
Chris Graham, executive vice president of workforce and community education at National University, explains that side stacking takes many forms, including pursuing education while working full time. “ANDers, individuals balancing work, education, and other life responsibilities, are realizing they can pivot their careers at any time,” Graham says. While experts caution that managing multiple roles can increase burnout risk, many agree that when done intentionally, side stacking allows workers to build skills, explore passions, and maintain greater control over their professional futures. As workplace norms continue to shift, side stacking reflects a broader move toward portfolio careers and lifelong learning.
Learn More:
Read the full article on side stacking and evolving workforce trends in Forbes and related coverage here. Learn more about how National University supports working adults and lifelong learners through flexible, career-aligned education at nu.edu.
