The second shift: How Gen Z is building wealth after office hours

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. As ‘thank God it’s Friday’s resounds across offices, Stephen Fernandes is packing away his laptop after a long day. His day as a DevOps engineer may be done, but his day as a sound engineer is only getting started as he heads into sound check and rehearsals for a local band in Mumbai.

The traditional ‘nine-to-five’ is no longer a destination but an anchor that stabilizes larger, ambitious financial goals. But when the weekend hits, he swaps his keyboard for a soundboard. “I work in IT as my primary focus, but as a side hustle, I work as a sound engineer for a band," Stephen explained.

What started as a college passion project has evolved into a powerhouse of financial stability. “Initially, it was never about the money. But as my skill grew, I began making a significant income, sometimes even rivaling my full-time job." Stephen isn't alone.

According to the Deloitte Global 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, financial concerns are the primary engine driving these generations toward secondary employment. While the "passion project" narrative remains, the data suggests a grittier reality that young professionals are chasing the paycheck to outrun inflation and anxiety. The survey reveals that 48% of Gen Z and 45% of millennials cite their financial future as their top stressor.

According to figures from Grip Invest, 43% of Gen Z actively prefer a side hustle for extra income and financial security. The motivation behind the hustle is a mix of both fear and ambition. While the extra cash is vital for surviving expensive hubs like Mumbai, the "side gig" provides something a corporate cubicle often can't: mental satisfaction and a hedge against obsolescence.