Utahns join national trend in turning to 'side hustles' to supplement employment income

Folks used to call them what they are: part-time jobs.

Inexplicably, we refer to them as “side hustles” nowadays.

But whatever we call part-time employment in today’s business environment, an increasing number of Utahns are interested in pursuing such opportunities.

Residents of the Beehive State aren’t alone, according to recent data from the media company PYMNTS. Its analysts say that 40 percent of consumers nationwide now earn income outside traditional employment, with side hustles accounting for 43 percent of total income on average.

PYMNTS reports that this dependency increases for vulnerable populations where part-time income represents 76 percent of total earnings for families making less than $50,000 annually and 57 percent for members of Gen Z (those younger than 28).

“We’re