The numbers are wild when you look at them. Close to 40% of people in the States are running some kind of side hustle these days. But here's the kicker – more than 6 out of 10 say they literally couldn't make ends meet without that extra cash coming in.

Think about that for a second. We're not talking about saving for vacation money or building a nest egg. For most of these folks, it's about keeping the lights on and paying rent. The main paycheck just doesn't cut it anymore.

That side income isn't optional – it's survival mode. Whether it's driving for rideshare apps, freelancing online, or finding other ways to stack those extra dollars, people are grinding because they have to. The cost of living has gotten so out of hand that one income stream isn't enough for the average American household.

Makes you wonder where this all leads when basic affordability requires everyone to work multiple gigs just to stay afloat.