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Gen Z is moving away from the traditional nine-to-five in favour of “income stacking” – the practice of creating multiple revenue streams to achieve financial stability and autonomy.
According to the Next Gen of Work report from Fiverr– a global study based on responses from more than 12,000 Gen Z and Gen Alpha participants across the UK, US, France and Germany – 67 per cent of Gen Z see having more than one source of income as essential for financial security. More than half (54 per cent) of Gen Z and Gen Alpha respondents believe traditional employment will eventually become obsolete, while 42 per cent identify with a “9-whenever” mindset that prioritises flexibility over fixed hours.
Amid what Fiverr calls a “single-paycheck panic”, many young professionals are turning to freelancing, gig work and side hustles to supplement earnings. The research shows that 38 per cent of Gen Z are already freelancing or plan to do so, while only 14 per cent say working for a major corporation is a career goal.
Michelle Baltrusitis, associate director of community and social impact at Fiverr, said:
“Gen Z isn’t rejecting work, they’re redefining it. Faced with economic uncertainty, they’re diversifying income streams because relying on one job feels too risky. Instead of waiting for stability, they’re betting on themselves by embracing freelancing and building financial resilience.”
Money worries remain central for the generation: 46 per cent cite not earning enough to live comfortably as their biggest career fear. The study also highlights the influence of social media, with 24 per cent of respondents saying online platforms have inspired them to build a “personal brand” and create content as a form of income.
For many, the appeal of this new model is flexibility. Forty-two per cent of respondents said they value adaptable working hours above all else, followed by a positive work culture (34 per cent) and competitive pay and benefits (28 per cent). Only 18 per cent said they view staying at one company long-term as the smartest career move.
The report also indicates a shift in how technology is reshaping the future of work. Nearly 60 per cent of Gen Z respondents said they trust AI to perform some of their tasks, with many already using AI to brainstorm ideas, generate content and enhance creative projects.
For the first time, Fiverr’s survey also included Gen Alpha, revealing early signs of how this younger group – aged 13 to 15 – views work. Almost one-third (31 per cent) said they want to freelance, while 30 per cent said social media has introduced them to new career paths. Creative industries such as AI, social media management and visual arts ranked higher than traditional professions, such as law and business.
Carissa Ferguson, a 24-year-old freelancer and theatre performer from New York, embodies the shift. She has earned more than $144,000 on Fiverr through voiceovers, copywriting and content creation, all while maintaining four additional income streams. She said:
“Having multiple income streams means I never have to turn down creative opportunities because I’m worried about paying rent. That’s freedom most traditional employees will never experience.”
Fiverr’s findings highlight a generation redefining what “job security” means — replacing lifelong employment with lifelong adaptability. For employers, the research suggests that flexible structures, digital literacy and purpose-driven culture will be crucial in engaging the next wave of talent.
