Side Jobs: New Vogue Among Chinese Youths

BEIJING, June 12 (TiPost) — Statistics collected in 2023 indicate that 45% of young people have participated in side jobs, while more than 50% of them express an interest in engaging in such endeavors.

Young People Doing Side Jobs

Self-media has emerged as the most favored side job option among young individuals, closely followed by writing. Other popular choices include video editing, handicrafts, and translation, among others.

In addition to capitalizing on skills aligned with their interest, young people also engage in self-employment ventures such as setting up stalls and offering services like tarot card readings. The internet also provides opportunities for online part-time businesses such as click framing, customer service, etc.

Side Business Options for Young People

Among the various types of side jobs, self-media has gained tremendous popularity as it allows individuals to register dedicated accounts and generate income by attracting online traffic.

In particular, social media platform Xiaohongshu has emerged as the most favored one for young people to engage in self-media activities. It involves a diverse range of contents, including sharing fashion tips, photography, product evaluations, and personal learning experiences. By accumulating a substantial number of followers, individuals can secure orders from advertisers.

In addition to Xiaohongshu, other social platforms such as TikTok, Bilibili, Goofish, WeChat public accounts and Zhihu are also popular choices among young people.

The Platform for Young People to Have a Side Business

According to surveys, more than 70% of young people engage in side work due to financial anxieties.

Data indicate that 30% of young individuals earn less than 1,000 yuan per month from their side jobs. 15.4% of them do not earn any money at all. These figures suggest that making a fortune through sideline business is quite unlikely.

Side Job Income of Young People

According to the data, nearly 70% of young individuals who earn more than 10,000 yuan per month from their side jobs also earn a similar amount from their main job. Among them, the proportion of young people with a monthly income of more than 30,000 yuan in their main occupation is the highest, reaching 33.87%.

Income from main business of young people whose side business income exceeds 10,000 yuan

While side hustles are accessible to everyone, not everyone achieves success in them. Research indicates that certain types of side businesses pose great risks of failure.

Side Businesses Where Young People Fail

The most prevalent reason individuals fail in their side businesses is often the lower-than-expected financial returns, followed closely by the risk of being deceived. Such factors as insufficient traffic, the lack of creativity and concerns over personal information security also constitute the hurdles faced by young people in their side hustles.

Reasons for Young People to Fail in the Side Business

In the arena of side business, many young individuals find themselves spending more money on tuition than they actually earn. The Black Cat complaint platform reveals that a significant portion of the financial losses incurred by young people in relation to side businesses can be attributed to expenses associated with enrolling in training courses.

Money Lost by Young People Due to Side Business

Engaging in a side job requires the same dedication and skills as running a main business. While a steady income from a side hustle can enhance one’s life, it is crucial not to underestimate the associated risks.

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